QNotes, September 22, 2017 by QnotesCarolinas

Sept. 22-Oct. 5 . 2017

qnotes

Sept. 22-Oct. 5 . 2017

inside

qnotes news & features

The annual NC Pride festivities are going local this year due to a scheduling issue which prompted controversy. page 5

5 NC Pride Preview & Controversy 6 News Notes: Regional Briefs 8 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs

Edith Windsor dies goqnotes.com/53130 Sept. 12

a&e / life&style

Modern DragEntertainment Ethics Visual Artists Review: ‘The Christians’ Fall A&E Across Carolinas Bluegrass Inclusion, Diversity Dishing with Buff Faye Changing My Reflection Tell Trinity Q Events Calendar Our People: Charlton Alicea

opinions & views

4 Letter to the Editor 5 Spiritual Reflections

qnotes

Ex-candidate alleges corruption arts. entertainment. news. views. goqnotes.com/53162 Sept. 13

arts. news.Murder views. 4 entertainment. Derrick Banner

9 10 12 13 20 23 24 25 26 27

online

NC Pride’s ‘a changing!

more news & features …

Tips to spot false allies goqnotes.com/53116 Sept. 12 New LGBTQ movies on Netflix goqnotes.com/52910 Sept. 7

‘The Christians’ Review

Bluegrass Music

Performance challenges audience views and creates opportunity to have live dialogue. page 12

Business leader shares how to promote inclusion and diversity through Bluegrass Music. page 20

Robert E Lee IV condemns racism goqnotes.com/52924 Sept. 6

Sept. 22-Oct. 5 . 2017

qnotes

qnotes connect Sept. 22-Oct. 5, 2017 Vol 32 No 11

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

contributors this issue

Buff Faye, Maria Dominguez, Stan Kimer, Lynette Matusik, Lainey Millen, Bishop Tonyia Rawls, Jeff Taylor, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography: albertiniz via Adobe Stock 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 Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media, ph 212.242.6863 Managing Editor: Jim Yarbrough, editor@goqnotes.com Assoc. Editor: Lainey Millen, specialassignments@goqnotes.com Social Media Editor: Jeff Taylor, jeff@goqnotes.com Staff Writer: Maria Dominguez, maria@goqnotes.com Production: Lainey Millen, x205, production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper.

Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2017 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.

Police Beat

Transgender woman Derricka Banner shot and killed in Charlotte She is the second known transgender woman of color to be murdered in Charlotte this year by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —Derricka Banner, 26, was found shot and killed in a vehicle around 3 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 12, in northwest Charlotte. Banner, who also went by Ms. Bow Bow, is believed to be at least the 20th known transgender person murdered this year in the U.S., most transgender women of color, and the city’s 64th homicide of the year. Montavious Sanchez Berry, 18, was arrested later that night and is being charged with murder, armed robbery and shooting into an occupied vehicle, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said in a statement. The shooting occurred in the 1400 block of Rosetta St., not far from the Northwest School of the Arts. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police spokesman Robert Tufano said Berry and Banner “had communicated on previous occasions.” A search warrant was released on Sept. 15 that revealed Banner and Berry had communicated via text message to set up a sexual encounter. Berry was the last person Banner texted before being killed, and her phone is said to have contained a video of the two “engaged in sexual activity,” taken 30 minutes prior to the shooting, WBTV reported. Banner’s friend, another transgender woman, identified only as Tooker, was hiding in the trunk of the car, as Berry told her to come alone. She reported hearing her friend saying, “Don’t point it at me like that,” before hearing two gunshots. “He’s a coward, he doesn’t know who he is,” Tooker said. “He tried something, didn’t like it, and couldn’t live with it.” Police said in a statement on Sept. 14 that there has “been no information or evidence gathered at this point of the investigation to indicate” that Banner’s murder was “because of gender identity.” The statement added that CMPD was communicating with the FBI. An FBI spokeswoman in Charlotte said that

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Derricka Banner is believed to be at least the 20th transgender person killed in the U.S. in 2017.

the agency is not involved in the investigation. As North Carolina’s state hate crime laws do not include protections on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, the federal government has to bring charges for it to be considered on those grounds. The murder occurred right before Charlotte hosted NC Trans Pride, where Banner was among those honored and remembered. A number of national, state and local organizations have also marked Banner’s passing. “A sad moment for our community. This is why we must continue fighting harder for a

more trans-affirming culture in our local communities,” said MeckPAC. Equality North Carolina noted that transgender people “are facing a national epidemic of violence.” The Human Rights Campaign extended “its sincere condolences to Banner’s family and friends during this difficult time” in a statement mourning her passing published on its website. Earlier this year, Sherrell Faulkner, another black transgender woman, died of injuries sustained from an assault that took place in November of 2016. : :

letters to the editor Send your letters (please keep 200 words or less) or guest commentaries (600 words or less) to letters@goqnotes.com. All letters must be signed with your first and last name and your city/state. We do not accept unsigned letters or commentaries. In response to the article, “Charlotte mayoral candidate wants voters to know she’s white and opposes LGBTQ rights,” published online on Sept. 1 at goqnotes.com/52847. Go ahead Charlotte and vote Kimberley Paige Barnette in as your mayor, and watch Karma engulf your town like it did Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities were destroyed for their lack of hospitality and kindness and acceptance. You don’t have to agree with the LGBTQI community to realize you still must treat every one of them with the love Christ instructed you to. Not love you think they should have because of who

they are, but the one God gave solid description and instruction of in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. And God told us to love — even those we see as our enemy — his kind of love, his example of love. For Kimberley Paige Barnette to say she would stand against the LGBTQI community should be an immediate vote against her, her fear and her hate. Her declaration that she is “REPUBLICAN & SMART, WHITE, TRADITIONAL.” should also be an indication of her intentions. Haven’t we had enough of these kinds of hearts and minds in our government? Let’s grow in love for once, instead of allowing others to stir our fear. Laurie Todd, Olathe, Kansas

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news

Pride 2017

NC Pride alters 2017 celebration Conflict with Jewish High Holiday prompts changes, backlash by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

RALEIGH, N.C. — The NC Pride festival will be held on Sept. 30 and has been dubbed NC Pride @ Night 2017. This year’s event will be held in Raleigh, N.C. and Durham, N.C. as an evening street festival from 4 p.m.-4 a.m. The 33rd annual LGBTQ celebration will be celebrated across the Triangle in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro either publicly or privately. This deviation from the normal day of a festival on Duke University’s campus and a parade followed by evening celebrations across the Triangle was a compromise by the NC Pride organizers due to the scheduled date being the same as the Jewish observance of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), the holiest day of the year. For up to 12 hours, festival goers will enjoy the camaraderie of friends, food, vendors, parties and shows while having fun under rainbow night skies along Harrington St. (between Hargett St. and Morgan St.) in Raleigh and Rigsbee Ave. (between Corporation St. and Greer St.) in Durham. In Raleigh, Legends, 330 W. Hargett St., will host the capital’s celebration with three days of festivities. And, guest host for Sept. 29 and 30 is Lance Bass. It begins on Sept. 29 with a celebrity social meet and greet at 8 p.m., TurnUp Friday with host Jazmine Brooks at 9 p.m. with featured local entertainers, a $10K Giveaway from 9:3010:15 p.m., spotlight divas and PhiPhi O’Hara from 10:15-11 p.m. followed by pop-up performances and a Foam Dance Party at 11 p.m. The following evening, it is partnering with NC Pride’s street festival where food trucks, vendors and more are available from 4-10 p.m. and will have its block party tent entertainment at 8 p.m. at the View Bar and Gameroom parking lot, 119 S. Harrington St. In addition to this it is partnering with Pardon Moi French as they produce live drag performances on the NC Pride @ Night street stage from 6-8:30 p.m. Admission to the stage area is $10. At 8:30 p.m., Legends will hold its former house cast review show hosted by Jakki

Knight. Then Jaremi Carey takes the stage as he performs from his latest album and covers some favorite hits. At 10:10 p.m., stay for a spotlight divas special show with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Miss Peppermint closing out the tent stage performances. Another spotlight divas showcase will occur at 12 a.m. followed by the N.C. major statewide titleholders review show which includes a diverse lineup. Round out the evening with pop-up performances from other entertainers. Finish off the weekend at 10 p.m. with Sinful Sunday with GoGo Boys and special guest Pablo Hernandez at the club. Ticket options include general admission, pit pass and VIP lounge (which is the only place to purchase liquor during the street festival). Costs range from $25-$55 to the various paid events and can be purchased online at bit.ly/2fbUOdV. Flex, 2 S. West St., will join in the festivities with an Asheville Invasion on Sept. 28, GoGoThon on Sept. 29 with eight GoGo dancers and a Pride dance on Sept. 30 with DJ Marvyy Marvv (no cover with three dog tags from September events). For more information, visit flex-club.com. In Durham, The Bar, 711 Rigsbee Ave., will host the celebration with local entertainment,

addressing the concerns of Jewish communities, but also changes the entire tone of the event by 1) splitting the event across two different cities versus bringing everyone together, and 2) eliminating the kid-friendly Parade and the Festival on the Duke campus, making it feel less accessible to caregivers and young people. Moreover, subsequent demands for a more accountable and transparent process from the organizers of NC Pride were unheard and ignored by Mr. John Short and the NC Pride organizing committee.” The coalition also had questions about NC Pride’s 501[c] 3 tax status and how the organization is funded, among others. (see qnotes coverage on this issue at goqnotes.com/11513 and goqnotes.com/24904) It also stated that it was not happy with NC Pride’s “lack of transparency & accountability and an underrepresentation of historically marginalized communities.” It added, “We Controversy clouds believe, that it is not only possible but imperathe celebration tive that we uplift the connections between So, the celebration will go on, albeit not the lack of accountability experienced at this in the same way it has in the past: no parade, year’s NC Pride committee with years prior and no campus festival and no opportunity for begin to engage in conversations and overall the community to gather at one location for a visioning about what a more inclusive Pride portion of the day before heading to evening event can look like in North Carolina. … By events across the Triangle. abstaining from this year’s NC Pride Unfortunately, the comon September 30th, we will instead promise did not go as hoped invest in safe spaces, continued for NC Pride organizers. In conversations, and ongoing acfact, there was a backlash tion to transform ourselves, our from the Jewish and allied organizations, our communities and community, many of whom our state through this work. … We have marched in the annual look forward to working collectively parade in recent years, which with you [NC Pride] to build not prompted the formation of only a Pride event, but a state in #LiberateNCpride, a coalition which all LGBTQ people are able which includes some 30 to celebrate life free from fear and different organization and oppression.” The full text can be individuals across the state. In a statement made by John Short read at bit.ly/2xGd2fz. Carolina Jews for Justice Wake #LiberateNCpride it said: “The Photo Credit: Pam’s House Blend County Chair Josh Orol shared with implementation of ‘NC Pride the Durham Hearld-Sun that the compromise @ Night,’ as a possible solution to the scheduling of NC Pride on Yom Kippur offered by NC Pride’s leadership, not only misses the mark in see NC Pride on 9 food trucks, street vendors and more. At 9 .m. it will present a onehour live concert performance by Big Freedia. Tickets are available online until Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. at thebardurham.com/bigfreedia and range from $25-$250. Accommodations are being handled for out-of-town guests and those who want to party without worrying about driving home at: Raleigh — Sheraton Raleigh Hotel., 919-834-9900; Durham — Double Tree Hilton, 919-941-6000 and Millennium Hotel, 919-383-8575; and Chapel Hill — Hampton Inn, 919-968-3000. Be sure to ask for NC Pride rates at each property.

spiritual reflections by Bishop Tonyia M. Rawls :: guest contributor

Adam was a girl and other musings “God made Adam and Eve and Not Adam and Steve” is a line that many gay men and lesbians heard at some point in their life journey. It was used to suggest that same-gender love was against the male dominate/female subordinate relationship. As simple as that phrase may seem, it has caused so much pain in a community already pained by the ignorance, fear and mean spirit of many within the Christian community. Well, I am here to set the record straight…Adam was a girl. In Genesis 5:1-2 there is a hidden gem that we rarely hear clerics talk about or preach on. The scripture reads: 5:1 “This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;” 2 “Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.” It is understandable why this passage is rarely used. If we embrace this text then we have to rethink gender justice and the very image of God. God, both womb and seed; God, both masculine and feminine. While I am using gender in this reflec-

tion to disrupt the narrative that Adam was only an expression of the maleness of God, God is a Spirit and that Spirit cannot be understood in simple human binary terms like male and female. The gender box we use is too limiting when thinking of God, however, if we must use gender, let us use it in a manner that reflects more than just a white haired, old, straight white man, sitting on a throne waiting to pass harsh judgment on anyone who messes up. “The Benson Commentary” states that, “He gave this name both to the man and the woman. Being at first one by nature.” There was no separation between God and humanity or humanity with itself. In this current environment where Christian text is used to build wedges and the religious “right” often lands on the wrong side of justice and equality, I encourage my LGBTQ family to hold your head high, and celebrate the fact that we are all children of God in equal standing with all of our other siblings in the human family.

When Jesus died on the cross, He rebooted humanity’s relationship with God. Apostle Paul said it best in his letter to the church in Galatia, “The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith.” 25 “And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian.” 26 “For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” … 28 “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” While Christian scripture and references were used in this reflection, it is important to note that God is bigger than any one religion or school of thought. The principals of Divine love and acceptance are universal, so go on out Adam, and be your fierce, free self! : : — Bishop Tonyia M. Rawls is the pastor of Sacred Souls Community Church (United Church of Christ) in Charlotte, N.C. and founder/executive director of The Freedom Center for Social Justice.

Sept. 22-Oct. 5 . 2017

qnotes

news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

Senior cohousing progress noted DURHAM, N.C. — Village Hearth Cohousing is moving closer to becoming a reality now that it has completed design workshops and met its new neighbors. The 28-home development is the first 55 plus cohousing community for LGBTQ individuals, friends and allies in the U.S., its founding member Margaret Roesch said. It received city council approval in June. Completion of the six design workshops is a benchmark along the road to the actual construction of the neighborhood. They included detailing the community’s site plan, common house plans, private home floor plans, and a variety of shared spaces dotting the land such as art studios and gardens. Roesch shared, “We can already see ourselves stepping onto the pedestrian walkway and greeting our neighbors on the way to have morning coffee, pull weeds in the garden, exercise or take a stroll around our 15 acres.” To that end, in late August cohousing architect Charles Durrett presented a public talk on cohousing, and in the final workshops, recommended products from door handles to solar panels and floor tiles to HVAC systems were presented to members. Features were prioritized to make the community fully customArchitect Chuck Durrett discusses ized, reflecting the values in what and how develophousing issues at a recent public talk. ers plan to build the community. Roesch added that on the top of the list were enhanced energy and sound control, fiber-optic Internet, solar panels and electric car charging stations. Other items more along the vein of “creature comforts” will be offered as optional upgrades. Currently, there are 10 fully invested households and six on the exploration level. Cohousing enables its residents to have a blend of privacy while fostering camaraderie among its community members. The site consists of single-story attached homes nestled on a 15-acre wooded plot of land. It is located 20 minutes from downtown Durham, N.C. and a quarter mile from the Eno River recreational area, connected by a foot path. The next steps on the list to tackle include completion of construction drawings by the architect, partnering with a developer, obtaining a construction loan, choosing a builder and beginning construction. Groundbreaking is expected next spring with move-in the following year. info: villagehearthcohousing.com.

Charlotte Faith event planned

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NC Faith Forward will be held on Oct. 7, 9 a.m-12 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Charlotte University, 8520 University Executive Park Dr. This event brings LGBTQ-affirming individuals of faith in Charlotte, N.C. and North Mecklenburg County to strategize about the future of the community. Included in the activities will be relationship building, storytelling skills tips and faithful action taken. The NC Faith Forward Coalition is an LGBTQ-affirming faith coalition working to make North Carolina a more just and inclusive home for all LGBTQ individuals. The coalition consists of seven organizations: Believe Out Loud, Equality North Carolina, Faith in Public Life, The Freedom Center for Social Justice, Many Voices: A Black Church Movement for Gay and Transgender Justice, More Light Presbyterians and the National LGBTQ Task Force. Registration is available online. info: bit.ly/2haiHzz.

Future put ‘on the table’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Oct. 25, the On the Table CLT will take place across Mecklenburg County in order to discuss how to collaboratively build and maintain a more connected,

qnotes

inclusive and opportunity-rich community, organizers Community Building Initiative and Foundation for the Carolinas announced. The event will bring thousands of individuals together in small groups to “generate ideas, inspire solutions and cultivate relationships and collaborations to strengthen Mecklenburg County.” The initiative is a partnership with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Foundation for the Carolinas. Charlotte was one of 10 cities from across the U.S. chosen to replicate the On the Table initiative this year with funding from the Knight foundation. The target goal is to have 5,000 individuals of all ages participate in more than 500 small groups on the event date. Social media will serve as a connection point as well at #OnTheTableCLT. Area companies, organizations, etc., are encouraged to become a host. Details on how to accomplish this are available online. At the events’ conclusion, participants will be asked to complete a brief email survey to learn more about their experiences in the project. info: onthetableclt.org.

PFLAG sponsors cookout

CONCORD/KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Concord/ Kannapolis will welcome MTV’s “Promposal” couple Brandon Caddell and Noah Ambrose who reside in Moore County at the Oct. 10

Sept. 22-Oct. 5 . 2017

meeting at 7 p.m. at Trinity United Church of Christ, 38 Church St., in Concord, N.C. The couple will share their story with attendees. The following day the organization will sponsor a cookout for Cabarrus County and Kannapolis City Schools Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA) on Oct. 11, 3 p.m., at Frank Liske Park, 4001 Stough Rd., in Concord, N.C. All GSAs, their advisors and Time Out Youth Cabarrus County staff are welcome to attend. info: ckpflag@gmail.com.

Freedman-Gurspan has worked in non-profit and government sectors for nearly a decade. A graduate of St. Olaf College in Minnesota, she was adopted from Honduras and grew up in Brookline, Mass. The event includes awards presentations, dinner and dancing. Tickets are now available online and are going quickly. Visit one.bidpal.net/encgala/ ticketing to learn more. info: equalitync.org.

Triangle

AIDS walk registration opens

Center awardees named

RALEIGH, N.C.. — The LGBT Center of Raleigh, 324 S. Harrington St., has released four of the six 2017 award recipient names for its Oct. 6 awards gala. Mayor Nancy McFarlane has received the LGBTQ Ally of the Year award. She has “been there for us,” the center shared, when it needed to file for a new permit or secure other services for Out! Raleigh. “Because she believes in the value of every individual in Raleigh, we’ve always known that she has our back for important issues that affect our community,” the center added. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic has been given the designation of Organization of the Year. The organization has been at the forefront of providing compassionate care for everyone in a judgment-free environment, especially the LGBTQ community, the center shared. Holly Owens has been named Program Volunteer of the Year. She has run and maintained the Raleigh Allies program at the center and has shown commitment to it, the center and the community. Alex Thomas will receive the Center Volunteer of the Year award. His tenure with the center began in 2013 fresh out of college from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He chose to volunteer to “learn how to be more gay,” he shared. As of press time, the recipients of the Distinguished Service Award and Rising Star of the Year had not been released. qnotes will provide updates as they are received. Tickets are $125 through September and go up to $150 in October. They are available for purchase online. The gala to be held at the Sheraton Hotel Downtown Raleigh, 421 S. Salisbury St., beginning at 7 p.m. info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

Gala tickets go live

RALEIGH, N.C. — The annual AIDS Walk & 5K Run will take place on Oct. 21, 8 a.m., at Dix Park and registration is now open for those who participate in the fundraiser for the Alliance of AIDS Services - Carolinas, the LGBT Center of Raleigh, Crape Myrtle Festival and NC AIDS Action Network. All fitness levels are welcome to participate individually or as a team. Additionally, organizers “encourage everyone to participate in non-traditional running/walking attire. Don’t want to get dressed the morning of the Walk? Wear your pajamas. Always wanted to run as your favorite Super Hero? Go for it. Tutus and Tiaras? Of course. Into the onesie craze? Wear it to the Walk. Drag? Yas Kween!” Prizes will be awarded to the best Individual Alternative Apparel and the Best Team Alternative Apparel. info: bit.ly/2hbvXYu.

Triad Pride fest around corner

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Pride WinstonSalem Festival, Parade & Food Truck Rodeo will be held on Oct. 14 and is in its final preparations for the celebration. The festivities begin on Oct. 13 with a kickoff party at 7 p.m. at the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, 401 N. Main St. Attendees will be able to enjoy live performances, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and silent auction. Tickets start at $40 and are available online. On Oct. 14, the Pride Winston-Salem Festival and Parade will be held from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Trade St. in the Downtown Arts District. Keep the festival spirit going and head out to the After Party at 9 p.m. at Hawthorne Inn and Convention Center, 421 High St. Admission is $15/advance online and $20/at the door. Enjoy music, drinks, pop-up show, Girl Squad and special guests. Applications for parade spots and festival vendors are still being accepted to Oct. 1 and are available online. info: pridews.org.

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Equality North Carolina 2017 Equality Gala will be held on Oct. 21 at the downtown Raleigh Marriott, 500 Fayetteville St. Keynote speaker for the event is Raffi South Carolina Freedman-Gurspan, director of external relations at the National Center for Transgender Org hosts gala Equality, where she oversees CHARLESTON, S.C. — The 2017 public education and field orgaAlliance for Full Acceptance Gala, nizing operations. Together for Equality, will be held Freedman-Gurspan was on Oct. 14, 6 p.m., at the Charleston the first openly transgender Gaillard Center Grand Ballroom, 95 staff person to work at the Calhoun St. White House. Attendees can enjoy a cocktail She has also served as a sereception, silent auction, seated dinnior associate director for public ner, entertainment, live auction and engagement, where she served after party. as the primary liaison to the Tickets are available online. LGBTQ community, and outreach Raffi Freedman-Gurzpan info: affa-sc.org. and recruitment director for Pride fest to hit Columbia presidential personnel at the White House from COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Pride, 2015-2017. She currently sits on the United States Famously Hot!, will be held from Oct. 20-21 in Holocaust Memorial Council as an appointee the states capital. named by former President Barack Obama.

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The event kicks off with a preliminary party on Oct. 19, 10 p.m., at PT’s 1109, ,1109 Assembly St., hosted by Veronica La Blank. A $10 contribution is welcome at the door and goes to support the organization. Then, on Oct. 20, head out to the new lighted Nighttime Parade down Main St. which begins at 7 p.m. Bring a group and march or watch from the sidelines. Afterwards, join the Get Lit After Party at the Capital Club, 1002 Gervais St., with a musical performance by Lil’ Kim. Keep the rhythm going with a street dance at the festival in downtown Columbia, DJed by Mimi Imfurst. The evening’s entertainment also includes fireworks. The following day, the festival heats up at 12 p.m. and continues to 9 p.m. Participants can see Betty Who at 4 p.m., Jody Watley & Shalamar Reloaded at 6 p.m., “RuPaul’s Drag Race” personalities Phoenix, Detox, Latrice Royale, Trinity Taylor and Kennedy Davenport at 7 p.m., plus enjoy Sabrina Johnston at 12 p.m. and Paris LeFaris at 1 p.m., Debby Holiday at 2 p.m. Additionally, on-stage speakers and other performers will entertain. Ultra VIP Pride Passes are available for $100 and entitle festival participants to an open bar and catered food, entrance to Aftermath and more. Tickets are available online. The Aftermath will take place at 10 p.m. at the Main Street Public House, 1556 Main St., with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” performances and music by DJ Mimi Imfurst. Cover is $15 or free with a Pride Pass. Prior to the Pride festival, community events will take place across the area: Oct. 15, open house and volunteer reception, 2 p.m., at Harriet Hancock LGBT Center,

1108 Woodrow St.; Oct. 16, Transform Forum & Reception, 7 p.m., Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St.; Oct. 16, Pride Day at SC State Fair, all day, 1200 Rosewood Dr.; Oct. 17, LGBTQ Film Festival, 7 p.m., “Who’s Gonna Love Me Now?” and Oct. 18, “The Torchsong Trilogy” at Nickelodeon Theatre, 1607 Main St.; and Annual Pride Picnic, 12 p.m., Reformation Lutheran Church, 1118 Union St. info: scpride.org.

Upstate sets Pride date

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Upstate Pride SC has announced that its Pride March & Festival will be held on Nov. 4, two months later than last year, for safety reasons. Organization President Isaac Mintz said, “A few people left last year with heat exhaustion and bad sunburn. We don’t want to risk that again.” This year’s event will feature food trucks, community vendors and stage entertainment, as well as a march through the city’s downtown area. There will also be areas for those who are 18 years of age and older, as well as one for a Kids’ Zone. “Our goal is to double last year’s attendance, and we think it’s possible considering what we have in store,” Mintz noted. “We’re implementing a lot of the community’s feedback and adding in some ideas of our own, and we really can’t wait to share the excitement.” “RuPaul Drag Race” stars Alexis Michelle, Nina Bonin Brown, Bebe Zahara Benet, Yara Sofia and Kimora Blac, plus other performers will entertain at the After Party sponsored by Pardon Moi French at the Spartanburg Marriott, 299 N. Church St. Doors open at 6 p.m. and showtime is 9 p.m. Music will be provided by

Scott Robert from Orlando, Fla. Tickets are available online at ticketor.com/pardonmoifrench. Email the festival committee chair Rodney Tow at rodney@upstatepridesc.org for more information on vendor space and sponsorships. info: upstatepridesc.org.

Campus Scene ‘Shame’ list released

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Campus Pride has released its annual Shame List which highlights for the second year in a row “The Absolute Worst Campuses for LGBTQ Youth.” Of those documented, 139 campuses were tagged as unsafe for LGBTQ students and discriminated against them through policies, programs and practices. Especially vulnerable are transgender students, staff and faculty. In fact, 32 campuses have Title IX exemption requests pending and 70 have received religious exemptions which allows them to discriminate. “The Shame List uncovers the religionbased bigotry that is unsafe, harmful and perpetuates harassment toward LGBTQ youth. Everyone has a right to know that these ‘absolute worst campuses for LGBTQ youth’ do exist and what they are doing to discriminate in policies, programs and practices,” said Shane Windmeyer, executive director of Campus Pride. “That is what the Shame List does as a resource for youth and families — it gives them all the information to make the best decision for their young person, where they will be safe and feel welcomed.” Campus Pride said that attempts have been made to shut the list down by those

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who appear on the list or have an association with them. Others have attempted to thwart efforts to receive information from the U.S. Department of Education or have tried to disassociate from the listing, the organization added. Windmeyer shared that a letter sent to the Department of Education in the past year from an organization representing some of the campuses cited the negative public attention of lists which shared the kind of information the “Shame List” does. According to Windmeyer, a legal inquiry to the Department of Education has asked if campuses could withdraw their Title IX exemption and then ask for the same exemption at another time in the future.

“That is when you know you are doing something important and begs the question: ‘Why are these campuses concerned about letting people know that they have a Title IX religious exemption that discriminates against LGBTQ people or anti-LGBTQ actions, programs and practices. Why?,’” Windmeyer said. Carolina campuses on the list are: Belmont Abbey College, Charleston Southern University, Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary and North Greenville University. info: campuspride.org.

Sept. 22-Oct. 5 . 2017

qnotes

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news notes: u.s./world compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

Catholic seminary nixes priest’s talk WASHINGTON, D.C. — Theological College has cancelled Jesuit Fr. James Martin’s presentation due to criticism on some social media sites of his LGBTQ book, “Building a Bridge.” This was a devastating blow to the Catholic Church, academic freedom and pastoral outreach to LGBTQ individuals, New Ways Ministry Executive Director Francis DeBernardo shared in a public statement. “The decision is an impotent one in which the Fr. James Martin, S.J. seminary’s leaders reveal that they are powerless to stand up to commentators whose views are beyond the mainstream of Catholic thought. It reveals cowardice on the part of the seminary’s administrators who do not have integrity to withstand pressure from outside forces, and instead opt for censorship instead of discussion,” he added. DeBernardo said that the college’s renown as an academic institution would be “irreparably damaged” unless the decision was reversed. He added that the decision did damage to the already-tenuous relationship between the Catholic Church and the LGBTQ community

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strengthened by Fr. Martin’s book. Parishes and colleges have welcomed the priest to speak since his book was published. “It is astonishing that the seminary leaders did not side with the two cardinals and a bishop who praised Fr. Martin’s book as it was being published,” DeBernardo said. He also said that the decision was “ludicrous” for two other reasons: Fr. Martin was not speaking about the book or LGBTQ issues and the book is considered mild by comparison to others on the market. Fr. Martin’s book has reached a broad audience since its publication earlier this summer and has been seen as one of value. “Fr. Martin is experiencing the rejection of many who speak out prophetically. It is the same rejection experienced by millions of Jesus’ followers and, indeed, by Jesus Himself. For the sake of Fr. Martin, for Catholic academics, and for LGBT Catholics, we pray this sorry and shameful action by Theological College will soon be reversed,” he concluded. info: newwaysministry.org.

Sept. 22-Oct. 5 . 2017

news

QUICK HITS —————————————————————————————— The Equality Forum’s 25th anniversary celebration will be held on Oct. 1 at the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, Pa. info: equalityforum.com. The Treatment Action Group will hold its 2017 Research in Action Awards fundraising event on Nov. 16 in New York. info: treatmentactiongroup.org. Equality Florida announced the launch of its HIV Advocacy Project, a new statewide initiative to combat the spread of HIV across the state. info: equalityflorida.org. The Hollywood Reporter posted a story that said that Donald Trump is the most anti-LGBTQ president in U.S. history. info: huffingtonpost.com.

orientation and gender identity, The Williams Institute reported. info: williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu. New York Comic Con will present “Queer Culture: LGBTQ Presence in Pop Culture” on Oct. 6. info: newyorkcomiccon.com. Christin Baker, owner of tello Films, released the first of the final two episodes of her lesbian-focused web-series “Riley Parra” on Sept. 17, with the finale slated for Sept. 24. info: tellofilms.com. GayRVA reported that the West Point Association of Graduates correctly identified a transgender graduate’s chosen name and gender. info: gayrva.com.

The Miss Gay America pageant will be held from Oct. 4-7 in New Orleans, La. info: missgayamerica.com.

Atlanta’s Spelman College announced that it is opening its doors to transgender female students, Patch reported. info: patch.com.

Tidal is celebrating Latinx Heritage Month with the help of the LGBTQ community in support of inclusiveness. info: tidal.com/latinx17.

Refinery29 reported that an American University study shed light on how “double discrimination” from both straight and LGBTQ communities affects bisexuals’ mental health. info: refinery29.com.

Nearly 70,000 LGBTQ individuals in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming lack state-level protections from discrimination and are vulnerable to discrimination based on sexual

The Miami police now has an out 21-yearold public information officer, Christopher Bess. info: miamiherald.com.

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a&e

Kind of a Drag 2.0

Entertainment ethics and modern drag Industry professionals discuss duties and nuance by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff

rag entertainment has exploded in popularity in recent years, but the transition from niche market to international industry hasn’t been entirely smooth. Professionals across the board disagree on ethical issues in drag, and even its very purpose as an art form. There are definite advantages to the growing legitimacy of drag performance, as agency owner Michael-David Carpenter knows well after founding Ashevillebased Michael-David Entertainment. “Drag has historically been a taboo underground art form, and is now being recognized with respect,” Carpenter told qnotes. It warms my heart that my clients’ hard work and talent isn’t limited to the small stage of a nightclub, but is now being enjoyed on the main stages of city festivals and on television.” The growth of the industry presents new opportunities; some drag performers seek to make their art a full-time career, and Carpenter works to enable this goal. However, as qnotes columnist and resident queen Buff Faye reflects, the history behind drag performance has little to do with financial gain. “I don’t see drag as just a job or a hobby for that matter,” said Faye, whose off-stage name is Shane Windmeyer. “It is a way of activism: to send a message, stand up, to act, to inspire, to lead and to create change. That is what drag queens have done throughout history. I worry that is getting lost in the mainstreaming of drag.” Windmeyer himself performs frequently in various venues, but by day works as executive director of Charlotte, N.C.-based non-profit Campus Pride. Windmeyer is particularly passionate about one ethical issue within the drag industry: contracts and explicit terms. “Contracts are mutual agreements between the entertainer and the venue, meant to ensure the common investment on both sides,” Carpenter explains. “All sides need proper communication and protection.” This communication and protection isn’t common practice, according to Windmeyer. In his experience, most local venues do not use formal contracts signed by management and entertainers in mutual agreement. Except for pageant winners contracted to promoters, most performers receive “nothing in writing, and [restrictions] by word of mouth.” “The only place in North Carolina where I know has written contracts is Legends [a nightclub in Raleigh, N.C.],” Windmeyer told qnotes. “The biggest problem is that a club that has restrictions needs to put those in writing…What happens is that a club books an entertainer and then tells her after the fact that she can’t do X, Y and Z.” The advantage of written contracts is that the terms are clearly laid out to prevent miscommunication between the parties. This makes it easier for everyone to avoid breaching contract terms — and easier to avoid unfortunate ramifications. “If an entertainer breaches contract, for whatever reason, they could lose payment, lose future bookings at that venue

from venues (particularly ones that require exclusivity), perform(and others depending on reasoning), gain negative reputation ers receive the short end of the stick. and can include unseen consequences, including legal issues,” “I don’t know any drag queen in Charlotte who has Carpenter explained. successfully made drag a full-time career,” Windmeyer These consequences become complicated when said. “The queens at Legends who have written the contract is oral as opposed to written — a comcontracts do make good money, but I believe they also mon practice, according to Windmeyer’s experience. have day jobs.” A particular conflict arose in past years surrounding For the entertainers who do want to make drag entertainer exclusivity, the requirement that performers a career, what terms are fair and ethical to require in cannot serve a venue’s competitors. a contract? Carpenter’s clients have the resource of an The business logic behind entertainer agent who draws firm lines in terms of what is fair, as exclusivity is to preserve a venue’s unique well as one who has worked on all sides of the indusappeal; if a specific performer has many try and knows its nuance. fans and can only perform in one local “Unless the club is willing to invest in the art of place, then the venue with exclusive the entertainer, the entertainer is independent and rights financially benefits from that free to seek bookings wherever they wish,” entertainer’s fame. However, ethical Carpenter believes. “Club owners also need problems and outright conflicts can to understand that the more an entertainer arise without these terms being clearly works, the more they will build a fan base set in writing. and the more patrons they bring to the The flexibility of verbal agreevenue when booked, resulting in more sales.” ments allows for frequently changing The agent’s argument against exclusivity terms — a feature that may cause claims that all parties benefit from entertainconfusion, miscommunication and ers who perform in many locations, even at ethical breaches leading to negative local competitors. For example, a queen who stuns repercussions. the crowd at a one-night appearance for one club Another ethical issue for drag profestends to bring those new fans to her home club, sionals is compensation. Carpenter notes that where she may appear weekly or in regular rotain decades past, venues customarily invested tion. That queen has the benefit of extra booking in the material costs of an entertainer’s show. income, and the contracted venue draws new Now, conflicts arise when performers often visitors from her diverse fanbase. spend more money preparing for a show Of course, performers themselves may behave than they receive to perform it. unethically in many ways as well. One performer’s bad “Any respectable entertainer has a experience with a venue can have very different results; small fortune invested into pantyhose and if handled gracefully, the performer may continue in an nails alone,” Carpenter said. “I’ve had to upwardly mobile career. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. educate venues on fees and why they “I’ve seen entertainers turn on club owners due to disagreeare what they are. Drag is very expenments, and post videos to vilify the establishments,” Carpenter sive art form. Club owners consider the said. “Professionalism is the key to getting booked, so an enterentertainer as an independent contractainer should always reflect a positive nature and refrain from tor and have stopped investing, but any negativity.” are still expecting the same outdated The unspoken law of success in the entertainment industry standard, causing a lot of negativoften comes down to reputation. News of unethical behavior ity between certain venues and spreads like a virus, souring both current and prospective entertainers…this rule is no longer business relationships. Awareness of these common ethical acceptable or ethical.” issues is the key to a successful career in drag, whether partThe financial issue can be a complex one, time or full-time, whether entertainer, agent or venue. In the particularly for venues with Photo Credit: Discovod via Adobe Stock words of the immortal Ru Paul: pre-determined budgets and “True wealth is having the knowledge to maneuver and for drag entertainers who seek navigate the mental obstacles that inhibit your ability to soar.” : : a legitimate career in the industry. Without a livable level of pay

NC Pride continued from page 5 was not enough, that it was a “Band-Aid solution that doesn’t systemically change things,” and called for a collectively-just Pride that represented the needs of many minority groups. Jewish Federation of Durham Chapel Hill’s CEO Jill Madsen told Forward, “We are disappointed with this year’s planning of NC Pride on Yom Kippur. What deepens these feelings is the lack of communication, outreach, or partnership from NC Pride, to work to find a solution and plan for years to come, despite our efforts to continue to connect with them.” qnotes attempted to reach Short repeatedly by phone but did not receive a requested returned call to address this year’s changes,

highlights and controversy. However, qnotes was able to reach Skye Wilson, student development coordinator at Duke’s Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (CSGD) who said, “We are extremely disappointed in the NC Pride Committee. A number of students have expressed their sorrow and disappointment that there will be no Pride Parade and Festival or presence on Duke’s campus this year.” She also added that NC Pride sets the date and the CSGD works with the appropriate scheduling department on the university’s campus. “When we realized the scheduling conflict with Yom Kippur, we provided alternate dates that Duke University’s East

Campus was available and offered them to the NC Pride Committee,” she related. Those dates were within a couple of weeks of the orginally scheduled date, but NC Pride declined. In a statement that Wilson’s department made on their Facebook page on July 6, they shared, “We reached out to the NC Pride committee advising them to change the date and suggested alternative dates. Unfortunately, we learned the NC Pride committee made the decision to keep the original date despite the conflict with Yom Kippur and asked for forgiveness for the conflict and resulting exclusion. Duke continues to honor the NC Pride committee’s existing reservation of Duke University’s

East Campus. We believe that holding an event such as NC Pride during the Jewish High Holy Days only works to divide our communities.” The center expressed that the celebration of Pride is an important date to observe and was born out of resistence and a fight for equality. They added, “Prides that hold intersectionality as a core value and seek to end all forms of oppression do not ask people to prioritize or sacrifice any aspect of their identity over another.” To add to this, the center acted as a coauthor of the #LiberateNCpride press release and petition. For more information, visit ncpride.org. : :

Sept. 22-Oct. 5 . 2017

qnotes

Fall A&E 2017

Visual artists depict trials and talents of LGBTQ community Three upcoming exhibits celebrate creative diversity by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff

n the ever-fruitful world of the arts, LGBTQ people are front and center in the effort to portray the unending diversity and the exceptional talents of our community. Charlotte, N.C. will welcome a number of queer-identified artists in the coming season, and among them, visual artists whose works challenge the cis-het norm. Expuesta/Exposed Through Oct. 13 The Light Factory One such exhibition already opened on Aug. 24 at The Light Factory, 1817 Central Ave., and will be on display until Oct. 13. The collection, Expuesta — meaning “Exposed” — features the work of 10 different Mexican photographers: Luis Arturo Aguirre, Ana Casas Broda, Carol Espíndola, Carlos Leon, Antonio Lozano, Nelson Morales, Diego Moreno, Luis Enrique Pérez, Roberto Tondopó and Andrés Juárez Troncoso. Several of these photographers spoke to qnotes about their work’s inspiration and purpose, particularly themes that reveal a unique cultural difference in the way gender is perceived in Mexico compared to the U.S. Nelson Morales Photographer Nelson

Morales hails from Unión Hidalgo, Oaxaca in Mexico, and his work focuses on sexual diversity, gender and identity. His home region, the isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca, is also home to one of the most inclusive cultures in the nation, recognizing the culture of the “Muxe” — a label with which Morales himself identifies, describing a mix of traditionally feminine and masculine characteristics within an individual. “There exist different types of muxes. One of them dresses as a woman and wants to be a woman. The other type of muxe does not dress like a woman, like me,” Morales said. “Photography was the means to approach the muxe community, over time I became friends with them, somehow I became their accomplice, at the same time I also accepted my own identity.” Morales’ muxe identity interacts with his label as an openly gay man. His identity inspired his art and was influenced in turn. “The strength and courage of women has always been a great feature of our culture,” said Morales of Oaxaca. “I hope to inspire the LGBTQ community of the United States to see other communities where freedom of expression exists a little more, and also that the general viewer can confront a bit with himself to see images that can be a little challenging.” Another photographer of the Expuesta exhibition, Luis Arturo Aguirre, travels from Acapulco, Guerrero in Mexico to display his work at The Light Factory. Aguirre is no stranger to travel; he has exhibited his work in Belgium, Spain, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela and France, as well as his native Mexico. Aguirre said that a central theme of his images can be traced back to a childhood memory. Around seven years old, Aguirre remembers visiting the central market in Acapulco to shop with his aunt. It was the first time he saw a person he calls a “transvestite.” The word, sometimes thought slanderous, in this

case is a more direct translation from the Spanish “vestida,” a commonly-used term for those who are pronounced male at birth, but whose gender presentation is distinctly female. Young Aguirre asked his aunt about the person, and she replied that the individual was “a boy-girl.” The moment was one of confusion — but also inspiration for adult Aguirre to depict gender-bending themes in his photography. His contribution to the Light Factory show is called “desvestidas,” which translates to “undressed.” “We passed a fruit stand and there ‘he’ was with his curly hair, profound dark skin, strong arms, eyelids painted with electric blue eye shadow and his red lips,” Aguirre said. “A game of double identity between masculine and feminine is generated… Making use of cliché and obviousness, I have represented different stories about real and utopian women.” • • • • •

North Carolina native and award-winning William Ivey Long has been at the forefront of costume design for shows from the big lights of Broadway to the small screen of television such as ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do The Time Warp Again.’

Mexican photographer Nelson Morales brings his focus on sexual diversity, gender and identity to his artistic approach as depicted in his ‘Queen on Board’ pictured above.

qnotes

Sept. 22-Oct. 5 . 2017

William Ivey Long: Costume Designs 2007-2016 Sept. 23 through June 3, 2018 Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts Visual art doesn’t always have to be twodimensional, and costume designer William Ivey Long’s work proves that beautiful and provocative art comes to life on a stage. The six-time Tony award-winning designer appears in person at the Levine Center for the Arts, 500 South Tryon St., for his exhibit’s Sept. 23 opening day. Long will participate in exhibit tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., give a lecture at 2:30 p.m.,

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Indigenous artist and lesbian Linzy Sides (pictured above) brings her American Indian heritage to her work as she breaks with tradition and portrays fellow American Indian women in powerful, traditionally male roles. Sides is of Lumbee descent.

and sign copies of his book at 4 p.m. Long has decades of theatrical success under his belt, and a cabinet of awards that is likely overflowing. His recent work include the 2013 Broadway musical “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” and 2016 television specials “Grease Live!” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again.” Though undeniably sucWilliam Ivey Long cessful on a national level, Long’s roots lie in Raleigh, N.C., where he was born before growing up in Rock Hill, S.C. Beginning his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and ending with an MFA from the Yale School of Drama, Long said that the biggest influence on his career was his apprenticeship under couturier Charles James. “Fashion design and costume design are similar in that both involve mounting shows whose story is told through clothing,” said Long. “Mr. James was both my fashion mentor and hero, and he taught me a great deal about how to tell a very effective story through garments.” American Indian Artist Showcase Oct. 7 McMahon Fine Arts Center at Providence Day School The inauguration of a new annual showcase takes Charlotte by storm on Oct. 7 at Providence Day School’s McMahon Fine

Arts Center, 5800 Sardis Rd. The event, sponsored by the American Indian Party, features authentic traditional and modern American Indian styles, food, pottery, paintings, leather goods and other crafts. An artist and cultural presentation is slated to take place from 1-2 p.m., with the arts and crafts sale scheduled from 2-5 p.m. Indigenous artists flock to display and sell their work at the showcase, including Charlotte LGBTQ advocate and photographer Linzy Sides. Sides, of Lumbee descent, identifies as a lesbian who has a powerful message to communicate through her art. “I want, need, my art to speak loudly and make people listen,” Sides said. “But also, to make them think outside the norm. We all have been brainwashed with this idea of normalcy, of traditional standards that if broken, should be hidden and censored and apologized for.” The photographer’s resistance of conformity and censorship led her to portray fellow American Indian women in powerful, traditionally male roles. “The majority of my projects and photography series are based around subjects playing roles that are wildly considered ‘inappropriate’ for that specific gender,” Sides said. “I also find that my mind likes to revel in the beauty in darkness, so my images tend to have a bit of a morbid or gothic feel…Twisted and tied, mangled and torn, dark and disturbing, but wildly beautiful with a life-altering message.” : :

Sept. 22-Oct. 5 . 2017

qnotes

Fall A&E 2017

Blumenthal’s ‘The Christians’ inspires introspection, conversation Catch the thought-provoking play until Oct. 1 by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes staff

Spiritual suffering is front and s a queer pagan, anxiety gripped center in the play, as two key actors my guts at the idea of viewing vividly portrayed in different ways. a play called “The Christians,” Actor Brian Robinson’s Pastor Paul had lauded by critics as an examination of the emphatic voice of a TV evangelithe definition of faith. My experiences cal, with his emotions ringing loud and of Christianity have not been entirely clear through his tone, enunciation positive — a reflection that many LGBTQ and breath. Although the early Pastor people can share to some degree. Paul had a virtually unreadable face, Although LGBTQ issues were not directly Robinson made Paul’s introspective discussed in the play (a possibility I’d journey come to life throughout the play honestly feared, given the triggering naas the character’s facial expressions ture of those discussions), the questions opened up — until at last, the strong, raised are relatable to virtually anyone, unmovable leader is brought to tears. with or without religious practice. Next to Robinson’s Paul, actor Playwright Lucas Hnath’s “The Jonavan Adams’ portrayal of Associate Christians” found its home in the pristine, Pastor Joshua had a striking emointimate setting of Blumenthal Performing tional impact. As the two leaders clash Arts’ Booth Playhouse. Director Steve ideologically, Joshua’s face positively Umberger leads the way for shows runvibrated with tension from his internal ning Wednesday-Sunday until Oct. 1, with struggle. Although his character is an two performances every Saturday. antagonist of sorts, the actor’s interpreThe story takes place in a “megatation ensured that the audience would church,” beginning on the day that the not fail to see his humanity, his sincerity congregation’s enormous building has Actors who brought the thought-provoking ‘The Christians’ play to the stage are (left to right) Graham Smith, Chandler and his pain. been fully paid off. On that day, head McIntyre, Brian Robinson, Jovavan Adams and April C. Turner. The presentation challenged viewers to look at their own For me personally, the absolute Pastor Paul encourages his flock to adfaith and how it intersects with being an LGBTQ individual and Christian. best part of “The Christians” was the dress a different kind of debt: what duties Photo Credit: Donna Bise supporting choir. Full of powerful voices true Christians owe to humanity at large. and even clumsy…until I discussed it with my guest of the and hair-raisingly emotive notes, I was Paul’s dilemma seems a dichotomous evening, theatre veteran and my father, Frank Dominguez. Dad reminded of why gospel music has immortal appeal even apart choice that many people of faith undertake; should the different be pointed me towards the concept of “Brechtian alienation,” from devoutly Christian audiences. As for the bearded soloist of condemned, or redeemed? Is Hell a literal place of punishment, or through which playwrights deliberately distance viewers from two particularly memorable hymns: if you’re into women, call me, are all sinners redeemed regardless of conversion or repentance? the world onstage. The purpose of this is to encourage the hon. That voice had the depth and dynamism of Jesse L. Martin Although these are the central questions that characters audience not to be swept up in the story, but to reflect on its (forever my Broadway crush). Enough said. directly ask themselves and one another, other conflicts spring relevance to themselves. The cast and crew have the ability to make or break any to mind throughout the show. What is the relationship between In that sense, both Hnath’s writing and the technical team who play, and it was clear that the Blumenthal’s team made this one. similarity and love? Why does humanity insist on perpetuating hierdesigned Blumenthal’s depiction were faithful to the goal: make the Although the action itself was neither energetic nor visually archies, claiming a faction as “the one true” and others as aliens or audience think. Instead of dynamic, shifting sets and multitudinous engaging, it did not lessen the play’s impact. LGBTQ Christians “the fallen?” How does anyone entirely know themselves and their props, there were few distractions from the words and emotions — and former Christians — will find compelling questions for beliefs, separate from cultural context? actors portrayed. conversation and introspection. For audiences like me, with a As the congregation of thousands fractures and disintegrates Although the setting was subtle, it was by no means minimal. lack of interest in “Jesus talk,” the message may be different: around Paul’s revelation, the vast majority of the play’s action In particular, creative lighting lent emotional weight to the scenes. Despite dogmatic restriction, individual spirituality and refleccomes in the form of direct dialogue. Although characters speak A tall wooden cross at center stage was backlit in a gentle, tion are the true foundation of faith. with eloquence and emotion, one technique Hnath used in his ethereal blue, as if illustrating the serenity that many find in that Even those who have been taught to condemn are capable script was a bit off-putting — yet, perhaps, purposefully so. symbol of sacrifice. As conflict seeped into the church commuof questioning and reimagining their concept of God, and of Throughout Pastor Paul’s dialogue, he narrates the interacnity, so did hotter colors begin to tint the curtained background themselves. tions with interjections of “he said,” “I said,” and “she said.” into the regal purple associated with spirituality and suffering. No distance is insurmountable. : : Initially, that quirk of composition hit me as unnecessary

qnotes

Sept. 22-Oct. 5 . 2017

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Fall A&E 2017

Concerts, plays and more usher in fall season Arts as colorful as autumn leaves brush the Carolina landscape by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

ith the advent of the fall, LGBTQ arts organizations, theatre groups and concert halls are warming the cooler air with a cornucopia of offerings to satisfy even the most discerning palettes. qnotes shares a few “leaves” to enjoy. Lavender Pen Tour The Queen City is gearing up for a national chorus stop on Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m., at Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd., with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Lavender Pen Tour, a soul-affirming, life-changing journey supporting LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters, fighting bigotry, and spreading love and hope through music. The tour’s organizers shared, “With a divisive political climate in the U.S., marked by an increase in dangerous and hostile rhetoric against the LGBTQ and other marginalized communities, [we] take its message and music on the road to promote universal equality and inclusiveness, and the value in treating all individuals — irrespective of differences — with dignity.” It is their hope that the voices heard will empower LGBTQ youth and Americans to “come together and provide conversations and action around civil liberties for all.” Under the artistic direction of Dr. Timothy Seelig, the massive concert features not only singers, but musicians as well as it tours southern states where discriminatory laws aimed at the LGBTQ community exist. The tour will also welcome One Voice Chorus and Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte as its special guests on stage during the Charlotte, N.C. concert. “It is our hope that the music will encourage LGBTQ+ people and our allies to come together, provoke conversations and action around civil liberties for all, while raising funds for local LGBTQ+ organizations. We are not looking to argue, to preach or anger, but rather raise awareness, spread tolerance and bring harmony through song,” tour organizers shared. They will make stops in Jackson, Miss., Birmingham, Ala., Knoxville, Tenn. and

Greenville, S.C. before arriving in Charlotte. The tour will join with local non-profits and LGBTQ groups to help raise much-needed funds so they can continue doing their vital work to dismantle these biased and discriminatory laws. And, they will also visit schools, churches, government buildings and more to spread the message and share the meaning of The Lavender Pen Tour. “As has been evidenced in the recent weeks, we as a country have a long road to travel. After spending a week in the South last

month with our beneficiaries and community partners, I learned that hope — the unbreakable and audacious idea that Harvey Milk built his life on and inspired us to do the same — is very much alive,” said Chris Verdugo, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus executive director. “We will amplify the work of these organizations across the South, raise tens of thousands in additional funding so they may continue their vital work and empower and inspire them with our music and mission. We believe this tour is another step in the right

direction that will build bridges of understanding, compassion and empathy.” In 1977, a year before his death, Supervisor Harvey Milk sponsored a gay civil rights bill. Mayor George Moscone signed that bill into law with a lavender pen given to him by Milk. The lavender pen remains a symbol of the fight for equality for all, and the reason for the tour’s name. The San Francisco chorus was founded in 1978 and has been performing to audiences

see Arts Options on 19

Sept. 22-Oct. 5 . 2017

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