QNotes, Sept. 11-24, 2015

Sept. 11-24 . 2015

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QList 2015

The Best of LGBT Charlotte p. 11

qnotes news & features arts. entertainment. news. views.

5 NC Pride preview 5 Pride shorts

6 News Notes: Regional Briefs 8 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs 13 Primary election endorsements

a&e / life&style 10 QList 2015 15 Tell Trinity 16 Health and Wellness 18 Q Events Calendar 19 Our People: Matt Hirschy

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news

PRIDE 2015

NC Pride gears up for celebration, parade and more CoCo Peru to perform, parties and other events dot the Triangle area

by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

DURHAM/RALEIGH — NC Pride will be held from Sept. 24-27 in the Triangle and features a plethora of events, including drag performances, theatre presentations, social opportunities, parties, parade and festival.

Festivities kick off on Sept. 24 with a Pride Edition evening at Legend’s Nightclub, 330 W. Hargett St. at 8:30 p.m. in Raleigh. Head

down the street at 11 p.m. to see Stacey Layne Matthews and more from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” as well as enjoying Trailer Park Pride with “RuPaul’s” Alexis Mateo, at Flex Bar, 2 S. West St. Over in Chapel Hill, enjoy pre-comedy desserts and coffee at Sugarland, 140 E. Franklin St., at 8 p.m.; LGBT comedy perform-

ers in “LGBT Stranger Danger” at DSI Comedy Theatre, 462 W. Franklin St., 10 p.m.; and cocktails under the stars on the rooftop at West End Wine Bar, 450 W. Franklin St., 11:30 p.m.

On Sept. 25, events begin at 6 p.m. and continue throughout the night. There is something to satisfy discerning palettes: Crawl on Ninth Street (dinner, desserts and coffee at various locations); Shabbat potluck with Queer Jews & Friends; Pride happy hour; and parties at various bars and more across the Triangle.

CoCo Peru will take to the stage in “A Gentle Reminder” at Garner Performing Arts Center, 742 W. Garner Rd., Garner, at 9 p.m.

Tickets are available at eventbright.com.

On Sept. 26, NC Pride showcases its festival and parade. The kick-off begins at 11:20 a.m. with an opening ceremony, followed by rally speakers, dignitaries and special performances. The parade starts at 1 p.m. Vendors and more will be on hand during the parade and festival which ends at 5 p.m.

That evening, participants can keep the celebration going with the NC Pride Bud Light Night Festival taking place in Raleigh and Durham. Parties begin at 6 p.m. and continue until 4 a.m.

NC Pride comes to a conclusion on Sept. 28 with post-Pride events at local bars, lunch at Madhatter Cafe, drag brunch and bingo, street concerts and coffee time.

More detail about events, including times, locations and more, is available online. info: ncpride.org.

Q

qnotes connect Sept. 11-24, 2015 Vol 30 No 10

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

contributors this issue Jack Kirven, Lainey Millen, Jeff Taylor, Chris Tittel, Trinity

front page Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Illustration: all-free-download.com Mission:

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

Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc., dba QNotes P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ph 704.531.9988 fx 704.531.1361 Publisher: Jim Yarbrough Sales: x201 adsales@goqnotes.com

Pride fests news shorts from across the region Asheville, Outer Banks, Spartanburg, Greensboro

Printed on recycled paper.

Pridefest ushers in fall

NAGS HEAD — OBX Pridefest will be held from Sept. 18-20 in the coastal North Carolina Outer Banks (OBX) area.

Festival goers can enjoy beach time, stage productions, drag shows, a cruise, wedding expo, dancing, brunch and more, in addition to a day-long gay Pride celebration. See our extended coverage online. Full costs, ticket purchase, etc., for the festival are available online. info: obxpridefest.com.

Entertainer announced for fest

SPARTANBURG — Upstate Pride SC’s Sept.

12 march and festival, “Peace, Love, Pride,” has announced that it’s entertainment headliner will be Delighted Tobehere.

The festival will be held on Sept. 12, 11 a.m.-

6 p.m., at Barnet Park, 248 E. St. John St. info: upstatepridesc.org.

Pride celebration includes weddings

GREENSBORO — During the Greensboro Pride celebration on Sept. 19, couples will have the opportunity to become married through a

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Assoc. Editor: Lainey Millen, specialassignments@goqnotes.com Production: Lainey Millen, x205 production@goqnotes.com

by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

Festival seeks vendor applicants

Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media, ph 212.242.6863 Managing Editor: Jim Yarbrough, editor@goqnotes.com

special program created for the day.

A wedding package is available for couples who wish to marry at the festival. Cost is $150 per couple. The value of the package is over $400 worth of goods and services. info: triadweddingofficiant.com/#!get-marriedat-pride/c53z.

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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen & Chris Tittel

Center names award recipients RALEIGH — The LGBT Center of Raleigh, 324 S. Harrington St., has announced the first three of its five award recipients for its Oct. 16 “Sense of Pride” awards gala.

Organization of the Year goes to Workplace Options. The company is altruistic in nature and seeks to bring good to the community. The global business offers its services to provide well-being to those it serves.

Recently, it partnered with the Tyler Clementi Foundation to create a training program for businesses that teaches employees how to discuss, address, and intervene in bullying issues that impact today’s youth. “We don’t always see immediate results from our WPO donations, but with the Center and Out! Raleigh, we actually see the greater impact our donations have year after year. It just gets better. As a gay man, I am incredibly proud of the Center,” Workplace Options President and COO Alan BuieKing said.

The Community Impact Award recipient is Chris Brook.

Brook was at the forefront of the marriage equality battle in North Carolina. He serves as legal director of the ACLU of North Carolina. He oversees the organization’s legal program and its work on a wide range of constitutional law issues, including LGBT rights, racial justice and religious liberty.

Volunteer of the year is Kimberly Chapin. Chapin “dedicates a large chunk of her personal time to help build the center and bring our community together that is often invisible to the general public,” Executive Director James Miller said.

At press time, the remaining two award recipients, Distinguished Service and Ally of the Year, had not been shared and will be released weekly until completed.

The gala will be held at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, 421 S. Salisbury St. Attendees will be able to enjoy live entertainment, silent auction, seated dinner and more.

Tickets are $125 through Oct. 6 and jump to $150 afterward and are available online. info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

— L.M.

Charlotte Gospel comes to the Nickel

CHARLOTTE — Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte’s Praise Team will present “A Night of Gospel House” on Sept. 13, 6 p.m., at The Nickel Bar, 2817 Rozzelles Ferry Rd. Attendees will be able to enjoy Gospel music while “getting your praise on.”

The church is located at 6151 Sharon Rd. info: unccharlotte.org.

— L.M.

Org hosts yoga time

CHARLOTTE — The Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign North Carolina will hit the mat with its annual HER HRC Yoga: OM for Equality event on Sept. 26, 6:30 p.m., at Okra Yoga Studio, 1912 Commonwealth Ave. Enjoy an evening of yoga and stay for beverage service afterward provided by Pint Central.

Tickets are $15 and are available online. info/tickets: action.hrc.org.

— L.M.

LGBT exhibit slated

CHARLOTTE — A queer history exhibit and reception, “Publicly Identified: Coming Out Activist in the Queen City,” will be held on Sept. 17, 7 p.m., at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Student Union Art Gallery and Rotunda, 9201 University City Blvd. The event will feature the official naming ceremony for the collection.

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Selections from the LGBTQ archive house at J. Murrey Atkins Library Special Collections will be featured throughout September. The history project spans more than 50 years of collective history.

The evening includes brief remarks and light hors d’oeuvres. info: joshua.burford@uncc.

— L.M.

welcomes MC Barbara Burning Bush, as well as a host of BVDs (bingo verifying divas).

Raffle prizes will be awarded throughout the evening.

Tickets are $30 per person. Early ticket purchase is encouraged as the venue fills up quickly. For large groups, call the RAIN office to check on availability. For other sales, pick up tickets at Paper Skyscraper, 330 East Blvd., Brixx Pizza-Uptown, 225 E. 6th St., and White Rabbit, 920 Central Ave. Or, purchase tickets online.

Presenting sponsor is The Link 107.9 FM. info: carolinarain.org. gaybingocharlotte.com.

Alan Holmes, 704-973-9817.

— L.M.

County named White grant recipient

CHARLOTTE — Mecklenburg County was named a recipient of the Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act federal grant on Sept. 2 at Neil C. Cooksey Sr. Public Health Center, 249 Billingsley Rd. Chair Trevor M. Fuller, Dr. Marcus Plescia and other dignitaries, in addition to U.S. Rep. Alma Adams (12th Dist.-D) were there to make the announcement.

The center provides HIV-related health and support services to a seven-county region. info: mecklenburgcountync.gov.

— L.M.

Triad ‘Liz’ screening slated

WINSTON-SALEM — OUT at the Movies will screen “Liz in September” on Sept. 12, 7 p.m., at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, ACE Theatre Complex, 1533 S. Main St. The storyline includes Liz, terminally ill and hiding the disease from her friends, and Eva, a straight woman on vacation whose car breaks down and is forced to stay at a local inn. Bets are on that Liz can seduce Eva and the tale recants how the lives of the women change as a result of the encounter.

Proceeds benefit the UNCSA School of Filmmaking, North Star LGBT Center and the November OUT at the Movies Fest.

Tickets are $7 and are available at the door beginning at 6:15 p.m. info: outatthemovieswinston.org.

— L.M.

Interfaith conversations scheduled

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Business Guild will host its “Common Sense Communication” program on Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m., at Wadsworth Estate, Carriage House, 400 S. Summit Ave. Learn how to effectively communicate on all platforms utilizing best practices as they apply to email, telephone, face-to-face and social media.

Panelists will be Jenifer Daniels, founder, Good+SmartCo; David Jessup, Jr., founder, Digi-Bridge; and Corri Smith, owner, Black Wednesday Social Co. RSVP to facebook.com/events/ 968663959833428/. info: charlottebusinessguild.org.

— L.M.

WINSTON-SALEM — Interfaith Voice, a coalition of welcoming and affirming congregations, will host a community conversation on “Trans Education for Liberal Allies” on Sept. 12, 7 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Winston-Salem, 4055 Robinwood Rd. Moderator is Dr. Renee Just, professor in the Ralph W. Ketner School of Business at Catawba College. Speakers slated include: Rev. Craig Schaub, pastor of Parkway United Church of Christ; Diana Coe, Evolution Publishing Services, trans-partner; Bishop Donagrant McCluney, Affirming Pentecostal Church, International; and Rev. Debra Hopkins, former senior pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship.

The event is free and open to the public. info: rconn@triad.rr.com.

— L.M.

B-I-N-G-O is back!

Elder program addresses aging

Guild shares communication tips

CHARLOTTE — Gay Bingo Charlotte is coming back to the Queen City on Nov. 14, 6 p.m., at the Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Dr. The fun-packed event, “How to Get Away with Bingo,” serves as a fundraiser for the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network. The event

WINSTON-SALEM — The Adam Foundation and the Elder Law Clinic at Wake Forest University School of Law will present “Healthy LGBTQ Aging: Strategies for Success” on Sept.

23, 6 p.m., at Parkway United Church of Christ, 2151 Silas Creek Pkwy.

Through a panel discussion, attendees will learn about legal rights, along with navigation of the healthcare system. Panelists are Prof. Kate Mewhinney, JD (Wake Forest Elder Law Clinic), Dee Leahman, Novant Health, moderator; physician Dr. Kaycee Sink, social worker Diane Spaugh and mental health counsellor Burch Johnson.

The event is free and open to the public.

Dinner will be provided. Registration deadline is Sept. 16.

Raleigh-based North Carolina Society of Health Care Attorneys provided the grant money so that the program could be presented, as well as handling LGBT community outreach with regard to healthcare rights.

In other news, the foundation is soliciting silent auction and raffle contributions for the 2015 Adam Festival, “A Sure Bet!,” slated for Nov. 7, 7 p.m., at Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, 251 N. Spruce St. The evening will include casino games, music, dancing, etc. info/registration: eventbrite.com/e/healthylgbtq-aging-strategies-for-success-tickets-17962531415. eclinic@wfu.edu. adamfoundation.org.

— L.M.

AIDS network hosts conference

WINSTON-SALEM — The annual HIV/AIDS Advocacy Conference will be held on Oct. 3, 9 a.m., at Winston-Salem State University, 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Hosted by NC AIDS Action Network and North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, this one-day event provides educational programming, advocacy trainings and opportunities for networking. Break-out sessions will help to ignite passion for attendees to improve lives and fight for the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS. Registration is required. Organizers ask that attendees consider a small contribution of $10-$25 to cover conference costs. However, if one is not able to pay, registration at no cost is available. info/registration: bit.ly/1i6YZUo. — L.M.

Triangle Retirement program slated

RALEIGH — The LGBT Center of Raleigh and SAGE Raleigh, 324 S. Harrington St., will hold a “Retire in Peace” program on Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m., at the center.

Get tips on how to have peace of mind, enjoy what really matters in life and develop a plan to make retirement more fulfilling.

Participants will be able to enjoy socializing while becoming enlightened.

The event is hosted by Tom Cameron, financial planning and asset management specialist.

Wine, cheese, soft drinks and coffee will be served. info/registration: bit.ly/1QjtD8u.

— L.M.

Youth group to host brunch

DURHAM — iNSIDEoUT will holds its Second Annual Adult Ally Brunch on Oct. 10, 12 p.m., at The Pinhook, 117 W. Main St. A coordinated potluck will fill out the food provisions. Volunteers are being sought to contribute a dish, snack, beverage or dessert. Email danm43@gmail.com for more information.

Additionally, greeters, an MC, sound technicians, food servers, raffle staff and contribution collectors are being solicited. Email mawiyah. @gmail.com to sign up. info: insideout180.org.

— L.M.

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Duke, ally create leadership partnership

DURHAM — Duke University’s Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity and Athlete Ally have entered into a partnership to launch the Sports & Social Justice Leadership Initiative.

The new program “is specifically for student-athletes, recognizing that they are in an influential position to advocate for social justice and inclusion with respect to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression (SOGIE),” said center Director Bernadette Brown in a release.

Duke is the first partner to be selected by Athlete Ally, its Founder and Executive Director Hudson Taylor remarked.

“Duke’s longstanding commitment to social justice, combined with its world-class athletic program, makes the university and its community perfect partners in our important work,” Taylor said. “We are thrilled to be working with Duke on this initiative. Athletes have the power to change the world,” he added. “We strongly believe in educating and activating athletes to champion social justice issues.”

Training will be provided in a series of workshops for the student-athletes. Topics covered include sports activism history, sports and SOGIE research, encouragement to become social justice leaders and more. Afterward they will host a conference for the athletic community, from physical education teachers to sports administrators at all levels of the educational spectrum, Duke shared.

“The conference will present and explore inclusive policies and practices to better the lives and experiences of LGBTQA+ athletes across sports,” Brown said.

The initiative is done on a voluntary basis. info: duke.edu.

— L.M. and releases

Western Youth group hosts celebration

ASHEVILLE — Youth Outright will hold its “Young Voices 2015” fundraising event on Sept. 17, 8 p.m., at Asheville Jewish Community Center, 236 Charlotte St. Entertainment will include excerpts from the University of North Carolina-Asheville’s Queer Youth Theatre Project’s “Qtopia.”

Reservations are encouraged. Admission, which includes one raffle ticket, is $30/advance, $35/at the door.

Raffle items include items from theaters, restaurants, jewelry designers and others. info/tickets: youthoutright.org.

— L.M.

Youth group launches initiative

ASHEVILLE — Youth OUTright has announced that it has started its Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) and Schools Outreach program.

This initiative connects LGBT and allied youth in secondary schools and supportive school personnel throughout Western North Carolina (WNC). It began as a pilot project, and was the WNC Gay-Straight Alliance initiative introduced in last year’s academic year, Blue Ridge Now reported. It will provide enhanced visibility for Youth OUTright, while strengthening GSAs, provide programming for GSA meetings, formation of new clubs at schools and more.

Funding is provided by The Palette Fund, Gamma Mu Foundation, Mission Health, The Chaddick Foundation, Wells Fargo and Bank of America. info: youthoutright.org.

— L.M.

Curriculum launched for center

ASHEVILLE — Our VOICE, Buncombe County’s incorporated rape crisis center, announced on Aug. 28 the implementation of Own Who U R, its Teen Tech Safety Project curriculum, in area schools.

The program seeks to educate teens and tweens regarding the unintended consequences of texting sexually explicit photos, also known as “sexting,” and posting sexually explicit photos online. The program also helps teens and tweens to develop strategies to not give into social pressure to sext or engage in cyberbullying, the center’s Executive Director Angelica Wind said in a release.

“Sexting and posting of sexually explicit photos online can have long lasting effects and devastating impacts on all involved,” Wind added. She stated that sexting can impact a teen’s access to higher education and stable employment and can result in criminal charges as it may involve the production and distribution of child pornography.

The curriculum was developed as part of a Women for Women grant through the Western North Carolina Community Foundation which was awarded to the agency in 2013. The launch will celebrate the success of the program, which to date has reached over 2,600 teens to warn them about the dangers of sexting. The curriculum itself will be available for purchase by other communities and is accompanied by a social media and print campaign targeted to teens. The print campaign is designed to grab the attention of teens and tweens the center is trying to reach. info: ourvoicenc.org.

— L.M. and releases

news

South Carolina AFFA sets soiree date

CHARLESTON — The Alliance for Full Acceptance GAyLA will hold its surreal soirée, “Wildest Dreams,” on Oct. 17, 6 p.m., at The Memminger Auditorium, 56 Beaufain St. This celebratory event recognizes these “dreams come true: accomplishments: marriage equality, gay boy scout leaders, coming out by noted public figures, adulation over trans awareness (especially with Caitlyn Jenner) and Irish vote for marriage equality, among others.

Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction followed by a seated dinner. A live auction and entertainment also fill the evenings fare.

Cocktail attire recommended.

Tickets are $150 per person and are available online. Additionally, sponsorships, table captains and program ads are also welcome. info: affa-sc.org.

— L.M.

Campus Scene Video collaboration released

CHARLOTTE — The Chronicle of Higher Education in collaboration with Campus Pride has released a 12-minute video documentary, “#AskMe,” which features voices of nearly 20 LGBT college students from across the nation.

The video was produced by Julia Schmalz, a video journalist, during this past year’s Campus Pride Summer Leadership Academy.

More information is available online. info: campuspride.org.

— L.M.

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news notes: u.s./world.

news

a 23-page manifesto to ABC News describing that his motivation for the killings were a result of mistreatment he felt he received for being black and gay.

“He wrote the manifesto,” Guynell said, “but [the family] don’t believe a lot of what’s being said about him. We know Vester in different ways.”

“The whole family knew he was gay,” she continued. “We accepted him. He’s not the only one in the family who’s gay and, personally, I couldn’t care less.”

Guynell explained that the last time she actually saw Flanagan was in November 2013, when she invited him and a male companion over for Thanksgiving dinner. She is not sure whether the man was a boyfriend or just a friend, and she didn’t ask.

— LGBTQ Nation (lgbtqnation.com), a qnotes media partner

Denver official ain’t chikin about opposing restaurant’s stance

Trump explains position on ‘dead’ marriage issue

Councilman Paul D. López.

Think Progress reports that a member of the Denver city council has received threatening mail after he voted to postpone the approval of a new Chick-fil-A restaurant at the Denver International Airport.

Councilman Paul D. López is one of several lawmakers who cited opposition to the chicken chain’s previous charitable contributions to anti-gay groups, but he clarified that his main motivation for delaying the contract is because

Photo courtesy of LGBTQ Nation.

Chick-fil-A, which is run by militant Christians, isn’t open on Sundays, which could pose problems for an airport location.

Nevertheless, López was quite vocal about his worries about Chick-fil-A’s charitable donations and the company’s touted stance against same-sex marriage. His comments have now resulted in a significant backlash, he told Think Progress: “They say, ‘You are attacking Christian people, and you’re anti-Christian.’ They say, ‘It’s the Bible that you have to obey.’ And then they go on using expletives, and threatening violence… Authorities have been notified.”

He also told Think Progress that scurrilous headlines, which wrongly reported that the Denver council had already blocked Chick-fil-A altogether, helped foster the prolific hate mail: “It is [Chick-fil-A’s] First Amendment right to say whatever they want to say [about same-sex marriage]. And we’re not going to deny a contract based on that. But our criticism and discussion is a First Amendment right, too. When there are headlines saying we’re denying or persecuting a company because it’s Christian, that’s false.

They want to do business with a public entity that includes members of the LGBT community, and although it does bother me that this billion dollar corporation has actively and financially opposed the community and undermined the community’s equal rights, that’s not the basis for questioning the [contract] itself.”

López pointed out that he has heard rumors that the airport will waive its usual policy requiring that businesses be open seven days a week, so he’s expecting the contract will, in fact, soon be approved.

“At the end of the day, Chickfil-A will probably be in [Denver International Airport],” he said.

— LGBTQ Nation (lgbtqnation.com), a qnotes media partner

Billionaire reality TV star/2016 Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump was recently asked what he would tell a child who asked him about his opposition to gay marriage. Trump’s response: ignore the question.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Trump was asked: “If you had a son or daughter or grandchild who was gay or lesbian, how would you explain to them your opposition to same-sex marriage?”

Trump replied, “Well, it’s the way it is. I wouldn’t speak to them at all about it, other than they are who they are and I want them to be happy and I will love them and I will cherish them.

“I’ve gone to gay weddings,” he continued.

“I’ve been at gay weddings. I have been against it from the standpoint of [the] Bible, from the standpoint of my teachings as growing up and going to Sunday school and going to church and I’ve been opposed to it.

“We’ll just see how it all comes out,” he concluded, “but if I was ever in that position, I’d just have to explain it.”

In the past, Trump has said he opposed gay marriage because he “just don’t feel good about it,” but recently he declared the issue officially “dead.”

— LGBTQ Nation (lgbtqnation.com), a qnotes media partner

That’s Mx. to you

On Aug. 27, The Oxford English Dictionary officially announced that the title “Mx.,” a gender-neutral prefix intended for people who don’t identify as Mr., Ms., Mrs. or Miss, has been added into the lexicon. Their definition reads as follows: “Mx (noun): a title used before a person’s surname or full name by those who wish to avoid specifying their gender or by those who prefer not to identify themselves as male or female.”

The inclusion of “Mx.” falls on the heels of Sweden’s decision earlier this year to add their gender-neutral pronoun “hen” to its dictionary. (“Han” is the equivalent of “he,” and “henne” is the equivalent of “she.”)

The word “cisgender” was recently added to the Oxford English dictionary, too.

In a recent Facebook post, performance artist Justin Vivian Bond also noted that “Scrabble Queens” should be pleased with the addition — “Mx” is a very high-scoring two-letter word. : : — LGBTQ Nation (lgbtqnation.com), a qnotes media partner

Mx.!

Cousin: Family ‘accepted’ gay TV shooter Guynell Flanagan, first cousin of Vester Flanagan, the man who murdered WBDJ-TV reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward on live television on Aug. 26, spoke with the Daily Mail about how the family is coping with the heartbreaking situation.

Shortly after the killings, Flanagan emailed

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life

QList—Best of LGBT Charlotte 2015 Readers cast their ballots for the best of Charlotte’s LGBT community

Best LGBT Non-Profit Organization Best LGBT Support/Social Group Time Out Youth Time Out Youth Center (TOY) serves LGBT, ages 11-20, and has done so since 1991. The organization has offices, a youth lounge, computer center, meeting room and counseling space at its offices on Davidson St. in the NoDa neighborhood. They offer many programs including support groups, a host home program, social events and much more.

Best AIDS Service Organization Regional AIDS Interfaith Network Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) was founded in 1992 by the Rev. Deborah Warren. RAIN has evolved with the everchanging dynamic of HIV/AIDS. In the beginning, they helped people who were dying to do so with dignity. Now, they provide compassionate care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Through case management, advocacy, faith-based initiatives and support groups to name a few.

Best LGBT Youth Leader (under 30) J. Cameron Joyce Since 2014, Cameron Joyce has been involved with the LGBT Democrats of Mecklenburg County, an affiliate of LGBT Democrats of North Carolina. He began as the organization’s first secretary and now serves as its president. He recently helped with a historic candidates forum, sponsored by his organization and four other LGBT groups. The forum gathered together Charlotte mayoral and city council at-large candidates together to discuses LGBT issues.

Best LGBT Leader (Male) Rodney Tucker Rodney Tucker, CEO and executive director of Time Out Youth Center, has twoplus decades of non-profit management experience. Tucker is known for turning TOY around. When he took the helm of the organization in December 2012, the non-profit had been struggling with staffing and financial issues. With stints at RAIN and AIDS Leadership Foothills-area Alliance (ALFA) before landing and shining at TOY, his leadership has made TOY one of the most respected and well know non-profit LGBT organizations in Charlotte.

Best LGBT Leader (Female) Crystal Richardson Crystal Richardson is a lawyer and director of advocacy and outreach at Equality NC (ENC). She joined ENC in April 2014 as its first Freedom Summer Moral Organizer working in partnership with the NAACP to advocate for pro-equality issues.

She has also worked with MeckPAC, Human Rights Campaign and ACLU Charlotte

Best Transgender Community Leader Best Woman About Town Janice Covington As a long-time advocate within the Democratic Party, Janice Covington has a political biography as long as her legs.

She has held or holds a number of positions in party politics. In 2012, she was the first transgender woman to represent North Carolina at the Democratic National Convention. Most recently, Covington has been very involved in the issue of transgender access to public restrooms. Her work on this issue spans from Charlotte City Hall to larger sports venues (Bank of America Stadium, BB&T Ballpark and Charlotte Motor Speedway). All these venues recently made news when it decided to allow transgender people to use the facilities of their gender identity. Covington has not contacted the NC Department of Transportation requesting a clear policy on restroom usage by transgender people at highway rest stops.

Best Open LGBT Elected Official LaWana Mayfield, Charlotte City Counsel District 3 As an openly LGBT elected official, LaWana Mayfield has worked tirelessly for all her constituents, LGBT or not. She sits on five mayor-appointed boards, as well as other committies and boards, including serving as a co-chair with a Carolinas HRC Gala, Smart Start, The Lesbian and Gay Fund and the HRC National Board of Governors.

Best LGBT-Affirming Faith Institution Holy Covenant United Church of Christ Holy Covenant United Church of Christ, a progressive Christian church under the leadership of Senior Pastor Eliot Alison, has a long history of affirmation and support of the LGBT community. They were plaintiffs in a lawsuit over the state’s ban on same-sex marriage in 2014.

Best Man About Town Tommy Feldman As the owner and graphic designer of Tyvola Design, Feldman has shared his talents with a number of non-profit organizations in the Charlotte area, assisting with ad design and other marketing tools. He is married to Shane Windmeyer ( aka Buff Faye) and can be seen regularly at most events in the Charlotte area LGBT community, like the Stand Up, Sing Out concert to stop bullying, and many others.

Best LGBT-Friendly Locally-Owned Florist Elizabeth House Flowers Located on South Blvd. in the South End neighborhood of Charlotte , Elizabeth House Flowers provides a host of flower and gift choices for any occasion. They offer a wide delivery area, as well as being a FTD florist that can send one’s gift across the U.S.

Best LGBT-Friendly Locally-Owned Clothing Store Silverfly This specialty men’s shop opened in 2012 at the Metropolitan (near Uptown) and features clothing, shoes and accessories. The upscale store has received other “Best of” awards and owner Fidel Montoya has recently opened a second store called Silverfly Sport in the South End district of Charlotte.

Best LGBT-Friendly Locally-Owned Tattoo Parlor Fu’s Custom Tattoo This well-known shop opened on North Tryon in 2001 and moved to North Davidson in the NoDa Arts District in 2009. With 10 artists on staff, Fu’s Custom Tattoo prides itself on its custom artistry.

Walk-ins are welcome, but they prefer set appointment times.

Best LGBT Locally-Owned Pet Day Care Center Camp Bow Wow With three locations in the region — Charlotte, Concord, and Matthews — this is the place where dogs socialize and play all day. Camp Bow Wow offers an array of services, including dog day care, dog boarding, grooming, training and other services for dogs and their owners.

Best LGBT-Friendly Locally-Owned Antique Shop Sleepy Poet With 55,000 square feet and 250 booths, this antique mall offers everything from antique furniture and vintage clothing to mid-century, modern, and classic home decor. Located on South Blvd., Sleepy Poet has been one of the most noted locations for antiques and collectables in the Charlotte region for years.

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QList—Best of LGBT Charlotte 2015 continued from page 11

Best LGBT Arts Group One Voice Chorus Since they formed in 1990, One Voice Chorus has brought LGBT and LGBT-affirming singers together to, as they say, “celebrate our lives in song.” Their mission from the beginning has been to increase visibility and understanding of the LGBT community while performing with artistic excellence, allowing them to reach a broader audience. Their talent and pride has once again caught the attention of voters, netting them a win for a third consecutive year. They are one of the pioneering gay affirming choruses in the South and one of fewer than a dozen choruses in the national LGBT choral community to have male and female singers perform together.

Best Annual LGBT Event Charlotte Pride Charlotte Pride is the biggest LGBT event in the city each year, and readers have once again deemed it the best as well. A study commissioned by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority showed that last year’s Pride added over $7.75 million in

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total economic impact from out of town visitors. This year’s event was even bigger, breaking previous attendance and alcohol sales records. The success of Charlotte Pride is a key indicator of how far the city has come with LGBT acceptance and appreciation.

Best LGBT/LGBT-Friendly Bar or Club Bar at 316 and Petra’s (tie) The Best LGBT or LGBTFriendly Bar or Club split voters down the middle with nods going to both Bar at 316, the winner in this category last year, and Petra’s.

Bar at 316 is a gay bar, while Petra’s is a gay-friendly bar with a longstanding connection to the LGBT community. Both host their fair share of notable drag shows, and both feature a mix of upbeat as well as quieter spots to suit a variety of patrons and moods.

Bar/Club with the Best Drink Value Woodshed The Woodshed is a neighborhood bar where everyone is welcome, and those from the fetish community feel especially at home. In addition to a laidback and unpretentious atmosphere, they offer some of the best drink prices of any bar in Charlotte, gay or otherwise. With beer specials as low as $1 and top shelf liquor specials of $4 or less, it is the perfect spot when you are on a budget or just don’t feel like emptying your wallet on a night out.

Bar/Club with the Hottest Bar Staff Cathode Azure Opening in 2012, Cathode Azure has quickly become one of the most popular gay bars in the city. They were a close runner up for Best LGBT Bar this year, and no doubt their aesthetically pleasing bar staff has at least something to do with their popularity. This is the second year in a row Cathode Azure has been voted as having the hottest staff. The bar is fashioned in a South Beach style and features several lounges and a large dance floor. DJs and drag queens regularly provide entertainment.

Bar/Club with the Best Drag Show The Scorpio Drag shows are a staple of most gay bars, but The Scorpio has once again been commended by voters for providing the best of the best.

The club has won this category several years in a row, proving they reliably turn out great, memorable shows. In addition to a large stage that offers seemingly endless possibilities for the performers, the sizeable dance floor and the balcony provide excellent viewing opportunities for the audience. Local drag queens and kings share the stage with regional and national acts.

see QList on 17 Photo Credits: Common Market/Smelly Cat, James Willimor, via Flickr; Charlotte Pride, Brandon Schauf ; Facebook profiles; personal submissions; company websites; qnotes archives.

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news

ELECTION 2015

TurnOUT Charlotte! lists picks for upcoming primaries MeckPAC, HRC and ENC coalition weigh in

by Chris Tittel :: qnotes contributor Three LGBT rights organizations have joined forces under the “TurnOUT Charlotte!” banner to encourage registered voters to vote in upcoming primaries for Charlotte mayor and City Council.

The Mecklenburg LGBT Political Action Committee (MeckPAC), the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Equality NC (ENC) have also issued a list of the coalition’s top picks in the races.

The primaries are scheduled for Sept. 15.

Registered voters can vote early — now through Sept. 12 — or on election day.

Only voters who registered before the Aug. 21 registration deadline can vote in the primaries.

Voters can still register to participate in the general elections Nov. 3.

Each of the three organizations has issued a press release on the “TurnOUT Charlotte!” campaign.

“MeckPAC has joined forces with Equality North Carolina and the HRC in an unprecedented coalition in Charlotte to get our combined members and supporters to turn out at the polls,” MeckPAC writes.

To come up with its top picks, MeckPAC adds, coalition members evaluated candidates on their responses to questionnaires, in-person interviews and past performance on issues related to LGBT equality.

According to HRC, Charlotte is one of the largest cities in the U.S. without explicit antidiscrimination protections for LGBT people.

HRC’s press release revisits Charlotte City Council’s decision in March to reject draft updates to existing ordinances that would have protected LGBT rights with regard to public accommodations, commercial contracting and passenger vehicles for hire.

The draft updates failed to pass in a 7-4 vote.

“Adding more pro-equality voices to the Charlotte City Council may now be our best chance to pass a fully inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance,” HRC writes.

ENC’s press release echoes HRC’s sentiments.

“Local elections are vital,” ENC writes. “Non-discrimination policies can be made or broken by city councils or county commissions and mayors can provide necessary leadership to ensure that LGBT people are welcomed in their towns and cities.”

ENC has posted to its website brief profiles of the candidates that “TurnOUT Charlotte!” coalition partners are endorsing.

Each registered voter can vote for one candidate for mayor, up to four candidates for at-large seats on City Council and one candidate for each district seat on City Council. The endorsed candidates are:

Mayor Daniel Clodfelter is mayor of Charlotte. He took the chair on City Council’s approval in April 2014, following the resignation of then-Mayor Patrick Cannon. Clodfelter has served in the North Carolina State Senate (1999-2014) and as District 1 representative on Charlotte City Council (1987-1993). He has also served as chairman of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission.

Clodfelter is a graduate of Davidson College, Oxford University and Yale Law School.

Jennifer Roberts was raised in Charlotte. After earning graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Toronto, Roberts worked for the U.S. State Department as a consular officer in the Dominican Republic and as a political officer on the Mexico Desk. Since her return to Charlotte, she has been director of the Mayor’s International Cabinet, a lending officer in international corporate banking at First Union and executive director of the Charlotte World Affairs Council.

City Council (At-Large) Julie Eiselt has served on various education and public safety boards since arriving in Charlotte in 1998. Her background is in commercial and investment banking, working in emerging countries and utilizing her proficiency in Spanish, French and Portuguese. “Living in a foreign country, you learn what it feels like to be on the outside looking in,” she noted. “That certainly helped me understand the cross-cultural and economic disenfranchisement that many groups in our community face.”

Vi Lyles currently holds an at-large seat on Charlotte City Council. She has also served as Charlotte’s assistant city manager and was director of community outreach for the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Lyles would like to see Charlotte develop into a community where all citizens, individually and collectively, continue to work for a better place for those who will follow. Her mission is to create opportunities for engagement and collaboration to improve the quality of life in Charlotte.

Billy Maddalon has been active in community organizations, serving on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Charlotte Convention and Visitors Bureau (1999-2004) and the Board of Directors of the Charlotte Regional Visitors

Authority and chair of its Strategic Planning Committee (2004-2005). He was the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce 1998 Entrepreneur of the Year and one of the Charlotte Business Journal’s “40 under 40” most influential persons in Charlotte.

Maddalon, the only openly gay candidate in the race, said during an LGBT community candidates forum on Aug. 11 that City Council’s failure to approve the draft updates to ordinances in March proved “uniquely painful” and actually motivated him to run for City Council.

James Mitchell is a third-generation Charlottean. He served on Charlotte City Council for 14 years at one point and is a strong advocate for public-private partnerships. Mitchell championed the new Charlotte Inclusion program, which will increase competition in city contracting and procurement opportunities for Minority, Women and Small Business Enterprises. He was also instrumental in acquiring funding for upgrades to the Carolina Panthers stadium, securing funds for and relocating the new minor league Charlotte Knights’ BB&T baseball stadium and obtaining rezoning to build Northlake Mall.

City Council (District 2) Al Austin currently represents District 2 on Charlotte City Council. He has worked as assistant director of public relations for the Charlotte Housing Authority, director of national public relations for the American Association of Minority Businesses and ground transportation supervisor for Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Austin also served as executive director of the McCrorey Family YMCA in the Northwest Corridor of Charlotte (2009-2012).

City Council (District 3) LaWana Mayfield currently represents District 3 on Charlotte City Council. She was elected in 2011 and is serving her second term. Upon being elected, Mayfield became the second AfricanAmerican female to be elected to City Council and the first openly LGBT elected official in the City of Charlotte.

City Council (District 5) John Autry currently represents District 5 on Charlotte City Council. He grew up in Fayetteville and Concord. Upon completing high school, he moved to California to attend college and eventually joined the U.S. Navy. He served from 1972 to 1976 and received an honorable discharge. Autry joined his neighborhood association in challenging a rezoning petition in 1999, an experience that inspired him to become more involved in community affairs. He has also served on the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. : :

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tell trinity

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

It’s march, march, march to the beat of your own drum, soldier Dear Trinity, I’m a 20-year-old gay army soldier. I haven’t come out yet to my family or to my platoon. I know it’s accepted, but I just don’t want to deal with everyone knowing. My sexuality is private to me! Help.

Help! Private G.I. Joe, Montgomery, AL

people and events including outlet stores and window displays. Everyone has their hobbies and shopping malls may be the way your partner expresses him/herself. Maybe, honey, it’s cultural? (I sure know how fun the mall can be. There’s so much to see. So take a look at my cartoon for how I handle it.)

Dear G.I. Joe, I’ve never been in the armed forces, but I once was in the arms of a Navy priest (before Don’t Ask Don’t Tell ended) who said, “Being gay, and in the Navy is a choice I made. I have my straight-Navy life and my gay-private life.”

We all have to do things we don’t love in order to have things we do love. So, be a privatePrivate, at least until you’re ready to come out!

Also, think therapy, gay support groups and lots of leave time!

Hello Trinity, When I am dating someone, I am often physical with them for a period of time (a few weeks to months), then we end up becoming friends who strictly get together for sex. Do you think having sex with my “friends” impedes upon finding a long-term relationship?

Yours, Relationship Roaming, Seattle, WA

Dearest Trinity, My partner loves shopping malls. Not to the point of being a shopaholic, but to the point of spending lots time at the malls. How do I get him to change his ways?

Shopping Habits, Palm Springs, CA

goqnotes.com

Dearest Habits, I also love shopping, hanging out and dining at the mall! It’s like a big museum of things,

Hello Roaming, Many people have friends that were once or are once-in-a-while sex partners. It’s as common as Netflix marathons of “Orange Is The New Black” (OITNB) and marijuana stores in Colorado. If you make time for meeting and dating, then you can have it all! But if sleeping with your “friends” is in any way hindering your dating process, then stop! You don’t have to be celibate while dating, but you do have to be smart about how you spend your social and sexual energy. And, darling, if all else fails, call me. I make a great “friend!”

a&e

Dear Trinity, Whenever I go out to meet people, it seems like no one hits on me. But my friends point out that I am being cruised a lot more than I think. What am I missing?

Cruising To Be Cruised, Washington, DC Dear Cruising, It’s hard to know just when someone is interested, especially in some of those dark, sleazy parks, I mean dynamic, sunny places. But, pumpkin, just so you don’t miss any important encounters, here are: Trinity’s Cunning Tips For Knowing When “You’re Being Cruised” (YBC) 1. A smile, a wink, a nod or a stare always means YBC. 2. When someone asks, “How are you? Are you alone? Can I buy you a drink?” YBC. 3. When someone asks about your relationships, living situation and/or marital status, YBC. 4. W hen the waiter, flight attendant or bell captain gives you lots of things for free, YBC. 5. W hen you start getting flowers, letters or singing telegrams, YBC. 6. I f you forgot your keys at the store and the clerk returns them with a box of heartshaped candies, YBC. 7. When you notice the same person appearing at your gym, grocery store and lun-

cheonette and does #1, #2 and/or #3, YBC. 8. When the bank manager offers you an interest free loan or the IRS auditor wants to “make your day,” YBC. 9. When a car follows you for miles, keeps pulling up next to you and does #1, #2 and/ or #3, YBC. 10. Lastly, if you’re walking down the street and you notice someone whistling and blowing kisses at you, YBC, majorly! : : info: With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org. Learn more at telltrinity.com.

daily news, blog posts and lgbt community event listings Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter: goqnotes.com/subs

Sept. 11-24 . 2015

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health and wellness

by Jack Kirven :: personal trainer, qnotes contributor

“The Fitness Equation” Something the fitness industry doesn’t want you to know is that the underlying principles of physical fitness are neither mysterious nor complex. As with any field of specialized knowledge, there are oceans of nuance within which one could become immersed; however, the average person doesn’t need to know most of that. For most people, the minimum effective dose of knowledge can

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be boiled down to a very simple checklist.

As is often the case, less can be more.

But just because something is simple doesn’t mean it’s easy. With that in mind, let’s look at the essential factors that pertain to most people. If you have medical conditions, then you will have to adjust for your own situation; however, most people can focus on this basic fitness equation: Hydration + Nutrition + Activity + Rest = Results Your body is mostly water. As such, every function of your body has a direct relationship to hydration. The average American is chronically dehydrated. By drinking plenty of water, especially when exercising (and doubly especially when exercising in a hot place with elevated ambient temperatures), you can better maintain body temperature, ensure that energy is supplied to working muscles, access body fat and flush out toxins.

You aren’t necessarily what you eat, since many people have inflamed gastrointestinal tracts that cannot properly digest food. You are what you absorb. Give your body high-quality, natural foods. Avoid highly processed foods as much as possible.

Hydration and nutrition together account for 75 percent of your success when getting fit. Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables of a variety of colors, nuts and seeds (where allergies don’t prevent their consumption), whole grains and legumes, a variety of natural fats and the high quality, natural proteins of your choice.

Activity is definitely essential. Without exercise, bones become brittle, muscles atrophy and reflexes diminish. To get results, you don’t have to work out for long sessions,

which can, in some instances, undermine progress. You should, however, seek to challenge your body. The harder you exert yourself (with proper form), the shorter your sessions will be. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) formats can be adapted for cardiovascular, strength and plyometric training. If you are short on time, you can get your daily exercise done in only 15-20 minutes! Also, progressive calisthenics uses body weight to create strength, endurance and mass without gym equipment. Between HIIT and calisthenics, you can bust through the time, money and space obstacles that seek to undermine your progress. To create change in the body, you want to feel that you are exhausted, but not out of control. Focus on breath, proper technique and appropriate exertion levels in order to break a sweat, engage your body’s systems and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Rest cannot be overvalued: A huge number of Americans are sleep deprived to one degree or another, and in addition to undermining your general wellness, it also undermines your fitness results. Without adequate rest, your body cannot heal. You will break down your body when exercising, but it will not become stronger until you rest. Fueling your body provides the material for the repairs that we understand as “strength” or “fitness,” but these changes happen only when you are asleep. You must get enough sleep, or you will blunt the results of your training. Rest isn’t comprised only of sleep. Days between exhausted body parts counts too.

Simplifying your fitness practice will help you meet your goals. Focus on fuel, form and rest. They are what matter most and yield sustainable results! : : info: Jack Kirven completed the MFA in Dance at UCLA, and earned certification as a personal trainer through NASM. His wellness philosophy is founded upon integrated lifestyles as opposed to isolated workouts.

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life

QList—Best of LGBT Charlotte 2015 continued from page 11

Best Drag Performer Buff Faye Since she first began appearing on stages in 2008, Buff Faye has been making a name for herself as a performer to watch. In addition to winning this year’s Best Drag Performer by our readers, she has won a number of other awards, including several pageant crowns. She can regularly be seen emceeing at local bars and clubs, such as The Bar at 316, The Scorpio and Cathode Azure. In addition to her performances, Buff Faye has continuously raised money for Campus Pride and other LGBT charity organizations.

Best Local DJ DJ Little Betty DJ Little Betty has been selected by our readers for the third year running as the Best Local DJ. Playing mostly house, dance and remixes, she has amassed quite the following since relocating to Charlotte from Vermont. She can regularly be found performing at local gay bars and events, both locally and regionally.

Best LGBT-Friendly Locally-Owned Restaurant Dish Featuring Southern comfort food, often with a Cajun or Mexican twist, Dish is a local favorite.

This is the third year running that Dish has won in this category. The food is always on point, with large portions, affordable prices and a relaxed, homey atmosphere. It has attracted the positive attention of both local and national media.

brownies. It, too, is a popular hangout spot, especially among the late night crowd.

Best LGBT-Friendly Locally-Owned Coffee Shop Smelly Cat Offering a cozy atmosphere, a wide variety of both coffee and non-coffee beverages, local art hanging on the walls and a community feel, Smelly Cat is an important, longstanding establishment in a rapidly changing NoDa. Smelly Cat roasts their own coffee, serving it up in manual drip, pour over and cold brew varieties.

Best LGBT-Friendly Locally-Owned Retail Store Paper Skyscraper White Rabbit (Runner Up) Gift shop Paper Skyscraper is chock full of curios, trinkets, unique cookbooks and cooking utensils, novelty and gag items and local art. It is the type of store that is as much fun to look around in as to purchase something from, and is ideal for the gift-giving occasion where you are not exactly sure what you are hoping to find.

Runner up White Rabbit is another gift shop with a wide variety of items, but with a decidedly gayer bent. Underwear, greeting cards, stickers, books and DVDs are all available.

— List compiled by Jeff Taylor and Jim Yarbrough

Best LGBT-Friendly Locally-Owned Deli/ Sandwich Shop Common Market Common Market is not your average deli/ sandwich shop/convenience store. After all, how many do you know that have regulars? Common Market is so popular as a hangout spot that if you go with any regularity, you’ll start to meet people and recognize them as you drop by.

Their success at the original PlazaMidwood location allowed them to open another store in South End. In addition to offering delicious sandwiches, both premade if you are on the go and made to order if you have time to wait, they have a wide variety of craft beers, wine, and snacks.

Best LGBT-Friendly Locally-Owned Dessert Spot Amelie’s French Bakery Amelie’s French Bakery is another local business that has built up an almost cult-like following. It is not unusual to see lines stretching around the inside of the building, as patrons willingly wait for pastries, croissants or one of their signature salted caramel

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EVENTS

Submit your event to our calendar!

September-October 2015 Pauli Murray: Imp, Crusader, Dude, Priest’ The Scrap Exchange 2050 Chapel Hill Rd., Durham 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Pauli Murray was a human rights activist, lawyer, author, and priest — the first black woman to be so ordained by the Episcopal Church.

Murray was as multifaceted as they come, coining different terms to help her understand herself better, which informs the title of this exhibition honoring her life. She fought tirelessly for the rights of others and was likewise dedicated to a truer understanding and integration of herself, eventually pursuing same-sex relationships and hormone therapy. The show runs daily through Dec. 12. Admission is free. More information is available online. sites.fhi.duke.edu/paulimurrayproject/

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ecoFAB Trash Couture SEP SEP MO Ballantyne Village Regal Cinema 14815 John J. Delaney Dr., Charlotte 7 p.m.

Art Ecologie Group presents its annual fashion show featuring creations made from recycled, reused and repurposed materials. Twenty plus artists will take on the challenge of creating wearable works of art from what might otherwise be trash taking up space in landfills.

Admission is free. More information is available online. ecofabtrashcouture.com.

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Symphony on Tap SEP SEP MO Belk Theater 100 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 6-8 p.m.

The Charlotte Symphony is holding its first-ever free preview party, where it will debut a sampling of what is in store for its upcoming 2015-2016 season. Concert selections will include the “Allegro con brio” from Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 7,” “Hoe-down” from “Rodeo” by Copland, a selection from Prokofiev’s “Romeo & Juliet,” a James Bond medley and more. Doors will remain open for a “come and go” atmosphere, and bars inside the theater will remain open and will offer beer specials. Registration is not required, although those who do pre-register via Eventbrite will be entered to win free tickets to upcoming symphony concerts. More information is available online. charlottesymphony.org.

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Archive Naming and Reception UNC-Charlotte Student Union 9201 University City Blvd.,

Charlotte

7-9 p.m.

The Charlotte LGBTQ Community Archive hosts a reception and art showing to unveil its official naming.

Materials from the collection will also be exhibited. Brief remarks, light hors d’oeuvres, casual attire. Exhibit runs through September.

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

Trans Pride SEP SEP MO Caldcleugh Multicultural Arts Center 1700 Orchard St., Greensboro Noon-6 p.m.

NC Trans Pride in Action presents the second North Carolina Trans Pride event, with keynote speaker Jacob Tobia, featured artist Lara Americo and hosted by Chasity Scott. Free event. Free food, entertainment and more. More information is available online. facebook.com/events/812710915508810/.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Charlotte Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Rd. 9 a.m.

Coco Peru at NC Pride Weekend Garner Performing Arts Center 742 W. Garner Rd, Garner

8-11 p.m.

Drag queen Miss Coco Peru kicks off NC Pride weekend with a performance of favorite stories and songs spanning her long career, as well as featuring some new material. Peru has appeared in a number of films, including “Trick” and “To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.” The night begins with a cocktail hour starting at 8 p.m., with Peru taking the stage at 9 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for general admission and $50 for VIP, which includes a postshow meet and greet. Information and tickets are available online. garnerperformingartscenter.com.

Don’t Cry For Me, Margaret SEP OCT MO Mitchell Armour Street Theatre 307 Armour St., Davidson 8 p.m.

This comedy, by Charlotte-based playwrights Duke Ernsberger and Virginia Cate, tells the “(almost) true story” of three men given just seven days to NC Pride rewrite Gone With The Wind — even SEP SEP MO Duke East Campus though one has never read the book, Campus Dr. and W. Main St., one is Durham in the 10 a.m.-5 p.m. middle of Annual NC Pride Festival and Parade directwith business, community and food ven- ing “The dors, parade at 1 p.m. and more. More Wizard of information is available online.

Oz,” and ncpride.org. the other, the film’s producer, is rapidly losing money on the project. The play runs through Oct. 18. Advance tickets are available at $12 for students (up to age 21), $18 for seniors (65 and older),and $20 for adults. Information and tickets are available online. davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

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SEP SEP MO

Fourth Annual Kitty Cabaret Petra’s 1919 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte 6-8 p.m.

This annual cabaret event bills itself as a “fun, intimate, entertaining musical concert” and will raise funds for two non-profit organizations: Cabarrus CARES and the Humane Society of Charlotte. In addition to the musical entertainment, there will be catered appetizers and a silent auction will be held.

Admission is $20.

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Bring your walking shoes to join the fight to end Alzheimer’s come rain or shine. Registration is at 9 a.m.

Ceremony at 10 a.m. Walk follows at 10:15 a.m. Route Length is 2.3 miles.

Want to volunteer? Email Jacob Wilkins at JWilkins@alz.org to learn more about what you can do to help out. hact.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2015/NCWesternCarolina?pg=entry&fr_id=7629.

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Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/

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life

OUR PEOPLE:

Q&A with Matt Hirschy Director of Advancement, Equality NC

by Chris Tittel :: qnotes contributor

(left to right) Matt Hirschy with his partner Justin Garcia take a break from a hike in the mountains.

Matt Hirschy recalls the day he was approached with the proposition to leave his job as a corporate headhunter and join the team at Equality NC. “I’ll be honest, the first thing I thought was there’s no way I’m going to leave my office job where I wear suits every day to go work for a civil rights organization,” he said.

Now, serving as the organization’s Director of Advancement, Hirschy said he doesn’t know why he didn’t make the switch sooner.

“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “It’s an absolute privilege to do this.”

Currently, Hirschy is working hard to ensure that registered voters participate in the City Council primaries scheduled Sept. 15.

“This one’s going to be crucial for us moving forward,” he said.

What do you do for Equality NC? I run the day-to-day operations of many of our strategic initiatives. I strategize how to advance the mission of the organization, where to play and how to win. I’m one of the organization’s key spokespersons.

Where are you from originally?

I was born in Oklahoma, but I was raised in Charlotte.

What brought you from Oklahoma to North Carolina?

My parents worked for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. So, they worked for the federal Treasury Department. They moved here to regulate banks. All of my friends that work for banks don’t enjoy what my dad does for a living.

You have a long history in business. Tell me about your interest in business.

My most recent job, before this, was with Charles Aris. For lack of a more politically correct term, I was a headhunter. My overarching interest in business is finding great talent and delivering it to organizations, but also engaging people in new things that may challenge them. I enjoy that aspect.

What interests you about working for Equality NC, in particular?

I left the rat race and corporate America to come work for Equality NC because it’s an issue and a cause that I believe in and it’s

one that affects me every day. The other aspect is my parents raised me on doing the right thing and giving back to your community. When I was approached to join Equality NC, I really thought about it. In your 20s and early 30s, it’s really a good time to do work like this. More people should be involved in the nonprofit sector, especially at this time, when you have the most talent, the most flexibility, you can really do anything with your life.

So, I said, you know what, if I’m going to do this, it’s going to be now and I might as well take the opportunity while I can. For me, it’s really about doing the right thing for a cause that I definitely believe in passionately.

Was there one incident or moment, in particular, that prompted you to take a job with Equality NC? I came out pretty close to the amendment fight.

A good friend and mentor of mine, Jen Jones, former communications director for us, she literally ran across the state of North Carolina to raise awareness about this issue. I followed her journey. I watched every single web post they put up. I watched every video. I watched her sweat and cry and attend those forums in rural North Carolina where people were shouting at her. That’s one thing that galvanized me as this being something that I needed to get invested in and be involved in. I don’t think there’s any one issue or action or incident that got me involved. I look critically at the state of affairs in North Carolina for LGBT folks. I try to do that every day. You look at the amount of pain that folks go through around these issues, around bullying, trans folks committing suicide and the racial justice issues facing our country and city. I look at those things and tell myself it’s a really good time to do the right thing.

You used to work for Music on the Mountaintop.

What kind of music do you like?

I run the gamut: One second I’m listening to Kanye West, the next I’m listening to Florence and the Machine, the next I’m listening to Spoken Word Poetry. It really is all over the place.

I understand you like to play kickball.

I’m really proud today to say that North Carolina has more Stonewall Kickball leagues than any other state in the country. It’s something that I like to see. When you’ve got thousands of people that can do something as silly as kickball on a Saturday to raise money for some really important causes, that’s pretty cool. That’s a really galvanizing force behind the community.

Tell me something about yourself that readers might like to know that they don’t already know.

I really like fishing. I’ve done a lot of deep sea fishing, fly fishing and outdoor sports. I don’t find the opportunity to do it very often. Also, I just joined the board of Quist, a free LGBT history app. It teaches LGBT history through iPhone, Windows or android apps. Every day, you wake up and it gives you a little notification about what happened on that day in queer history.

Learning our history is so important. : :

Sept. 11-24 . 2015

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Sept. 11-24 . 2015