QNotes, September 21, 2018 by QnotesCarolinas

Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

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Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

inside this issue

Sept. 21-Oct. 4, 2018 Vol 33 No 11

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contributors this issue

Buiff Faye, Rev. John Cleghorn, Torie Dominguez, Nikolai Mather, Lainey Millen, Jesse Monteagudo, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Gregg Shapiro, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography: olly via Adobe Stock Mission:

The focus of QNotes is to serve the LGBTQ 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 LGBTQ life and social justice issues. Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc., dba QNotes P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ph 704.531.9988 fx 704.531.1361 Publisher: Jim Yarbrough Sales: x201 adsales@goqnotes.com Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media, ph 212.242.6863 Managing Editor: Jim Yarbrough, x201, editor@goqnotes.com Assoc. Editor: Lainey Millen, specialassignments@goqnotes.com Copy Editor: Torie Dominguez, torie@goqnotes.com Production: Lainey Millen, x205, production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper. Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2018 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.

New Rosedale Clinic

There’s a new clinic for receiving HIV/ AIDS and regular medical care. It’s located in Uptown Charlotte and it’s slated to have a grand opening later this fall.

news 6 6 6 6 7 8 8

New ASO Leader Youth Conference CDC Award News Notes Foundation Grants Rainbow Bookclub Carolina Prides

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a&e 10 12 13 17

Kinsey Sicks Ben Schatz Dishing with Buff Faye Tell Trinity Out in Print

Profile: Rachel

Ben Schatz, aka Rachel of The Kinsey Sicks, shares a bit of personal history and the group’s take on the current political climate.

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life 19

Our People: Rep. Cecil Brockman

Self Perception Spiritual Reflections Gay TV in Trump Age

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

Rosedale Medical opens Charlotte clinic

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Dishing with Buff Faye

Drug use among the LGBTQ community is rampant and has lead to harm and worse. So, what’s being done about it? Read Buff Faye’s tips on how to address this issue.

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‘Hamilton’ in Charlotte African-American Art

Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

qnotes

views

Self Perception: It’s All in the Family Bisexuality, pansexuality, and why my identity is just as valid as yours BY Torie Dominguez | qnotes staff writer

his personal perspective has been a long time coming, yet in sitting down to write it, I realized I didn’t know where to begin. I’ve spent so many hours arguing in my head or even under my breath, worn my thumbs out composing angry texts to friends, talked as fast as I drove down I-485, my girlfriend in the seat beside me, always on my team. Why, then, when I’d finally sought and been granted a wider audience, did words escape me? Had I been full of sound and fury all along? Before I share where I landed on that, let’s go over a few words that may signify more than you think. It should be noted that what follows is only a small sampling of the true diversity of sexual, romantic and gender identities each of us is likely to have encountered, whether we’re aware of it or not. Bisexual: experiencing sexual and/or romantic attraction to two or more genders. A common misconception is that people who identify as bisexual necessarily subscribe to the idea of the gender binary — that is,

all bisexual people are of the opinion that male and female are the sole valid genders, and that gender identity is static. Some who assert the legitimacy of the binary acknowledge that a person may be transgender, but with the caveat that their “true” gender can be only male or female. In reality, many bisexuals reject this as a false dichotomy, and bisexuality does not imply attraction to men and women. A person who identifies as bisexual may, for instance, experience attraction to women and nonbinary people, but not to men. The bisexual Pride flag features horizontal pink and blue fields of equal width placed respectively above and below a purple stripe whose width is half that of either the pink or blue. Designer Michael Page, who introduced the flag in 1998, has stated that the pink color represents exclusively same-sex attraction, the blue different-sex attraction, and the purple bisexual attraction. Pansexual: experiencing sexual and/or romantic attraction to people of all gender identities, emphasizing recognition of those outside the male-fe-

male binary (although people who identify as bisexual may also reject the gender binary). Some who choose to describe themselves as pansexual or bisexual use the terms interchangeably, while some do not. When describing their orientation, a pansexual person may choose to use the word “bisexual” in certain circumstances in order to avoid the possible necessity of defining pansexuality for an audience unfamiliar with the term — because they suspect the audience in question will be less than receptive, because they wish to avoid the tedium of the task, or both, or neither. As in all things, each individual’s reasons are their own. The pansexual Pride flag consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width. From top to bottom, the colors are pink (representing female-gendered people), yellow (nonbinary people) and blue (malegendered people). No designer has been identified, but the flag’s first appearance is believed to have been in 2010. Asexual: experiencing no sexual attraction. Asexuality lies at one end of the ace spectrum, a model which

includes varying degrees of sexual attraction, including demisexuality. People whose orientations are considered part of the ace spectrum may experience romantic attraction without sexual desire. The asexual Pride flag consists of horizontal stripes of black, gray, white and purple. The black stripe represents asexuality; the gray, demisexuality and intermediate degrees of attraction; the white, sexuality and non-ace allies; and the purple, community. Members of the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) initiated a campaign in 2010 to choose a Pride flag by popular vote. Demisexual: experiencing sexual attraction only after having formed a strong emotional bond. Demisexuality is typically categorized as an ace spectrum orientation. The demisexual Pride flag arose in the course of the 2010 AVEN contest. Its design utilizes the same colors as that of the asexual Pride flag, with wide horizontal bars of white and gray at the top and bottom, a narrower purple stripe in the

Change and inclusion brings more ‘good news’ Spiritual Reflections

BY REV. JOHN CLEGHORN | GUEST CONTRIBUTOR As they sway and sing in sync on Sunday mornings, the interracial, intersectional gospel choir at my church tells the truth when they raise their voices with the old, old words, “He’s an on-time God, yes he is!” Unfortunately, while God’s love is plentiful and present, the church is often not on time in extending God’s love for all of God’s created children. That’s especially true when it comes to the full embrace and inclusion of the LGBTQ community. Organized religion has been too long and too late with that embrace. Hurt and harm have been done to too many LGBTQ people who seek a relationship with God in community with others. But, thanks be to God, things are changing. As people charged with sharing the “good news,” there is more and more of Rev. John Cleghorn (left) and a church member at a past Charlotte Pride parade. that good news of how some churches and (Photo Credit: Caldwell Presbyterian Church) denominations are moving beyond just words of authentic welcome, even when and hearts, including the work of the Covenant Network they are late. of Presbyterians. This summer for example, the largest body of “We have seen the conversation shift,” Covenant Presbyterians in America took a big step at its national gathNetwork Executive Director Brian Ellison said about ering. The Presbyterian Church (USA) opened a new day of the vote, “to the place we long sought to take it. It’s not hope and possibility in passing two major statements. One about sex, but about people. We have seen the conversaaffirms and celebrates the gifts of people of all sexual oriention shift to lives and stories, to rights and justice. The tations and gender identities in the church. Another affirms whole church has come along and a whole community the rights and dignity of people of transgender, non-binary within our community, God’s gay-lesbian-bi-trans-queer and varying gender identities. Both passed without major community is no longer reduced to an act or a trait, but dissent or debate. rather is honored as the God-called, neighbor-loving, These affirmations follow past decisions by the children of God that we are.” denomination to allow same-gender weddings and to orNow we must extend our words into courageous dain gay and lesbian people as clergy and leaders of the actions that make our welcome real. The work of ensurchurch. These victories follow decades of work by allies ing justice and equality for all of God’s children goes on, and advocates within our denomination to change minds

qnotes

Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

especially under a presidential administration, congress and a N.C. General Assembly that would rather roll the clock back on our progress. This year a record number of houses of faith marched in the Charlotte Pride parade, and I am sure many will bear witness as the Triangle celebrates Pride. But we must do more than march. We must stand in the gap for LGBTQ people in other meaningful ways. We must confess our failures and make outcasts into “incasts.” We must educate ourselves and congregations about how to welcome trans people. We must advocate for affordable housing for LGBTQ youth and young adults banished from their homes. We must elect LGBTQ people to leadership in our congregations, learn from them and follow them. We must elect them to public office. The church I am blessed to pastor made the decision for full LGBTQ inclusion a decade ago, just as it came back to life. Today we are about one-fourth to one-fifth LGBTQ, as part of a broader mix of congregants spanning race, class, neighborhood and religious background. I am changed as a pastor by the love and wisdom showered upon me by these friends and leaders. I am blessed by the chance to officiate their weddings, baptize their babies and minister to them through life’s highs and lows. I am better for having heard their stories. We as a church grew immensely as one of our members transitioned and has since returned to her calling to church leadership in her new hometown. My prayer is that, by God’s hand, we can continue to grow and deepen in all these ways as God’s servants, witnesses and ambassadors. : : Rev. Dr. John Cleghorn is the pastor of Caldwell Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, a growing, vibrant and diverse congregation in the Elizabeth neighborhood. For more information, visit covnetpres.org and caldwellpresby.org.

center, and a black triangle extending from the left side. Genderqueer: one of many terms used to denote a person whose gender identity falls outside the male-

female binary. The genderqueer Pride flag is credited to Marilyn Roxie, who developed the design over the course of several drafts between 2010 and 2011. It consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width. The topmost, lavender, connotes androgyny and was chosen in part for its traditional association with queerness and queer culture. The bottom, a chartreuse green which is precisely the inverse of the top lavender shade, represents nonbinary identities. The central white stripe represents agender identity. The artist has specified that these categories are not to be considered inherently opposed or exclusive of one another. Genderfluid: indicates a dynamic gender identity in which a person may identify at a given time as male, female, both male and female (in any proportion), and/or any other, nonbinary gender. The genderfluid Pride flag features horizontal stripes of pink, white, purple, black and blue. Pink and blue represent femininity and masculinity respectively, while purple indicates a mixture of the two. Black represents the whole of all gender identities, and white represents the lack of gender. The creator of the genderfluid Pride flag has not been identified with certainty; some sources have reported that the design was in use as early as 2005, while others claim that it did not appear until 2012.

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Agender: term sometimes indicating a lack of gender identity, sometimes a neutral identity; i.e., a person who is agender may identify themselves as having no gender, or may have a gender identity which is itself neutral. The agender Pride flag is horizontally rather than vertically symmetrical, with black, white, and the intermediate gray representing the absence of gender, and the central green stripe chosen as the

inverse of gendered purple. It is believed to have appeared in 2014. Got that? Okay. Back to my sound and fury. Was I initially lost for words because it turned out I had nothing to say? Of course not. The problem lay in the shift from expression to explanation. Not explanation of those labels we’ve just discussed, though there’s an inherent limit on the authority with which any person can define another’s identity — no, explanation of the fact that the next time the phrase “there’s a flag for everything these days” is uttered within earshot of me, I will not be responsible for my actions. I’ve heard that easily half a dozen times in as many months, and I hate to generalize, but hey, I’ll power through: it’s almost always gay men who say it. Not always. But almost. It’s almost always people who are monosexual — simply put, those who are romantically and/or sexually attracted to only one sex or gender. It’s people who have a certain kind of privilege I’m not sure there’s a name for. It’s people who get to go through lives with the knowledge that, when they share who they are, other people will know what they mean. More importantly, that the overwhelming majority of fellow queers will take for granted that their identity is a real thing. That what they are is real. “There’s a flag for everything these days.” And so what if there is? Don’t ever ask me what a certain flag means and then, when I tell you, look at me and use those words and laugh like you expect me to be in on the joke. I can promise you’ll be laughing alone. I’ve tried to address this as it occurs. Despite my aversion to confrontation, I’ve tried saying to perpetrators I know relatively well, “that’s actually kind of disrespectful” — it’s substantially more than “kind of,” but my hope has been that restraint on my part will lead to greater receptiveness on theirs — only for them to make the same offhand remark a few weeks later. I’m offended on behalf of myself, my partner, my friends and every other individual crammed into that oftomitted catchall plus sign in LGBTQ+ and, more often than not, grateful to be included at all. I don’t mind having to explain my pansexuality. I mind being chuckled at when I do. Don’t ask the question if you’re not prepared to pretend to respect the answer. Don’t initiate the exchange if you’re not prepared to loosen your hold on the conviction that you already know

everything worth knowing. And if you do insist on dragging us both into this exercise in futility, for your own sake be aware that you’re about to make your insecurity pathetically apparent. Maybe you take issue with the concept of Pride flags as an extension of what you perceive to be a destructively labelobsessed culture. I’m cool with that. I’m sympathetic. I can see where you’re coming from and, while I happen to be at a place in my life wherein I choose to embrace my label, I consider your view no less valid than mine. It’s the people who react with amused contempt to the suggestion that the rainbow is not the be-all and end-all of queer patriotism with whom I take issue. Those of us in the “plus” category have proudly displayed that symbol for decades, and we’re not about to stop. There’s no need to worry that you’ll be deprived of pansexuals’ participation or demisexuals’ dollars. You are not now, nor have you ever been, under threat. Not from us. This is no generational schism. My argument is not that my identity is more than a fad. I’m not saying it’s arrived and is in the world to stay. My assertion is rather that it’s never not been around. Human beings who had penises fell in love with other human beings who also had penises long before

the birth of “gay” as either a word or a concept. Those human beings felt pride in their humanity and their love long before Gilbert Baker flew his flag in 1978. The existence of panromantics and skoliosexuals is dependent to no greater degree on the existence of terms or symbols. Repeat after me: we’ve always been here. We’ve always been queer. There’s nothing to get used to. As is so frequently the case when it comes to anger, any vitriol I exhibit now is deeply rooted in hurt. It hurts to be told that I am not real. It hurts more to be told that by you, who should know better. A part of me is still hurt. A bigger part of me is angry. So for those of you with the audacity to use the word “family” in reference to queerdom — “I think he’s family,” always in a conspiratorial time — and act as though I need to give thanks for an invitation to Thanksgiving dinner: you are no gatekeeper. There is no gate. Keep on laughing if you and your buddies in the clubhouse are really that desperate to justify yourselves. Keep insisting that you’re all about defending and celebrating those relegated to the margins of mainstream society, willfully blind to the reality that you’ve created a mainstream society of your own. But take a page from “our” book. Start working on a brand new flag to fly at the next parade. We’ll call it Hypocrite Pride. : :

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Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

qnotes

news ASO gets new leader

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Triad Health Project (THP) has announced that it named a new executive director, Mark Cassity, to lead its efforts in providing access to care and prevention of new HIV infections in the community. His effective date at the helm of the organization was Aug. 22. Cassity previously had been program director at the Guilford Regional Interfaith AIDS Network. The Network operated the predecessor of the Higher Ground daycare center before it was assumed by THP and Cassity had been serving as the day center’s director prior to the appointment. Board President Lawrence Eisenberg, MA, MS, LCSW, said, “Mark’s twenty-plus years of experience in working with people living with HIV and AIDS are an incredible strength for Triad Health Project. Mark brings an equal measure of compassion, knowledge, and expertise. The board has confidence in his ability to strategically guide the organization going forward, especially in addressing the intersectionality of HIV and AIDS with racial and social justice issues.” “Our team is in the midst of evaluation and planning for all of our programs and services to determine how we can best respond to the ever-increasing levels of poverty, hunger, homelessness and mental illness that compound the challenges faced by people living with HIV. While we want to address these needs, we’re also determined to advocate for our clients and be agents of change on social and health policy in our local community and beyond,” Cassity shared. He holds a Masters in Liberal Studies from New York University and a Bachelors in Political Science from Valdosta State University in Georgia. He was a national program selectee/participant at the Institute for Servant Leadership in Asheville, N.C. from 2002 to 2004. A former board member of the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition from 2013 to 2016, Cassity also served on the executive planning team for the National Episcopal Province IV Annual HIV/AIDS Retreat from 1999 to 2016, and as a facilitator for the Servant Leadership School in Greensboro, N.C. from 1999 to 2004. info: triadhealthproject.com. — Lainey Millen

Orgs present youth conference

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Time Out Youth Center, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement and Equality North Carolina will hold the sixth annual Carolina Conference on Queer Youth on Oct. 19 at the university’s Student Union from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The theme for this year’s event is “Equity in Practice: Supporting Trans and Queer Youth of Color.” Participants will include students, PreK-12 educators and support staff, helping professionals and community members from across the Carolinas to discuss topics supporting LGBTQ youth in the region. The one-day conference is an opportunity for area representatives to network, dialogue and organize around issues important to the healthy development of LGBTQ youth in K-12 education, organizers said. Youth and students can attend the conference free of charge. However, educators, family members, working professionals and all adults will be assessed $25. Registration for all attendees is available online through Oct. 17 at timeoutyouth.org/CCQY or onsite on the day of the conference from 7:30-8 a.m. Space is limited. Additionally, CEUs are available for professionals and can be requested on the registration form. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided for all attendees. Parking is available in the Student Union parking deck for $15/day. In other news, Time Out Youth’s Q Chat Space pilot program is doing well, organizers said. The initiative provides a venue for North Carolina youth to connect via an online chat room. Its facilitator and center programs assistant, Haeley, shared, “I started facilitating Q Chat Space discussion groups to allow LGBTQ+ youth to make connections and build a safe space online with other youth. I already see so much community and belonging forming with the youth in our group. I am absolutely honored to be a part of this program and cannot wait to see what the future holds for online discussion groups for the LGBTQ+ community.” Participants have said that having this option helps them feel less lonely, feel “love radiating from my computer screen” and give participants a way to connect and discuss issues pertinent to them. Q Chat Space has the need for volunteers in several roles. Q Chat is recruiting for Youth Advisory Panel participants who are 13-19. Deadline is Oct. 8. Email deborah@lgbtcenters.org to learn more. info: timeoutyouth.org. lgbtcenters.org. — Lainey Millen

Southern foundation grants top $3 million

DURHAM, N.C. — The Laughing Gull Foundation (LGF) has announced the approval of $3,895,000 in grants to be awarded from 2018 through 2020 to 24 organizations supporting the LGBTQ community in the U.S. South. This commitment represents a 240 percent increase in annual grant-making for LGF’s LGBTQ Equality Program, and the addition of 12 new grantees. The portfolio reaffirms LGF’s focus on North Carolina and Virginia, and on strategic opportunities to support the LGBTQ community across the U.S. South, the organization shared. The expansion also allows LGF to make new commitments to emerging organizations focused on the transgender community, and to multi-issue organizations doing significant work in the LGBTQ community with an intersectional, racial justice lens. LGF Board President Meg Baesmith stated, “This is a critical moment to do everything we can to support the LGBTQ community. 2017 was the deadliest year on record in terms of anti-LGBTQ violence. Thankfully, there are inspiring, strategic leaders and organizations across the South moving us toward lived and legal equality for LGBTQ people. The Laughing Gull Foundation Board is honored to be able to expand our investment in their work, and to provide multi-year, general operating support to the majority of our grantees. We encourage our peers to do the same.” Meg Baesmith Grantees are (new = *): *ACLUNC Legal Foundation (North Carolina), $75,000/year for three years; Astraea Foundation for Justice’s LGBTQ Racial Justice Fund (Regional), $50,000; *Borealis Philanthropy’s Fund for Trans Generations (Regional), $75,000; Campaign for Southern Equality (Regional) $100,000/year for three years; Campaign for Southern Equality’s Southern Equality Fund (Regional) $50,000/year for three years; *El Centro Hispano (Durham, North Carolina), $25,000/ year for three years; Equality Federation’s Victory South Initiative (Regional), $30,000/year for three years; Equality Virginia (Virginia), $100,000/ year for three years; Equality Virginia’s Transgender Visibility Initiative (Virginia), $50,000/year for three years; Freedom Center for Social Justice (Regional), $100,000/year for three years; Funders for LGBTQ Issues’ Out in the South Initiative (Regional), $125,000/year for three years; *Health Brigade (Richmond, Va.), $40,000/year for three years; Horizons Foundation’s Give Out Day (Regional), $20,000; LGBT Center of Raleigh (Raleigh, N.C.), $50,000/year for three years; LGBTQ Center of Durham (Durham, N.C.), $30,000/year for three years; *Lynchburg Diversity Center (Lynchburg, Va.), $20,000/year for three years; *Nationz Foundation (Richmond, Va.), $30,000/year for three years; *SHIFT NC (North Carolina), $30,000/year for three years; Side by Side (Virginia), $75,000/year for three years; Southerners on New Ground (Regional), $100,000/ year for three years; *Southern Vision Alliance (North Carolina), $40,000/year for three years; *Southern Vision Alliance’s Frontlines Fund (North Carolina), $10,000; Time Out Youth Center (Charlotte, N.C.), $100,000/year for three years; *Trans Justice Funding Project (Regional), $75,000; *Tranzmission (North Carolina), $25,000/year for three years; *Virginia Anti-Violence Project (Richmond, Va.), $50,000/year for three years; and *Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (Virginia), $40,000/year for three years. info: laughing gull.org. — Lainey Millen

qnotes

Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

NEWS NOTES Groups host candidate forum

SC Equality and the Alliance for Full Acceptance will host a Charleston LGBTQ Community Candidate Forum on Oct. 3, 6 p.m., at The Schoolhouse. Invited candidates will be provided with a question pertaining to the LGBTQ community ahead of the event that they will be asked to answer. There will also be a time to mix and mingle with candidates.

info: affa-sc.org. scequality.org.

Blue Ridge Pride fest volunteers

Blue Ridge Pride Festival organizers are seeking volunteers for its event on Sept. 29. Jobs include, but are not limited to: set-up and vendor load-in, merchandise, information, beer and wine wristbands (two shifts), soft drinks, volunteer check-in and festival tear-down. Sign-up is available online. info: bit.ly/2xhoNHr.

College best list announced

Earlier this month, Campus Pride announced that its Best of the Best Top 30 LGBTQ-friendly college list has been released. North Carolina schools that made the list are Elon University, Elon, N.C., and Guilford College, Guilford, N.C.

info: campus pride.org/2018bestofthe best.

Hoyle crowned

The newly-crowned Miss Gay North Carolina America is Shelita Bonet Hoyle. Prior to her win she was Miss Gay Hickory America and Miss Charlotte Pride 2017. Hoyle spends her free time raising money for Time Out Youth Center through her volunteer efforts. She will compete for the national title in St. Louis, Mo. from Oct. 3-6.

info: missgaynorthcarolinaamerica.com.

License plate battle

Greenville, N.C.’s Amy Bright won her battle with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles recently that dated back to a June request for a plate that read “LSBNSNLV” honoring her partner of 13 years. The DMV had previously denied the request, but reversed its decision, saying it was a mistake. However, the DMV wanted Bright to sign a waiver. Bright disagreed with that and told the DMV that she would seek legal counsel.

info: on.wfmy.com/2xvgcjN.

Prison book initiative

The Tranzmission Prison Project has reached out to bookshops across the Carolinas and is seeking LGBTQ-titled books for its initiative. The Asheville, N.C.based organization is an LGBTQ-focused prison abolition/advocacy group that provides free books, zines, prisoner resources and various other means of support to incarcerated individuals nationwide. The accept gently used paperback books and

other LGBTQ reading materials. Email the organization at tranzmissionprison project@gmail.com to find out how to contribute. info: tranzmissionprisonproject.org.

Gala tickets

The 12th Annual Equality Gala will be held on Oct. 20 at the Museum for Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., in Raleigh, N.C. Theme this year is “Reflections” which honors Equality North Carolina’s 40 year history service the state’s LGBTQ constituency. The event features dinner, an award ceremony, silent auction and live band. Tickets can be purchased online at one. bidpal.net/encgala2018/welcome.

info: equalitync.org.

Combatting tobacco-related cancers key to CDC award

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The National LGBT Cancer Network has become the newest recipient of a $2.5 million five-year award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expand resources for their grantees serving LGBTQ people at risk for tobacco-related cancers. “The LGBTQ communities smoke at rates significantly higher than other populations. That alone increases our cancer risks dramatically,” said Network Executive Director Liz Margolies. The new award will enable the Network to expand their New York City presence to Providence, R.I., which serves as the base for their principal investigator, the mononymous Dr. Scout. He has led this type of CDC health priority at other agencies for more than a decade. He emphasized that the next five years will bring a new vision for this work: “We are really looking to expand the online knowledge base and toolbox for LGBTQ community members at risk for cancer, living with cancer, and policymakers serving us.” On a monthly basis, the Network will add new resources, thus building a “robust” library of information and tools everyone can access. The CDC award leverages a network of organizational members who specialize in tobacco-related cancers and/or serving LGBTQ individuals. The Cancer Network reports early membership commitments from a wide range of LGBTQ serving national organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, the National LGBTQ Task Force, the Gay & Lesbian Medical Association, the Equality Federation, and more. Likewise, many states health departments and national health organizations have already signed on as members: American Cancer Society, The Truth Initiative, Association of State and Territorial Health Officers, to name a few. Margolies added, “We are particularly excited to have members work with the state health departments, who collectively are the second largest health funder in the United States.” info: cancer-network.org. — Lainey Millen

Library staffer starts gay bookclub

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Lesbian Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Library Service Specialist Angelise Ramos has started the Read The Rainbow Bookclub at the Independence Regional Library branch, 6000 Conference Dr., which meets on the first Monday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. The effort, a first for the library, was brought about because Ramos enjoys reading and wanted to have a place where like-minded people could get together to discuss LGBTQ and other literature in a “friendly environment” in the branch’s community room. “I just thought it would be a nice activity our community would want to be involved with,” she shared. Those who are 18 and older and wish to join in are asked to register in person, by phone at 704-416-4800 or on the library’s website prior to attending a get-together. The group is open to all genders and has a 20-person limit. Participants can obtain copies of books discussed prior to meetings. Ramos said, “I’m invested in using accessible books. While not every LGBT book the library owns has 20+ copies, I will pick books that have a minimum of five copies and alternative formats such as e-books. Plus accessible through Amazon prime for the Kindle in case people have also access to that. It would be unfair to ask people to buy 12 unknown books a year. For our first book we’re doing ‘Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe’ [on Oct. 1] since it’s such an important book that has a ton of copies so everybody should be covered.” Other selections over the next few months are: Nov. 5, “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” by Alison Bechdel (a former qnotes contributor); and Dec. 3, “Leah on the Offbeat” by Becky Albertalli. Titles are subject to change. Currently, Ramos is focusing on getting the club established, thus not inviting guest authors to speak to the group. Refreshments will not be served, but participants are invited to bring snacks to share. info: cmlibrary.org/calendar. aramos@cmlibary.org. — Lainey Millen

Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

qnotes

news

Asheville, Durham & Raleigh celebrate Pride From the mountains to the Triangle, celebrations all happening on one day BY qnotes staff

ept. 29, 2018 is a big day for the LGBTQ community in North Carolina with three Pride events all taking place on the same day. From the Eastern part of the state to the mountains, rainbow colors will abound on floats, cars, tents, people and pets with demonstration’s of Pride in our community. Some new events are rolling out and some that have been around for years. Some have been marked with controversy. And all packed with plans for fun, flair and Pride. The festival and parade are sponsored by Altered Image Hair Designes, Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity Duke University, Pyrite Society, Rho, Citrix, Gilead, Cisco, Biogen, Anthony F. Armento, CPA, PC, Quitline NC, Wells Fargo and Mig Murphy Sistrom, CPA.

Raleigh

Asheville

Blueridgepride.org. Pack Square Park, Downtown Asheville 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The Blue Ridge Pride Festival celebrates the LGBTQ community — with two stages that will feature regional musicians and other entertainers like The Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus, Wild Bodema, Rhoda Weaver and the Soul Mates, The Gypsy Swingers and many more. There will also be about 150 vendors booths and organizations set up to educate festival goers about their services and sell their products. Food will be available from 20 food vendors, and a kids’ area, with a mobile art lab and bounce house, will provide entertainment for the little ones.The festival expects some 10,000 attendees. New for Blue Ridge Pride 2018 is a Pride Procession which will start around 10:30 a.m. on Grove St., near the intersection of Patton Ave., and will go through the heart of downtown to Pack Square Park. Posted on the event’s website is the reason for the Procession. “Our purpose is to celebrate the multitude of organizations and businesses who envision Western North Carolina as a rich and welcoming community. The theme of the Procession is Welcoming WNC: Diversity + Inclusion = Success. We want

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to give voice to the many organizations that strive to create spaces that welcome all to work, shop, and congregate as their authentic selves, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, sex, disability, class, or religion.” This years festival is sponsored by Western North Carolina Community Health Services, J. CREW, SunTrust, Wells Fargo, Budweiser, TD Bank, Mission Health, Avita Pharmacy, Amy Mandel & Katina Rodis Fund, Harrahs Cherokee and First bank.

Durham

Pridedurhamnc.org. Duke University’s East Campus, Durham 11 a.m. ‘til… This new festival and parade came about in part due to the downfall of the old NC Pride that has been held on the Duke Campus for many years. When it became evident that there was a real struggle getting a Pride event put together this year, the LGBTQ Center of Durham stepped up to take on the project. The event will take place in the same location

on the Duke East Campus and, yes, there will be a parade as there has been in years past. “By welcoming every corner of the LGBTQ communities, Pride: Durham, NC seeks to provide a place for family and community to replenish and nourish their souls and hearts” said Jason R. Nelson in a press release sent out on Sept. 17. The event will feature vendors pedaling their wears, organizations promoting their services, the parade starting at 12:30 p.m., and live entertainment starting at 2 p.m. This statement from the Pride Durham’s website gives some insight about how this all volunteer organization feels about this new festival. “In its first year, Pride: Durham, NC hopes to bring love and activism back to the forefront of Pride as a way to drive stronger connections and further growth and success in a tumultuous political climate. All people with love in their hearts and progress fueling them are welcome at Pride: Durham, NC.”

ncprideatnight.org. Hargett and Harrington Sts. Downtown Raleigh 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Organizers of NC Pride at Night hope to celebrate the future and honor the past at this new event in the N.C. Capital City. Raleigh’s first Gay Pride celebration was held on Saturday, June 25, 1988. Some 2,000 people started at the N.C. State’s Memorial Bell Tower on Hillsborough St. and marched to the Capitol. The festival this year will kick off with a speech from the acclaimed North Carolina-based LGBTQ rights activist Mandy Carter. As the organizer of the march 30 years ago, Carter will highlight where the community was at the first Raleigh Gay Pride and where it is today. Carter has been on the front lines fighting for LGBTQ and social justice issues for some 50 years. She is like the Energizer Bunny of activism. She keeps on going and rarely stops. She is the founder of Southerners On New Ground, which supports LGBTQ individuals in the South, and the National Black Justice Coalition, a civil rights group that advocates for the needs of the African-American LGBTQ community. Matt Cozzi, the president of NC Pride at Night, said when asked what the response has been from the LGBTQ community, Durham LGBT Center has decided to pick up some remnants of NC Pride and is hosting Durham Pride. This has created confusion for the community as there was a lack of coordination between NC Pride at Night and the LGBT Center of Durham. Talks between the two organizations have resulted in plans to coordinate events better in the future. Cozzi also said that the City of Raleigh Special Events and Emergency Management Department and the Raleigh Police Department have been “great supporters” in helping ease the planning process of this event. And, the event garnered support from Visit Raleigh who provided “great” input. Proceeds from the event will go to support the work of the Crape Myrtle Festival (crapemyrtlefest.org), a non-profit that supports those with HIV and AIDS. Sponsors of this years event are; Citrix, VisitRaleigh, Cintas, Legends and Flex. : :

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Rosedale Medical opens new Uptown clinic Practice offers Charlotte locals easier access to care, treatment and services BY NIKOLAI MATHER | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Rosedale Medical’s new office space in Charlotte’s Uptown brings convenience and accessibility to local patients, as well as a home for its Rosedale Assistance & Opportunities non-profit organization. (Photo Credit: Loopnet.com)

cluding the addition of new osedale Medical, a longtime staff members and more leader in HIV/AIDS treatment funding, practicing internal and care, has opened a new medicine became feasible clinic in Uptown Charlotte at 321 W. for Rosedale. The staff 11th St. jumped at the chance; there Rosedale Medical began in 2006 are a number of simultaneunder a different name — Rosedale ous medical conditions in a Infectious Diseases, named to honpatient associated HIV/AIDS, or Dr. Frederick A. Cruickshank’s and they wanted to start grandmother who taught him to meeting the needs of their never turn a patient away. Rosedale patients, particularly LGBTQ was started as a private practice patients, at a greater under Cruickshank, an HIV specialcapacity. ist who had recently relocated to As a result, the Charlotte Mecklenburg area. Rosedale now His office, which was located at 103 offers a variety of Commerce Centre Dr., Suite 103, in services, cenHuntersville, N.C., quickly became tered on physia principal treatment facility in cal, mental, and the area for those living with HIV. social health. In He changed the practice name in addition to primary recent years to Rosedale Medical to care (directed by Dr. offer a more inclusive description Christine Lomboy), of the services it offered.. Rosedale also provides Now, 12 years later, Rosedale clinical trials on-site, meanMedical has become a tight-knit ing patients only have community of medical professionDr. Frederick A. Cruickshank to come to one site for als — practice manager Bernard Rosedale Medical Owner/Founder their medical needs. The Davis calls them “family” — seeking Huntersville practice is the to provide holistic, patient centered first in North Carolina to feature an on-site Walgreens care for their largely LGBTQ base. Specialty Pharmacy. It offers testing and education on Originally, the clinic specialized solely in HIV/AIDS treatinfectious diseases, including HIV. Rosedale’s staff are ment and care. But after several years of expansion, in-

“proud advocates” for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, a method proven to be highly effective in preventing HIV-1 infection. The office also staffs a nutritionist and a mental health counselor for patients struggling with caring for their mental and physical wellbeing. And, finally, Rosedale makes queer and transgender patients the focus of its work by providing LGBTQ-sensitive care and assistance with hormone replacement therapy. The new clinic also houses its non-profit, Rosedale Assistance & Opportunities — formerly Different Roads Home. This dual site opened for a number of reasons. For one, the staff wanted to combine their non-profit premises with another clinic in order to make both more convenient to get to. And since their first practice was located in Huntersville, travel was a challenge, especially for patients who relied on public transportation. These new premises are much more easily accessible to Charlotte residents. Rosedale Medical Charlotte officially opened its doors on July 30, but will be hosting a grand opening on the evening of Oct. 19. Their hours are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. Rosedale Assistance & Opportunities, as well as the Huntersville office, are open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays. For more information, visit rosedaleaid.com or call 704948-8582. : :

Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

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Profile: Rachel

An interview with Ben Schatz of The Kinsey Sicks BY Gregg Shapiro | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

f you haven’t been to a Kinsey Sicks concert, then you haven’t lived. Or laughed, for that matter. The Kinsey Sicks, a self-described “dragapella beauty shop quartet,” is an irreverent, but harmonious, foursome known for their marvelous vocal skills, hilarious and pointed songs, colorful petticoat dresses and architecturally structured wigs. Original founding member Ben Schatz (aka Rachel) took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions about The Kinsey Sicks. Gregg Shapiro: Last year, 2017, was the 20th anniversary of the release of the first Kinsey Sicks album, “Dragapella.” Did you ever imagine that The Kinsey Sicks would still be going strong more than 20 years later? Ben Schatz: I’ve always had some sense of optimism knowing that the United States is a large country filled with people with questionable taste and disposable income [laughs]. That has provided some hope. Just ask Britney Spears. Talent is not essential. I’ve been shocked from the moment that anyone has bought a ticket to see us to the present day. It keeps feeling like a glorious mistake. I’m delighted that it continues to happen. GS: What’s the secret to Rachel’s longevity? BS: [Laughs] there are things I cannot say [laughs]. Let’s just say that it involves goats and a sacrifice. GS: What is the genesis of the “dragapella beautyshop quartet” tagline? BS: I don’t think I’ve ever been asked that before. The important thing to remember about dragapella is that the term is trademarked. GS: Good for you guys! When did you discover first your talent for singing ability? BS: The fact that I could carry a tune was something of a miracle. I did eye the milk-

man frequently when I was a child to see if he could sing. I played several musical instruments and kept quitting one for another. My interests in that date back to early childhood. Whether it’s a talent is another question entirely. GS: In terms of your brilliant parody lyrics, who are some of your influences? BS: Honestly, I don’t have any good or bad influences. My own sort of structure of parody is a set of rules I established for myself. It’s not difficult to steal someone else’s tune and then put other words to it. The challenge, I think, is to use someone else’s tune and rhyme strTucture and subvert their intention by changing the lyrics as little as possible to change the meaning as much as possible. That’s something I started doing and then it became my own standard. No one else can be blamed or defamed as a role model. GS: “Eight Is Enough,” The Kinsey Sicks’ most recent album, came out in 2016, before the most recent presidential election. Since that time, has the election of Trump and Pence provided you with enough material to fill a new album? BS: No, not a new album. Because we write songs that will get performed months or years later, the latest outrage of the day is not prone to songwriting. Randy Rainbow, who is fantastic, usually goes on YouTube and does something (more immediate). We try to do song with longevity. I’ll give you an example of something I had an idea for, which I haven’t done yet, but I still could. I wanted to write a parody of “Stormy Weather” called “Stormy Daniels”. The problem is that by the time we get it into a coherent show…

The Kinsey Sicks castmates (from top left, clockwise) are: Spencer Brown/Trampolina, Jeff Manabat/ Trixie, Nathan Marken/Winnie and Benjamin Schatz/Rachel. (Photo Credit: The Kinsey Sicks)

GS: …she’ll just be a footnote. BS: Exactly! There’ll be so many more outrageous things that Trump has done that the song will be out of date. We try to do stuff that picks up on broader

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themes. For example, our song “I Wanna Be A Republican.” We just did a TV pilot in which we did that song. That song was written in 2006. Sadly, everything in that song feels as if it was written today. I would have liked to have been forced

to change the lyrics because it no longer applies. GS: When it comes to the Trumps, is anything off-limits? BS: Re-election. GS: Yes. How about in terms of the current show “Things You Shouldn’t Say?” BS: As we like to say about this show, “If you like Donald Trump, you’ll hate this show”. GS: As a lawyer in your life outside of The Kinsey Sicks, what do you think of Robert Mueller? BS: First of all, I have to say the sex isn’t bad. But his pillow talk leaves a lot to be desired. “I can’t talk about. No, I can’t talk about that.” I think we’re all placing a whole lot of faith in him. Apart from the fact that the entire future of democracy rests on his shoulders, he’s kind of an unimportant person. GS: Word on the street is that Rachel will be retiring from touring with The Kinsey Sicks. Why, Rachel, why? BS: I thought after 25 years I should give the other gals a chance to perform with someone who actualIy has talent. I’m sure the group will continue to thrive when I stop touring, as I’m going to keep writing for them and desperately need the royalties [laughs]. : : The Kinsey Sicks perform at Winston-Salem Pride on Oct. 13.

Ben Schatz (Photo Credit: The Kinsey Sicks)

Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

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Drugs & Drag Queens: What can you do? Dishing with Buff Faye

BY Buff Faye | CONTRIBUTING WRITER | info@bufffaye.com

Photo Credit: Rawpixel.com via Adobe Stock Nobody talks about it. Every day you see people struggling and being harmed as a result of it. And, yet, many turn their backs and ignore that it is even happening. Why do gay clubs have such an abundance of drug use and abuse? Why is nothing being done about it? I have wanted to write on this topic since I started writing this column nearly five years ago. But for many reasons, I have avoided it. I don’t want to drive off anyone thinking that I am being judgmental or trying to rat them out. Nor do I want to give the impression that I am perfect by any means. So how do we talk about the problem? Who speaks up first? Do we have to wait for a drug overdose or drag queen death? Frankly, I think it is wrong to be quiet on the issue. Statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse show that LGB people are nearly twice as likely to have used an illicit drug in the past year. As a drag queen, I have seen the real impact and the lives ruined. I am tired of seeing people — and especially those I care about — lose their livelihoods, their partners and even their lives as a result of drugs. It is only when people overdose or die that we take illegal drug use seriously and not as a joke. The use of illegal drugs is rampant at parties and in our clubs. Just go into any bathroom after midnight. And, for the record, I’m not talking about marijuana. I have never judged those who do drugs. I have simply asked for those individuals to keep their distance and not involve me. For a variety of reasons, I have never wanted to do drugs or had a reason to even try. But I have found myself wanting to help, because I do care for many of the people who seem stuck on this lethal behavior over time. I have decided we must do more. We have to start somewhere. So what can you do to begin to address the illegal drug use in our LGBTQ community? 1. Name it. Talk about it. Don’t wait to share your opinions with others on the subject. No matter the drug used, it will impact your health and life over time — killing you. AIDS/HIV organizations must

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combat illegal drug use as part of its education and awareness. 2. Don’t be afraid to say no. If you see someone with drugs, it is okay to tell them “no” and walk away. It is also okay to tell them to get out of the bathroom because you’ve got to take a piss. 3. Show your love. This may seem corny, but show your love. People who use and abuse illegal drugs have reasons they make bad choices. High levels of stress, physical abuse, mental health, etc — all of these are factors. Having someone who shows that they care makes a difference. 4. Don’t be an enabler. Tell your friend how you feel about their illegal drug use and how it impacts your friendship. Let them know that they can get help and be there to help. But don’t allow them to keep using you so they can avoid dealing with their drug habit. 5. Be a positive role model. The fact that everyone else is doing it, does not mean you have to do it. You can laugh, dance and have a great time without using illegal drugs, or any alcohol for that matter. Show your friends how you can live and love life without illegal drugs. 6. Take Control. Take responsibility for your life, your health and your safety. Educate yourself and don’t be afraid to get help. DRAG TIP: Silence = Death is true for many things in life. Illegal drug use will lead to an early death and/or other negative health outcomes/effects. Buff Faye calls the Queen City her home and performs to make a difference in this world (and raise money for charities). Find her at your favorite bars and hot spots. Plus don’t forget her monthly Sunday drag brunch and regular Friday night party bus. Learn more at AllBuff.com. Follow on Twitter @BuffFaye

SHOUT OUTS:

Call 24/7 for Drug Rehabilitation at 877-634-9593 and learn more online at DrugAbuse.com.

Can love at 40 be like it was at 20? Tell Trinity

BY Trinity | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Hello Trinity, When I was 20 I fell in love easily. Now I’m 40, and I have trouble letting myself fall in love. Why is it so hard at 40? Yours, Lost Love, Jacksonville, FL Hello Lost Love, Sure, at 20 love meant make-out sessions between classes, excessive listening to their message on the answering machine and comparing pimples. But at 40 love has to compete with long workdays, cellphone malfunctions and comparing muscle pains! However, honey, if you want love at 40 simply make time to find love instead of spending time dreaming about it. Go out more, introduce yourself to more people and, lastly, make more dates. Simply make more time to find love so that feeling love can follow. Never, never, never give up!

qomunity

qonexions

Love, Trinity Hey Trinity, Don’t you think therapy is a waste of time and money? Don’t you think we can get though our problems on our own? Skeptical, Denver, CO Hey Skeptical, Sure, sometimes you can get through it on your own, but at other times you really do need someone smarter to get you through those traumas, tragedies and men. Solving your own problems is sweet, sweetie, but often it’s better to consult a professional to help me — oops, I mean you — to deal with all those no good, cheating, two-faced men. Did I mention men are difficult? (Good therapists are a real blessing. Don’t suffer alone. Find one now and get out the emotion stored up inside! See my cartoon for a solid tip.)

Dearest Trinity, I try to work up the courage to talk to guys that I find attractive, but I always say the wrong thing or nothing at all, plus that overwhelming fear of rejection is awful. How can I get past my shyness? Sincerely, Too Shy For Words, Austin, TX Dearest Too Shy For Words, To get over my shyness, my fear of rejection and my fear of saying the wrong thing, I take improv/acting classes. There are schools in every city. Otherwise, baby, start by a) deep breathing a few times before approaching someone, b) letting your shyness be natural (it’s often cute), and c) start your night off with a martini. God(dess) made martinis and holy water for a reason! Good Luck, Trinity Dear Trinity, I frequently go to bars and chat on apps, but still no bites. What more can I do without spending every waking minute searching for a date/mate? Enough’s Enough, Detroit, MI Dear, Enough’s Enough It’s not enough to hit the bars or chat apps hoping for a bite. Pumpkin, dating is work, and more so, a commitment to yourself. So here are:

Trinity’s Practical Dating Declarations

1. P RACTICE: I promise to date even if “I think” it won’t eventually work out, simply because it builds my character

analysis and intuition. 2. CONSISTENCY: I promise to get back on the dating horse even if I have more than two different bad dates in a row. 3. HELP: I promise to ask friends, relatives and coworkers to set me up on blind dates. 4. PACKAGING: I promise to look and act my best and keep my problems to myself, at least until the fourth date. 5. TIMING: I promise to be on time, be communicative if I’m going to be late, and be open to changing times if they have to. 6. HONESTY: I promise to be as honest as I can about my feelings even if it means telling someone what they don’t want to hear. 7. OBSESSING: I promise not to call more than once a day or leave more than a few text messages in one day’s time! 8. SELF-RESPECT: I promise to date people who treat me with respect and kindness and to treat them the same way. 9. SURVIVAL: I promise to end all bad, self-destructive and/or dangerous situations, even if… (s)he’s good in bed. 10. Lastly, RISK: I promise to give each date a chance even if it means being less: selfrighteous, self-loathing or self-indulgent. 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, Gay Spirituality for the Next Generation! Learn more at telltrinity.com. Send emails to: trinity@telltrinity.com.

space starting at $22: call qnotes for details 704.531.9988

Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

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Gay TV in the Age of Trump Jesse’s Journal

BY Jesse Monteagudo | CONTRIBUTING WRITER In 2005 I wrote a column, “I Want My Gay TV,” about the state of LGBTQ television, with emphasis on two then-new program services: the cable network Logo and the pay-per-view service Here TV. As I wrote back then, ”before Logo and Here TV came along, People of the Rainbow had to make do with programs on mainstream networks. With Logo and Here TV, those of us who want our gay TV can have it 24/7.” Thirteen years later, have things improved? Not so much. In spite of “Will and Grace,” network programs primarily about LGBTQ people remain few and far between in the Age of Trump. On the other hand, many serial dramas and comedies, on both major and cable networks, feature at least

one LGBTQ character. One of queer TV’s current triumphs is out comedian Kate McKinnon, formerly of Logo’s “Big Gay Sketch Show,” who now shines as one of the stars of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” Two of the best LGBTQ-inclusive series, both on the FX channel, are produced by Ryan Murphy, the openly-gay creator of “Glee.” “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” the second season of Murphy’s “American Crime Story,” dealt with the events leading to the famed designer’s death (1997), as lived by Versace’s killer, Andrew Cunanan. “Pose,” set in 1987, is about the Black and Latinx, gay and transgender people involved in New York’s ball culture, a world that inspired Madonna’s hit “Vogue.” In the case of “Pose,” Murphy and

his associates made history and won awards by employing openly transgender people of color to work as both cast and crew. Meanwhile, the premium television network Here TV (heretv.com) continues to serve our community well by showcasing LGBTQ films and series in their original, uncensored form. Here TV has the largest LGBTQ library anywhere, or at least on television, with films like “Shelter,” “Little Ashes,” “Free Fall” and “The Falls” along with series like “This Gay House” and the perennial favorite “Dante’s Cove.” Though a subscrip-

Photo Credit: viperagp via Adobe Stock tion to Here TV is still available through most cable providers, you can also watch the network on any device with the Here TV app. While Here TV continues to flourish, Logo (logotv.com) has experienced a sad decline. Launched in 2005 as an all-LGBTQ network, in 2012 Logo shifted its focus toward what it described as general cultural and lifestyle programming. Logo suffered a most severe loss last year when its flagship show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” moved to the more popular network VH1. Today Logo’s programming is mostly limited to reruns of gay-friendly comedies like “The Facts of Life” or “The Golden Girls.” An exception to this sorry state of affairs is Logo’s series of LGBTQ documentary films, which tell the stories of queer individuals or groups who overcome incredible odds. Previous Logo documentaries dealt with the plight of LGBTQ immigrants and the life of celebrity makeup artist, the late Kevyn Aucoin. More recently, Logo has given us “Light in the Water,” about the West Hollywood Aquatics swim team, and “When the Beat Drops,” Jamal Sims’s study of J-Setting and Atlanta’s bucking scene. Both of these documentaries would not be shown anywhere else on television (except, perhaps, on PBS) and almost (but not quite) make me forgive Logo for wasting its time with reruns of “Laverne & Shirley” and “Bewitched.” The future of LGBTQ TV, as with television in general, is with Netflix (“Queer Eye”) and other over-the-top media services. : :

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Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

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Poison ivy, sumac and oak are among the most common poisonous plant species found in the United States. These plants are commonly found in forests, fields, wetlands, streams, roadsides, and even in commonly accessible areas such as backyards and parks. 50 million Americans each year are affected by this form of allergic contact dermatitis, which is an inflammatory skin reaction when exposed to an allergen. Poison ivy produces an oil called urushiol that is released when the leaf or other parts of the plant are bruised, damaged or burned. Exposure to

skin with mild soap and lukewarm water. It is also recommended urushiol is spread basically through anything it touches whether to wear protective clothing/masks, and after contact (with it is by direct or indirect contact. urushiol) immediately remove clothing which should be washed Signs and symptoms of poison ivy rash include redness, with detergent and hot water. Shoes, gloves, jackets, and sports blisters, swelling, itching, and even difficulty breathing if one equipment should also be washed. Another product that may be has inhaled the smoke from a burning poisonous plant. Poison used to apply to the skin as prevention is Ivyblock. ivy often appears in streaks which are correlated with points Remember: “Leaves of three; let it be!” of contact. Sometimes, blisters, or vesicles and bullae as they are often referred to, may break open and release their fluid. References: Oozing and weeping may continue for several days and in the https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/poison-ivy/ late stages, crusts may develop. symptoms-causes/syc-20376485 Although poison ivy contact will naturally resolve in 10-21 http://www.americanskin.org/resource/poisonivy.php days, it is recommended to use self-care products for patient https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/plants/exposure.html relief. Even though treatment does depend on the severity of https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/plants/geographic.html symptoms, products that are recommended are commonly sold over the counter. Treatment options include hydrocortisone 1% cream, calamine, colloid oatmeal, zinc oxide and Zanfel. It is not recommended to use topical antihistamines or topical antibiotics as these will cause the skin to become more sensitive. It is also very important to take preventative measures. Prevention measures include removing the urushiol as (left to right) Poison Ivy, Poison Sumac, Poison Oak soon as possible from the

Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

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‘The Boys of Fairy Town’ Out in Print

Dates, times, and old dead guys. When you were in school, that’s all history was to you: a list of years and names to memorize and then forget, 20 minutes after Finals Week. So maybe now it’s time to find a history book that’s relevant to you — a book like “The Boys of Fairy Town” by Jim Elledge. Because Chicago was considered to be a “largely male frontier city” when it was established in 1837, the Windy City has always been home to a strong population of gay men, cross-dressers and male sex workers. Here, Elledge tells the stories of some of the ones who might otherwise have been forgotten. Take, for instance, John Wing who, says Elledge, “was a sodomite.” That’s the word many post-Civil War Chicagoans would have used for Wing, although most people then only had a vague idea of what a sodomite was. They knew it was something bad, though, even as Wing did something good: he was a faithful diarist and left his volumes for historical posterity. Female impersonators were tolerated in Chicago in the latter 1800s, but sometimes only barely. Those who were most accepted were men who put their feminine sides to work as entertainers; for others, the desire for women’s clothing was meant for strictly private times. For families, such things were often an embarrassment: Elledge cites a story of “Mrs. Noonan,” who was married and worked at a nearby military fort. Despite her final wishes, the “women at the fort” went to prepare her body upon her death and discovered that Mrs. Noonan was a man. Her third husband swore that he hadn’t known, but he was ashamed and killed himself. Gay men posed nude for other gay men in perfectly respectful and artful ways that went mainstream. Newspapers

reported on same-sex love — sometimes kindly, sometimes scandalously. Gay lectures were open to the public; entire neighborhoods became hubs of openly gay life; and living as another gender was easy until, alas, the tide started to turn in the 1940s and being gay could suddenly get a man arrested. … At first blush, it may seem like “The Boys of Fairy Town” is just another historical tome. Dates, times, old dead guys, but look deeper and you’ll see why you should want to read it: it’s bursting with stories that are irresistible. In his introduction, author Jim Elledge explains how he chose the tales he shares in this book, and why recording these stories for public consumption is absolutely essential. In addition to being lively and ever-relevant, the tales show an interesting historical arc of acceptance and persecution, displaying a youthful America that’s just dipping her toes into the pool of difference and duality. Readers are lent a feeling of pride, but may also be particularly affected when Elledge shows the tide turning. “The Boys of Fairy Town” contains nudity, but also the kind of delight you get when you come across a pile of old newspapers in Grandma’s attic: it’s quaint, informative and entertaining. It’s totally worth your time. : :

Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

qnotes

events September 22 Bill Maher

Ovens Auditorium 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte 8 p.m. The comedian behind HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher brings his famously acerbic wit to the Queen City. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets $49-$125. ticketmaster.com/artist/821441.

September 22 ‘Leonard Bernstein at 100’

Dana Auditorium 710 Levi Coffin Dr., Greensboro 8 p.m. Greensboro Symphony Orchestra music director Dmitry Sitkovetsky steps down from the conductor’s podium and picks up his violin to celebrate the renowned composer’s centennial. The program will include Bernstein’s Candide overture, Serenade violin concerto, and symphonic dances from West Side Story, along with Mahler’s Blumine. Tickets $6-$46. greensborosymphony.org/events.

September 22 ‘OUTright’s Amazing Race’

OUTright Youth Center 748 4th St. SW, Hickory 9 a.m. The 2nd annual Amazing Race fundraising event for OUTright Youth of the Catawba Valley sees teams competing in a series of

September - October 2018 Submit your events: editor@goqnotes.com

challenges throughout the Hickory area, plus a costume contest with cash prizes at stake. Registration $25 per person, with 2-4 people per team. outrightsamazingrace.com.

at 11 a.m. followed by the early afternoon parade, then main stage performances beginning at 2 p.m. prideindurham.org.

September 26-30 Charlotte Film Festival

First Ward Park 7th St. & Brevard St., Charlotte 7:30 a.m. The American Heart Association invites Carolinians to combat heart disease and stroke with this event centered around a threemile walk, also including kids’ activities, CPR demonstrations, free health checks, healthy snacks and more. Walkers can register individually or in teams, or join existing teams, and can opt to participate in the full-length course or take a one-mile alternative route. Strollers, wheelchairs, wagons, and dogs on leashes are all welcome. Check-in begins 7:30 a.m. followed by opening ceremonies at 8:30. Walkers set out at 9 a.m. charlotteheartwalk.org.

Ayrsley Grand Cinemas 9110 Kings Parade Blvd., Charlotte Various times The Charlotte Film Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary showcasing independent film from around the world. Individual screening general admission $10, $9 for students with valid ID. Allaccess passes including admission to all film screenings and exclusive events $150, advance purchase required. charlottefilmfestival.org.

September 28-29 ‘The Music of Elton John’

Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 7:30 p.m. The Charlotte Symphony joins forces with Grammy- and Tony nominee Michael Cavanaugh to put a new spin on Elton John’s greatest hits. Tickets $37-$167. charlottesymphony.org/events

September 29 Pride: Durham, NC Parade & Festival

Duke University East Campus 11 a.m.–4 p.m. The successor to NC Pride kicks off its inaugural event with an opening ceremony and prayer

September 29 2018 Greater Charlotte Heart Walk

October 2 Troye Sivan: The Bloom Tour

Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd., Charlotte 7:30 p.m. Sivan joins special guests Kim Petras and Leland. The event will take place rain or shine. Tickets $29.50 and up. bit.ly/TroyeSivanCharlotte.

October 4-7 OUT at the Movies International LGBT Film Fest

Winston-Salem The 15th annual OUT at the movies festival and awards feature live appearances by filmmakers and actors including Wes Ramsey of “Latter Days.” Individual screening passes $10, all-inclusive festival passes $75. Tickets for Del Shores’ one-man show “Six Characters in Search of a Play,” $25. outatthemovieswinston.org.

October 4-27 ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’

October 7: Public opening: ‘African-Print Fashion Now!

Music and art activities accompany the opening of the Mint’s “AfricanPrint Fashion Now! A Story of Taste, Globalization, and Style.” The new exhibit “introduces visitors to a dynamic and diverse dress tradition and the increasingly interconnected fashion worlds that it inhabits.” From 2-3 p.m. meet featured designers Titi Ademola and Alexis Temomanin. Light reception to follow. Museum general admission $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Rd., Charlotte. 1-5 p.m. Photo Credit: Ikiré Jones mintmuseum.org/events/public-opening-african-print-fashion-now.

qnotes

Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

Hadley Theater at Queens University 2132 Radcliffe Ave., Charlotte 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday In the latest production from Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, a teenage prodigy sets out to discover the killer of his neighbor’s dog after he himself is accused. The winner of five Tony Awards is based on the novel of the same name. Pay-what-you-can preview Oct. 4, 50 percent off admission Oct. 5-6. Ticket prices $28-$40 thereafter. Talkbacks will be hosted Oct. 11 and 18. The Oct.

October 10-November 4: ‘Hamilton’

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop musical biography of founding father Alexander Hamilton is the Queen City’s most anticipated show of the season. Tickets $75-$600. Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. Various times. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/Hamilton. 21 performance will offer ASL interpretation. atcharlotte.org/curious-incident.

October 5-7 Manhattan Short Film Festival

Northwest School of the Arts 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday NWSA joins more than 300 venues across the world in screening finalists’ entries to the 21st annual Manhattan Short Film Festival. Reserved seats $10, available online, with 50 percent of proceeds to benefit the Northwest School of the Arts Foundation. inspirenorthwest.org.

October 6 Race for the Cure

S. Mint St., Charlotte 6:30 a.m. The Susan G. Komen Foundation’s 2018 Race for the Cure opens with early morning registration and packet pick-up before the 5K walk/ run and one-mile Fun Run at 7:45 a.m. The event will also feature a kids’ FunZone, 50 yard dash, Survivor Village and Parade, team activities, music and more. Advance registration available online. Participants may register individually, or establish or join a team. komencharlotte.org.

October 6 Liberating Theologies Conference

Charlotte Museum of History 3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte 8 a.m.–4 p.m. The Freedom Center for Social Justice ‘Do No Harm’ Initiative presents its inaugural gathering focusing on queer, activist, and black liberation theologies. Tickets $50-$75. All ages welcome. fcsj.org. bit.ly/theologies2018.

October 11 The Art of Fashion Fall Runway Report Neiman Marcus

4400 Sharon Rd., Charlotte 6:30-9 p.m. The Mint Museum collaborates with the luxury retailer for a special event featuring food, music and more, with 10 percent of proceeds to benefit the Mint Museum Annual Report. Tickets $50. mintmuseum.org/events/the-art-offashion-fall-runway-report.

October 11-13 ‘Fall Works’

Charlotte Ballet 701 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday The Charlotte Ballet’s autumn offering is a triple feature composed of Fancy Free, choreographed by Jerome Robbins with a score by Leonard Bernstein; a new piece by Charlotte Ballet Resident Choreographer Sasha Janes, also set to Bernstein’s music; and Petite Cérémonie, choreographed by Medhi Walerski. Tickets $25$95 general admission. Saturday’s afternoon presentation is a special family-oriented event featuring pre-show activities beginning at 1 p.m., an abbreviated one-hour performance and more. Tickets $15 for children. charlotteballet.org/tickets/fallworks.

October 20 AIDS Walk & 5K Run

Dorothea Dix Park 795 Dawkins Dr., Raleigh 9 a.m. This year’s event, featuring music, food, awards, door prizes and an after-race party, will benefit the Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina, NC AIDS Action Network, the LGBT Center of Raleigh and the Crape Myrtle Festival. Individuals and teams of all fitness levels are welcome. Registration $25 for the untimed walk or a “virtual runner” donation, $30 for the timed race, through Sept. 18; $30/$35 Sept. 18–Oct. 19; $35/$40 day of event. aidswalkand5krun.itsyourrace.com.

life

REGULAR EVENTS

Our People: Rep. Cecil Brockman

Charlotte LGBT Chamber

Regular business meetings, social events and other activities throughout the year. Days and times vary. info: clgbtcc.org.

PFLAG Concord/Kannapolis

Meets for monthly group support meetings, second Tuesday of each month, 7-9 p.m., Trinity United Church of Christ, 38 Church St. N., Concord. info: bit.ly/1pCFVBq.

PFLAG Gaston

Meets for monthly support meetings, third Thursday of each month, 7 p.m., St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 258 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia. info: pflaggaston.org.

Prime Timers

Monthly meeting including dinner, speaker, games and more for gay men ages 21 and up, 5-7 p.m., Park Road Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 3900 Park Rd., Charlotte. info: primetimersww.com/charlotte/.

Stonewall Sports

Regular team sports, meet-up, social and service events throughout the year. Days and times vary. info: stonewallcharlotte.leagueapps.com.

Trans Youth Group

Time Out Youth Center hosts weekly discussion groups for transgender youth ages 13-20 each Thursday, 4:306 p.m., 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. info: timeoutyouth.org.

Transcend Charlotte

Hosts twice monthly support groups for partners, friends and family of transgender and gender non-conforming adults ages 18 and older, second and fourth Sundays of each month, 6-7 p.m., Time Out Youth Center, 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte. Prior to each meeting an anxiety support group is offered 5-6 p.m. info: transcendcharlotte.org.

UPDATES/ADDITIONS?

Do you have a regular and reoccurring community event you’d like listed? A listing to update? Email us at editor@ goqnotes.com.

North Carolina State Legislator

BY Torie Dominguez | qnotes staff writer

ncumbent Democrat and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) graduate Cecil Brockman, 34, traveled from his native High Point in 2014 to take up his newly-won post in the North Carolina General Assembly. As a member of the state’s House of Representatives for District 60, he has established a reputation for progressivism, championing social and economic justice initiatives with an emphasis on education. Rep. Brockman sits on the House Select Committee on Redistricting and serves as a member of the Committee on Education Appropriations, and as vice-chairman of the Committee on K-12 Education. He has acted as first primary sponsor of bills to repeal HB2, plus he helped to expand police use of body-worn cameras, established universal healthcare and provided free meals to students from low-income households. Now seeking re-election, Rep. Brockman takes a break from the campaign trail to speak with qnotes about his first two terms in office as well as what’s at stake this November. You advocate raising the minimum wage. Given what you know about the cost of living in North Carolina, what do you consider a living wage? At the very least we need an increase to the current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. I was a cosponsor of HB289 that would increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2022, which I think is a good goal. You’ve made improving education a focal point of your personal legislative agenda, in a state whose spending on education, including teacher pay, ranks near the lowest in the nation. How can we increase student achievement, and where should we get the money to pay teachers fairly? We absolutely need to increase our teacher pay and per-pupil spending to make our state competitive in the region and the country. However, this is a first step. I believe we need to give every student options so that kids from a certain zip code are not confined to a failing school year after year. I think increased spending and better accountability will lead to better outcomes for students. Sex education lies at the intersection of multiple areas of debate, LGBTQ issues. What kind of sex ed curriculum, do you believe would be most beneficial to students? I think we need a comprehensive program that teaches students about safe sex and preventing pregnancy and the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases. What have been your greatest victories since taking office? After the General Assembly passed the discriminatory SB2, which would allow magistrates to recuse themselves from officiating same-sex marriages, I was gaveled down trying to apologize to the LGBT citizens of North Carolina. This was a time when I knew using my voice to fight was important and I am glad I did so. Also, getting money in the state budget for a grant program for police body cameras was an important victory for me as I think we

need to have more transparency and accountability when it comes to interactions between law enforcement and our communities. What have you tried to achieve but not yet been able to? There is a long list of sound progressive legislation that I will always fight for and would like to see happen. Automatic voter registration, a more progressive tax code, expanded free breakfast and lunch in schools and a single payer health system are just a few. It’s not difficult to identify topics that are infamous for their ability to polarize. Are there any issues you’ve found to have the opposite effect? I think that every person in the General Assembly would agree that education is one of our highest priorities. While we often disagree on how to deliver quality education to every student, we are usually starting from the same place as far as intention goes and that can be helpful in our work. On a personal note, when and why did you make the decision to come out publicly as bisexual? Was it significant that you chose to do so before you were elected, rather than waiting until your position was more certain? My decision to come out was spurred by an incident of harassment while I was eating dinner with an openly gay couple in 2016. As I watched how they were treated because of their sexuality, I felt it was important that other LGBT people across the state knew they had someone fighting for them. Do you feel this has influenced the way you’ve been treated by fellow legislators, or others with whom you’ve had professional dealings? As a young, black member of the minority party in the General Assembly, I already knew what it was like to be overlooked and underestimated. My decision to come out may have contributed to that with some people, but overall my relationships with people stayed the same. Finally, with election day approaching, some argue one vote can’t sway an election. What would you say to these people? Elections are about more than just winning and losing. They are the foundation of our democracy and allow us to have a chance to participate in representative government. You should vote to express your views and priorities. : :

Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018

qnotes

Sept. 21-Oct. 4 . 2018