QNotes, Sept. 25-Oct. 8, 2015 by QnotesCarolinas

Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

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Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

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qnotes news & features

University of North Carolina - Charlotte names archive in honor of and in memory of area activists who trailblazed the landscape for for the LGBT community.

5 Naming held for archives

arts. entertainment. news. views.

Named for Donald King, Sue Henry and Black Brockington.

6 News Notes: Regional Briefs

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OctoberTour!

Charming. Quaint. Magical. Homes on tour in Salisbury. page 12

8 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs

a&e / life&style 10 Fall & Winter Fashion 12 Historic Salisbury OctoberTour 13 MCC Charlotte gets new home 14 Tell Trinity 16 Dishing with Buff Faye 18 Q Events Calendar 19 Our People: Arron Malachi

Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

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Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

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Charlotte LGBTQ Archive named for community members Honors activists Don King, Sue Henry and Blake Brockington by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes contributor one did not exist. She was also integral in bringing the annual NC Pride event to Charlotte in 1994, which was the first time the statewide Pride celebration had been to the city. King was one of Charlotte’s earliest and most ardent activists for gay and lesbian civil rights, beginning when he moved to the city, from Wilmington, in the 1970s. He was a longtime employee at The Charlotte Observer, and was the first editor of qnotes. With Billie Rose, he founded Queen City Quordinators in 1981 which was a joint fundraising umbrella group for pro-LGBT organizations. He also led an effort to end the practices of police entrapment and harassment of gay men. His work played a major role in leading to better community relations between law enforcement and the gay community. King passed away last year after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Gene Sloan accepted on his behalf. Brockington was a 2014 graduate of East Mecklenburg High School, who gained both local and national attention when he was crowned homecoming king as an openly transgender student. He was an accomplished student, active in his school’s band where he served as drum major for two years and played on a student club rugby team. One of his former teachers described him as “one of the brightest students at East Meck.” Brockington was involved in transgender rights activism, speaking at the 2014 Transgender Day of Remembrance event, as well as grassroots campaigns against police brutality and violence. Unfortunately, the added visibility came with a cost. “That was single-handedly the hardest part of my trans journey,” Brockington told the Observer in January of this year. “Really hateful things were said on the Internet. It was hard. I saw how narrow-minded the world really is.” (left to right) Joshua Burford, Blair Burdette, Gene Sloan and Sue Henry were on hand at the Brockington took his own life in March. His friend Sept. 17 archive naming ceremony. Blair Burdette accepted on his behalf. Photo Credit: qnotes staff “Today is really one of the milestone events of what we believe and hope will become an historic project. Not just for Burford, who launched the archive of historical documents, publicaCharlotte, but for all the LGBTQ community around the United States,” Dr. tions and ephemera in 2013, led the event. He was joined by Dr. Anne Moore told the assembled crowd of local activists, reporters, students Cooper Moore, dean of the J. Murray Atkins Library, which houses the and community members. archive in its Special Collections. An exhibit featuring a portion of the archive had its opening after the Henry attended the event and accepted her plaque, saying that when naming ceremony, in the art gallery at the UNCC Student Union, along with a she found out about the honor it was one of the few times in her life where timeline of LGBT events in Charlotte’s history, “Publicly Identified: Coming Out she found herself speechless. Activist in the Queen City,” which debuted last year at Levine Museum of the Henry has spent her life as an outspoken advocate and activist. She New South. It will remain on display through the end of September. ran as the first openly gay candidate for mayor of Charlotte in 1995, receivMoore said the college hopes to continue to raise funds in order to ing four percent of the vote as a write-in candidate. She was also the digitize qnotes, whose nearly 30-year print run is a part of the archive, as proprietor of the Rising Moon Books & Beyond bookstore, which was a well as to start a general web archiving initiative, beginning with a focus meeting place for gays and lesbians during the 1990s. It was often used as on the history of the Charlotte transgender community. : : something of a de-facto LGBT community center in a time when an official

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CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte LGBTQ Archive officially has a name. On Sept. 17 at The University of North Carolina - Charlotte, archivist and professor Joshua Burford honored three local activists during a naming ceremony for The Donald King, Sue Henry, and Blake Brockington Collection.

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Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen

Local club hosts tourney CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Royals Rugby Club will host its first annual Queen City Crown rugby tournament from Sept. 25-27 at the Rugby Athletic Center, 3722 S. Tryon St. Six teams from across North American will engage in match play. They are: Charlotte Royals, Charleston Blockade, Nashville Grizzlies, Dallas Lost Souls, Washington DC Scandals and Charlotte Barbarians (comprised of players from Gastonia Gargoyles, Atlanta Bucks, New England Valkyries, Ottawa Wolves, and Newcastle Ravens). Mayoral candidate Jennifer Roberts will open the tournament. Activities for the weekend include: registration, meet and greet, captains meeting, tournament play, social time, after party and brunch. Full details are available online. “This tournament really means a lot to us and other members of Charlotte’s LGBTQ community. It’s our chance to help the fight in breaking down barriers and stereotypes that still exist in athletics, showing the rest of the rugby community that we’re here because we love this game — same as everyone else,” Royals President Mike Hage said. Admission for spectators is $5. The key timing for the tournament comes following the USA Rugby and International Gay Rugby (IGR) joint “Memorandum of Understanding” release on May 3. In the document it provides an inclusive framework and agreement between the two organizations to work cooperatively toward athlete education and more. It provides the USA Rugby members with the tools and education necessary to combat discrimination, be it based on sexual orientation, perceived sexual orientation or identification as a way to abolish homophobia in rugby. USA Rugby recognizes the right of any player, official, coach and spectator to be involved in rugby without bullying, discrimination, or exclusion of any kind and celebrates the differences that make its members unique. “IGR is very proud of the leadership that USA Rugby continues to show around equality, diversity and inclusion in Rugby. The signing of this agreement is a great example of the commitment of USA Rugby to eliminating homophobia from the sport at all levels. We look forward to our continued partnership in creating a safe and homophobia free environment for all players, proving that rugby is the most inclusive. The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Sports Project Director Helen Carroll issued a statement on the agreement. Carroll said, “Ending LGBT discrimination in all sports has been one of NCLR’s core missions for 14 years. It’s thrilling to see USA Rugby and International Gay Rugby take these steps to eradicate homophobia in the game. Their efforts will ensure a more inclusive and secure environment for all LGBT rugby players around the world, and we hope other professional organizations in the U.S. and abroad will follow their example.” Also, for the first time since 2010, The Mark Kendall Bingham Memorial Tournament will be held in the U.S. from May 22-29 in Nashville, Tenn. The Nashville Grizzlies RFC is serving as host. This will be the first time the tourney has been held in the Mid South. info: queencitycrown.com. charlotteroyalsrugby.com. usarugby.org. igrab.net. grizzliesrugby. org. binghamcup.com. — L.M.

Charlotte Candidates advance in elections

CHARLOTTE — The mayoral and City Council primary held on Sept. 15 reaped success for a number of TurnOUT Charlotte! coalition partners’ endorsees. Coalition members are Equality NC (ENC), Mecklenburg Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Political Action Committee (MeckPAC) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). TurnOUT Charlotte! issued endorsements for City Council only. In addition to City Council, MeckPAC and ENC also separately issued endorsements for mayor. Endorsees Dan Clodfelter and Jennifer Roberts will duke it out for the mayoral slot in a run-off on Oct. 6. At-large candidates Vi Lyles, Julie Eiselt and James “Smuggie” Mitchell, Jr. captured enough

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votes to advance on to the General Election. The only candidate that did not make it in that race was Billy Maddalon who fell short in his attempt. District races also saw wins for incumbents. Patsy Kinsey (D1), Al Austin (D2), LaWana Mayfield (D3) and John Autry (D5), all advanced in their respective races. TurnOUT Charlotte! sent out 25,000 pieces of mail, made 5,000 phone calls and has over 20,000 contacts with HRC members in the Queen City. Volunteers were on the ground creating visibility for the endorsed candidates. On Sept. 9, a candidates’ meet and greet was held at the Charlotte Pride offices, 1900 The Plaza. In attendance were Charlotte City Council at-large candidates Shawn Greeson, Lyles, Austin, Maddalon and District 1 candidate Patsy Kinsey. Moderators were Janice Covington Allison and Fernando Christian Cano. info: hrc.org. meckpack.org. equalitync.org. — L.M.

Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

Clementi fundraiser held

CHARLOTTE — “Stand Up. Sing Out. A Concert to STOP Bullying” was held on Sept. 3 at Central Piedmont Community College in the Halton Theatre. Guest star was Ann Hampton Callaway. She was joined by Sound About, a 120-voice chorus, who performed “Tyler’s Suite,” named after Tyler Clementi, a gay student at Rutgers University who was the victim of cyber-bullying and eventually took his own life. The piece was designed as an eight-piece choral movement assembled by lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz. Callaway also composed one of the pieces for the event. Additional non-suite music was performed as well. Jane Clementi, mother, and James Clementi, brother, were in attendance. They also appeared on WFAE-FM where they discussed The Tyler Clementi Foundation’s Day 1 Campaign among other related topics. Ann Hooper produced the show and Kathryn Mahan served as artistic director. The Tyler Clementi Foundation’s Day 1 Campaign and Time Out Youth Center’s School Outreach Program were recipients of proceeds from the show. info: tylerclementi.org. timeoutyouth.org. — L.M.

Triad HIV/AID conference around corner

WINSTON-SALEM — The North Carolina HIV/AIDS Advocacy conference will be held on Oct. 3, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at Winston-Salem State University School of Health Sciences, F.L. Atkins Building, 601 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. The North Carolina AIDS Action Network and the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition serve as hosts for the one-day event that engages participants in learning and sharing, focusing on advocacy training, community capacity building and providing networking opportunities. Attendees will include those across the spectrum of AIDS Service Organizations, health service providers, in addition to HIV/AIDS activists and advocates from across North Carolina. Breakout sessions include: Medicaid Expansion and Reform; HIV Policy; Harm Reduction 101; Latinos and HIV; Improving the health of transgender people; Women & HIV in rural North Carolina; Syringe and Naloxone access in North Carolina; and more. Organizers are asking those who wish to set up literature dissemination tables to consider a contribution of $50-$100 to help offset conference costs. Registration, information and community partner sign-up are available online. info: ncaan.org. bit.ly/1LqR0Nm. — L.M.

Triangle Tennis tourney cranks up

RALEIGH — The Crape Myrtle Tennis Classic will be held from Oct. 2-4 at the Millbrook Exchange Park, 1905 Spring Forest Rd., for main draw matches and at the Raleigh Racquet Club, 5516 Falls of Neuse Rd., for all age-division matches. Nearly 90 players hail from across the nation and around the world. This is its 11th year and is a Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance event. Beneficiaries from proceeds are the GLBTCommUnity Alliance at North Carolina State University and the LGBTQ Center of Durham. For match descriptions and information visit the tournament website. Additionally, lodging

options are shared, along with other aspects of the tournament. There is no charge for admission. info: triangletennisclub.com/cmtc/. — L.M.

Center ribbon cutting slated

DURHAM — The LGBTQ Center of Durham will hold its ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 7, 11 a.m., at 114 Hunt St. Keynote speaker will be Mandy Carter. Durham Mayor Bill Bell will do the official cutting of the ribbon. Carter is an LGBT activist and co-founder of Southerners on New Ground and the National Black Justice Coalition. The National Organization for Women calls her “one of the nation’s leading African-American lesbian activists.” A grand opening party will take place at the new center on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. It will host its first event, the Gender Reel Film Festival on Oct. 10-11. info: lgbtqcenterofdurham.org. genderreelfest.com. — L.M.

Youth group lunch upcoming

DURHAM — iNSIDEoUT is celebrating their 10th anniversary and is hosting its Second Annual Adult Ally Appreciation Brunch on Oct. 10, 12 p.m., at Pinhook, 117 W. Main St. The meal will be homemade. Along with food, the event will include performances by the Ukelele Orchestra and more. In honor of the occasion, the organization hopes to raise $5,000 to assist in the ongoing services of the youth group. The event is free and all are welcome. info: insideout180.org. — L.M.

Center names final two award recipients

RALEIGH — The LGBT Center of Raleigh, 324 S. Harrington St., has announced the last two of its five award recipients for its Oct. 16 “Sense of Pride” awards gala. Ally of the Year goes to Georgia Springer who has championed social justice causes. She adopted a biological daughter who transitioned and eventually married another transgender man. They died together accidentally in January 2014. Through parenting Nyk, she learned a great deal about tolerance and acceptance. She has served as a transgender coordinator for PFLAG Triangle, was a phone bank captain in the Amendment One battle, as well as working for Marriage Equality USA. The Distinguished Service Award has been bestowed upon J. Gaston B. Williams. A retired assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina and a career employee with the U.S. Department of Justice, Williams has had a rich history of service to the community. He has served on the board of Alliance of AIDS Services - Carolina, Triangle Business and Professional Guild and was one of the organizers of the Raleigh Business and Professional Network. As a gay attorney, he said, “I made it clear that I expected everyone who came before our office to be treated the same as everybody else — equal treatment under the law — regardless of their sexual orientation.” He believed when the staff of the various offices dealing with defendants in court actually knew a well-adjusted gay person, they couldn’t maintain their prejudicial stereotypes for all LGBTQ people, the center shared. Williams felt passionately about volunteerism and said that “everyone can give something, whether it is their time, their talent or their financial support. We need something from everyone.”

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The gala will be held at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, 421 S. Salisbury St. Attendees will be able to enjoy live entertainment, silent auction, seated dinner and more. Tickets are $125 through Oct. 6 and jump to $150 afterward and are available online. In other news, headliner Big Freedia and others will visit the Bull City on Oct. 2, 9 p.m., at The Ritz Raleigh, 2820 Industrial Dr. Proceeds from the door will benefit the center. info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. — L.M.

ACLU honored

CHAPEL HILL — The North Carolina ACLU began celebrating its 50th anniversary during September and the Chapel Hill Public Library has hosted month-long programming with its focus on differing social justice issues. It will continue the programming throughout the fall. A 10-panel display, “ACLU of North Carolina: 50 Years of Protecting Liberty,” documents ACLUNC’s work on the key issues of free speech, racial justice, voting rights, women’s rights, LGBT rights, privacy rights, criminal justice reform and religious liberty, the ACLU-NC said. The opening ceremony was held on Sept. 13. On Sept. 14, Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt and Carborro Mayor Lydia Lavelle spoke on the issue of LGBT elected officials. The Daily Tar Heel reported that Lavelle did not use her campaign as a formal platform for announcing her sexual orientation, but did so in a questionnaire. Kleinschmidt shared that “one-tenth of onepercent of elected officials are gay.” Because she was becoming a mother to her partner’s children, Lavelle chose to come out. In the past the AIDS epidemic was a driving force to come out of the closet. Currently, it is centered around same-sex marriage. Other upcoming programs will feature authors from UNC Press, professors from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and ACLU-NC staff who have worked to advance civil liberties in North Carolina. The final event is a program on criminal justice featuring Chapel Hill Police Chief Chris Blue and others. info: dailytarneel.com. acluofnorthcarolina.org. — L.M.

Western ‘Grace’ production addresses life’s journey

ASHEVILLE — Land of the Sky United Church of Christ and Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective will present “Listening for Grace” on Sept. 26, 6 p.m., at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, 123 Kenilworth Rd. The Ted & Co. Theatre Works Production’s mission is to speak to the critical struggles of one’s life in a dialogue about how faith intersects with sexual identity. The play confronts social issues head first. The production shares the story of a father’s journey, a church’s struggle and a search for commonality, producers shared. It is comedic, yet gives the audience an opportunity to glimpse at the fears and hopes of a faith community engaged in questions surrounding same-sex relationships. The play’s goal is to encourage the audience to engage in conversation, share stories and expand thinking while one listens for grace. Tickets are $15/adult and $7.50/student with ID. Child care is optional at a small fee. info/tickets: landoftheskychurch.org/listening forgrace. tedandcompany.com. differentstrokespac.org. — L.M.

news

Anniversary soiree planned

HICKORY — OUTright Youth and David Zealy-Wright will host a fifth anniversary celebration, “Say I Do for OUTright Youth,” on Oct. 2, 7 p.m., at 74 South Moretz Mills, 74 8th St. S.E. Additionally, it will celebrate the first anniversary of marriage equality in North Carolina. Music will be provided by DJ SevenOne. Enjoy crafts beers, wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth and other surprises throughout the evening. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in campy wedding wear. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed Individual and Best Dressed Couple. Tickets are $25 and are available online. Sponsorships are being sought. Contact organizers to learn more. info/tickets: outrightyouthcv.org. — L.M.

Festival seeks vendor applicants

ASHEVILLE — The Blue Ridge Pride Festival slated for Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., in downtown Asheville is searching for business, community, organizational and other vendors for its celebration. The theme this year is “Color Our World with Pride!” Volunteers and sponsors are being recruited, as well. info/applications: blueridgepride.org. — L.M.

Coming out programs slated

SWANNANOA — In honor of LGBT History Month in October, The Center for Gender and Relationships at Warren Wilson College and the LGBTQJew at the Asheville Jewish Community Center, along with community partners at the Center for Diversity Education and Western North Carolina AIDS Project, are hosting programs on Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m., at Warren Wilson College, Bryson Gym, 701 Warren Wilson Rd., targeted at coming out. The annual event brings Warren Wilson’s “The Out Monologues” and the JCC’s “Doors Wide Open” to lift LGBT community members’ voices while sharing coming out stories. An open-mic style sign up will give 6-10 individuals the opportunity to tell their stories. Planned monologues will be scattered throughout the evening with a few student stories in between each of these. The event will close with a communal celebratory ComingOut Party including cake and some dance tunes. info: jccasheville.org. — L.M.

Tech safety curriculum unveiled

ASHEVILLE — Our VOICE has announced the implementation of its “Own Who U R,” its Teen Tech Safety Project curriculum for area schools. Kickoff for the initiative was held on Sept. 9 at Lenior Rhyne University of Asheville. Program highlights include teen and tween education regarding unintended consequences of texting sexually explicit photos and posting them online. It also addresses strategies for deflecting cyberbullying. The project was developed as part of a Women for Women grant issued through the Western North Carolina Community Foundation. Through print and other campaigns, Our VOICE hopes to reach its target audience, while encouraging behavioral changes from misuse of social media and mobile devices. info: ourvoicenc.org. — L.M.

Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

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news news notes: u.s./world goqnotes.com/to/news

compiled by Chris Tittel :: qnotes contributor

Southern belle chimes in on Kim Davis Hannah Roberts, aka Miss Mississippi, is a biochemistry graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi, and she recently lit up social media after throwing a bit of Southern-style shade at Rowan County clerk Kim Davis during the Sept. 13 finals of the Miss America contest. “Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis was jailed for defying the Supreme Court’s order to issue same-sex marriage licenses. She claims the order violates her religious freedom. Does it?” the judge asked. Though she had 20 seconds to answer the question, Roberts only needed half the time. Without missing a beat, she smiled and said: “It absolutely does not violate her religious freedom. That is her job that she was voted into doing, and that law is a federal law throughout the rest of the country. So, yes, she did violate the law there. Thank you.” Afterwards, Roberts was met with thunderous applause from the auditorium. Some folks on social media, however, weren’t so supportive of the response. “Renowned theologian Miss Mississippi says Kim Davis violated federal law,” Fox News contributor Todd Starnes tweeted. “She lost it with her Kim Davis answer,” another person tweeted. Roberts may not have been crowned Miss America, but she certainly won in our book, LGBTQ Nation commented. — LGBTQ Nation (lgbtqnation.com), a qnotes media partner

South Carolina student suspended for ‘disruptive’ T-shirt

WCBD 2 News reports that Brianna Popour, a gay student at Chesnee High School in South Carolina, has been suspended after refusing to remove her “Nobody Knows I’m a Lesbian” T-shirt. Popour claims she wore it to encourage other students to come to terms with their sexuality, but was told to either change her outfit or go home. When she pointed out that there was nothing in the school’s dress code that suggested there was anything wrong with the shirt, she was told by an administrator that “not everything is in the handbook” and that the shirt was “disruptive.” Then she was suspended. Brianna’s mother, Barbara Popour, says the move was discriminatory and is fighting back against the school. “Isn’t that what school is supposed to teach you?” Brianna asked. “To be happy with who you are? Maybe people will be more comfortable showing who they are, because you should be able to wear what you want to wear.” Ellen Kahn, director of the Children, Youth and Family Program at Human Rights Campaign Foundation, is strongly against the school’s de-

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Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

cision and thinks it could be damaging to other gay students. “It’s quite an extreme measure,” she told Dailymail.com. “I think the majority of school administrators and national organizations would tend to agree that it’s an extreme punitive reaction.” — LGBTQ Nation (lgbtqnation.com), a qnotes media partner

‘Straight’ couple’s message on hell burns server

Here’s the advice a gay server has for a couple who recently wrote “straight” on their receipt and left along a bit of fire and brimstone Christian literature: Don’t. Britton Weaver of Boise, Idaho, recently served a middle-aged couple lunch and remembers them as pleasant and respectful. That is, until the bill came. “They signed their receipt not as their first or last name; they signed it as ‘Straight,’” said Weaver. The pamphlet titled “What you miss by being a Christian” with headline “HELL!” made their intention clear. “I got a little offended. I got a little angered by it,” said Weaver. Maybe the 21 percent tip helped soften the unsolicited “you’ll burn for eternity if you don’t address your perversion” message. — LGBTQ Nation (lgbtqnation.com), a qnotes media partner

Actor Tom Hardy’s sexuality? Um…

At a recent press conference for the upcoming gangster film “Legend,” one reporter discovered that beating around the bush isn’t always the best way to get an answer. “In the film, your character Ronnie is very open about his sexuality,” Graeme Coleman from Canadian LGBT-outlet Daily Xtra asked star Tom Hardy. “But given interviews you’ve done in the past, your own sexuality seems a bit more ambiguous. Do you find it hard for celebrities to talk to media about their sexuality?” “What on earth are you on about?” he responds. Then Coleman gets to the real reason he asked — not to hear Hardy’s broad stance on how celebrities discuss their sexuality with the media, but to bring up those “past interviews” for the sake of attention. Hardy told Attitude in 2008 that he’d experimented with guys as a teenager. In part, he said, “I’m an actor, for f*ck’s sake. I’ve played with everything and everyone. I love the form and the physicality, but now that I’m in my thirties, it doesn’t do it for me. “I don’t find it difficult for celebrities to talk about their sexuality,” Hardy answered Coleman before asking, “Um, are you asking me about my sexuality?” “Um… sure,” says Coleman. Hardy responds, “Why?” to which Coleman comes back with “Um.” “Thank you,” Hardy says, moving on to the next question. : : — LGBTQ Nation (lgbtqnation.com), a qnotes media partner

Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

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Fall & Winter Fashion

Get set for cooler weather Look dapper in these chic, sophisticated and trendy options by Fidel Montoya, Silverfly :: qnotes contributor & Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

ummer has faded away and fall is now upon us. What better time is it than the present to ready your wardrobe for the colder months ahead? Granted, some of the fashion trends are a bit out there for the average man’s taste, but who said you had to be “average?”Take a look at the basic essentials and trends that we’ve assembled here to be fabulously stylish and totally trendy as you head out for work, dinner, social time with friends, date night and community events, as well as the theatre, movies and concerts. The experts have noted a few trends: Tan: Yes, a color can be a trend. This fall, mix a healthy amount of tan into your wardrobe. It’s best when worn with rich navies or dark brown. Chelsea Boots: The classic Chelsea boot is back in a big way. It’s a great alternative to lace-up boots and chukkas that have dominated previous seasons. Try tan or black ones with a slight sheen. Turtlenecks: For real? Yes, especially chunky and textured, or more fitted layered under a suit. Plaid and Checks: Try rich fall colors. Chunky, Textured Knits: Sweaters this fall are trending toward thicker, more textured knits. A honeycomb style over an oxford adds a feeling of casual luxury. Updated Outerwear: Choosing non-traditional colors in an overcoat is an easy way of updating your look for fall. Oversized

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Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

coats will provide a stylish look while maintaining a conservative tone for work. Now, to expand that super, fresh new look take note of these basic items, fit guide for jeans and one-ofa-kind specialty garments for the most fashionconscious man. Key for a Man’s Closet Call it a basic or call it an essential, polos, T-shirts, jeans, sweaters and pullovers belong to the core of any man’s wardrobe. These are the basic foundations to fashion and can be used for layering, mixing patterns, materials and coolers.

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life

One-of-a-Kind Handspun Textiles So, now that you have the trends and basics covered, why not add a splash of interest to your look? One of these garments will certainly make you a hit and oh-so-amazing looking. Artists like Randall Darwall and Brian Murphy from South Yarmouth, Mass., showcase their wares at art shows and exhibitions. They produce vests, jackets, scarves, shawls and more. Since each is handcrafted, these kind of pieces each have their own color story. Dyed silks and other textiles become art pieces unto themselves. In fact, some of them wind up on display at museums and galleries around the world. And, since no two are alike, you know you’ve got to have one to round out your individual style.

Men’s Denim Fit Guide Lets keep it simple. There are four basic fits for jeans — skinny, slim straight, straight and loose fits. Within these four you can also find slouchy, boot, athletic and more. One favorite is the slim straight. The cut is slim through the thigh, but comfortable and tapers even more below the knee. This modern cut accentuates your body and shows off your best assets. It shows you have confidence and is perfect for any age. Not too skinny, not too relaxed — just right!

Photos courtesy of Silverfly & Charlotte Contemporaray

Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

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Historic Salisbury Foundation’s OctoberTour of Homes showcases noted properties Annual event marks 40th year by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes contributor

Grasso and Warren are excited to be a part of the historic spend some of the year in San Diego, Calif. They had friends livhe Historic Salisbury Foundation is celebrating its 40th homes tour again this year. ing in Salisbury and liked the area after repeated visits. Annual OctoberTour of homes on Oct. 10-11. Thirteen homes “We enjoy the architecture. We enjoy the camaraderie of all “We decided we were going to look for a home on the East are on display, including the Patrons’ Porch, which will play the homeowners in the neighborhood and in the West Square Coast and decided to settle in the Salisbury area,” Grasso says. host to the Patrons’ Party, honoring sponsors and homeowners Historic District and in the other historic districts in Salisbury “We started out looking at some homes there in Salisbury…and we on Oct. 8, and will offer refreshments, spirits and hors d’oeuvres too,” Grasso says. “We’ve been drawn to that. We’ve always happened to see this one while driving by with a real estate agent during tour hours. enjoyed older homes. and we asked to see it. She made the arrangements, and we went This year’s Patrons’ Porch, the Tankersley-Tatum House, is “Our home here in San Diego is 102 years old, and we’ve enin and took a look at it and immediately fell in love with it.” located at 217 S. Ellis St., Salisbury, N.C., and is owned by married joyed that as well. We like the older homes, we like the neighcouple Mike Grasso and borhood, we like the people around, and the activities around Steve Warren. This is the T.J. Anderson House that the neighborhood [has], and how proactive the historical second time the house has Photo Credit: Brian Davis society is in preserving the older homes in Salisbury.” been used as the Patrons’ One of the other homes on the tour is the T.J. Anderson Porch and was also a part House, located at 500 W. Council St., built circa 1911. It is of the 2013 tour as one of also in the Queen Anne style and features high ceilings, as the featured residences. well as original mantels, moldings, wainscoting, doors and The Tankersley-Tatum hardware. House was built circa Tankersley-Tatum House It was part of a larger property purchased by Nancy 1902. It is a Queen Anne Photo Credit: C. Wyatt in 1875 and then divided and sold in 1912 with a styled structure built for the Ben Martin & Dave Willingham five-room cottage to Eugene McAlister for a sum of $1,500. Tankersley family and later Thomas J. Anderson, a ticket agent for Southern Railway, and purchased by Walter and Nola Anderson bought the house in 1948 after years of renting. The home features a big Southern style porch, intricate mantels, Edna Tatum. Walter Tatum was a traveling salesman turned vice The home was restored to its original character in the 1990s including a 12-piece Victorian heart pine mantel in the living room, president of Salisbury Bank and Trust Company. After that he as part of the Historic Salisbury Foundation’s Revolving Fund. the original double doors and six fireplaces that were originally was the president of the Caro Dry Goods Company. “We’re in the Ellis Street Graded School Historic District,” made to burn coal, but have since been remodeled to burn wood. The house was converted to a duplex sometime in the mid says Tom Wolpert , who is the current owner of the T.J. Anderson The house also now showcases the couple’s extensive and 20th century and converted back to its original single family House along with Joe Lancione. He continues, “In that district, varied collection of antiques and other memorabilia, much of it structure in the mid 1980s. coming from the 1915 Pan Pacific Exhibition, which was held in Grasso and Warren bought the home about seven years San Diego. ago. They met in California going on almost 20 years ago and still see Historic Salisbury on 13

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Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

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life

MCC services, community outreach going strong following relocation Sale of property precipitated move, led to renewed energy by Chris Tittel :: qnotes contributor

“Morning Has Broken,” a well-known Christian hymn made popular ife is change. Growth is optional. Choose well. by Cat Stevens in the 1970s, could also be heard as many members of the The Rev. Catherine Houchins shared these congregation took communion. thoughts Sept. 13, opening her arms once Leonard Smith, who helped found MCC Charlotte more than 35 years again to longstanding members of Metropolitan ago, and his husband, Greg, were among those in attendance. Leonard and Community Church Charlotte and newcomers to Greg, who were married in 1982, said they’re the first same-sex couple to MCC services. wed in front of the MCC congregation. “Join us in this journey,” Houchins said. “God “The church has grown and become so blessed,” Leonard said. “There is leading in amazing ways.” are so many people who have found God and that we’re all children of God. It Houchins and the MCC congregation are foldoesn’t matter if you’re gay or straight, you’re a child of God and God loves you.” lowing God’s lead and, in fact, doing some amazLinda Youngblood, who volunteers at the food pantry, helped carry ofing things of their own after selling the sanctuary ferings of canned and boxed goods from the worship hall to the storeroom on Eastway Dr. last month and relocating to a new following services. location just four miles North on Orr Rd. “It takes a lot of people to run the food pantry, from taking appointments MCC still holds worship services at 10:45 a.m. to organizing stock to picking up food,” she said. “Food only works when we every Sunday and Bible study at 7 p.m. every give it out. We don’t stock it up to save it.” Wednesday. Kenny Blevins and Brandon Ross, who were married in Rowan County The church food pantry remains well-stocked in June and arrived with offerings to those in need, courtesy of the The Rev. Catherine Houchins receives donations in Charlotte only Second Harvest food distribution center and to the church food bank during services Sept. 13 at last month, helped congregation members. MCC’s new location on Orr Road. organize the pantry The food pantry served more than 2,500 following services. people last year alone. Both young men, “Anyone who calls can get food,” Houchins said. who were raised Food pantry volunteers take calls at 9 a.m. Southern Baptist, said every Thursday for same-day service. they were eager to Special events continue to be scheduled, most find a new “church notably the presentation “Homosexuality and the home” once they got to Bible” (Oct. 3) and a pet blessing (Oct. 17). Charlotte. Kristin Chesher and Brian Kepley want to grow Towne, who was the deaf ministry within MCC, offering to sign serworking the church mons for those who are hearing challenged. booth at Charlotte Houchins, who pastored for 26 years at MCC Pride, invited Blevins sanctuaries in Virginia and California before and Ross to MCC arriving at MCC Charlotte more than seven services. years ago, spoke of God’s love and grace on this Metropolitan “We felt like we were particular Sunday morning. Community Church being welcomed into a Although she was raised on the King James version of Charlotte moved MCC Charlotte family,” Blevins said. “It’s the Bible, Houchins has prepared sermons in the past using a from its Eastway Dr. 7121 Orr Rd., Charlotte, NC 28213 a church I can feel safe variety of bibles she has lined up on bookshelves in her office. location (top) to one 704-563-5810 and comfortable in.” She used The Message Bible to develop the sermon on Orr Rd. mymcccharlotte.org Blevins and Ross felt so welcome just days after the introduction, in fact, entitled “A God Who Listens” on Sept. 13. facebook.com/mcccharlotte that they helped the congregation move from Eastway Dr. to Orr Rd. that weekend. She takes a passage or two from one of the bibles and Worship Services: “They can’t get rid of us,” Blevins said. “We love it here.” runs with it. 10:45 a.m. Sunday Aldersgate, the East Charlotte retirement community originally known as “The Methodist Home,” “I can’t imagine reading a prepared sermon. That’s just not Bible Study: purchased the Eastway Dr. sanctuary, which had been MCC’s home since 1980. my style,” she said. “The Message Bible offers a translation in 7 p.m. Wednesday “We were current on the mortgage when we sold,” Houchins said. “We did have some very modern speech. It’s really cool.” Food Pantry: large balloon payments coming up in a few years. The building also needed many repairs. The buyWorshippers, many of them same-sex couples listening 9 a.m. Thursday ers were ready, so we sold. The Methodists were very fair with us and the negotiations were easy.” to Houchins while seated arm-in-arm in the pews, rose to (call ahead for appointment) Houchins said MCC will continue to rent the Orr Rd. location until the church builds up its savings join church pianist Shawn Towne and choir member Felicia to purchase a new sanctuary. : : Pritchett in singing inspiring hymns.

Historic Salisbury OctoberTour continued from page 12 what started it was this home. So, when they finally made the proclamation that this was a historic district, the one that started it was this home [the T.J. Anderson House].” The district, which encompasses 76 contributing buildings and one contributing structure — Shober Bridge, built around 1940 — was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Wolpert and Lancione bought the home together in 2001. “For a number of years, I lived in Massachusetts. I taught up there at the college [professor emeritus in early childhood education at Bridgewater State University],” Wolpert says. “For a number of years I wanted to move South. The winters are long up there, as you know. So, I looked around and North Carolina seemed to be a state that had four seasons.” From there he set out looking for homes in the state and dis-

covered the T.J. Anderson House in a magazine listing historical homes for sale. He purchased it three days after going to see it in person and after selling his home in Massachusetts, which was itself historic, having been built in 1703. This home also features a collection, an art collection in this instance. Wolpert has traveled around the world for years, teaching graduate courses, and says, “Every place I’d go, I’d try to buy a painting.” The collection is eclectic, not only in terms of origin, but also in style. When asked what type of art he gravitates toward he answers simply, “What I like.” “It’s a big collection here,” he says, “so not only will you get to see the old house, but I hope that people will [also] see the art that’s in it.”

Wolpert understands the importance of opening the doors of his and Lancione’s home to the public. “That’s our heritage,” he points out. “I like something that has a story.” He also realizes that the adage “They don’t build them like they used to” holds a lot of truth. “When I bought the house in Massachusetts, I thought, ‘1703 and it’s still standing!’” he says. “Good Lord, I know people who just built homes that 20 years later are collapsing. And, this one [the T.J. Anderson Home], it’s a solid home…and it has historic value.” It is a shared history that will be on display for those who wish to reconnect with the past through some of this historic area’s most notable residences. : :

Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

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

Life’s best adventures start with your education Dear Trinity, I worship your advice and your adventurous history. I’m thinking of dropping out of college and following my dreams like you always talk about. What does one have to do to follow their dreams? Dream Chaser, Albuquerque, NM

as sex, shopping and even plastic surgery. It’s normal and sometimes healthy to give into life’s pulls and tucks. So, as long as it’s under control, darling, pass a slice of that chocolate moose cake please! (Is it indulgence or addiction? Check out my cartoon to find out!)

Dear Dream Chaser, Most of my life’s adventures and dreams have been spent while going to school in interesting places like NYC, San Francisco, Montreal and Santa Fe. On those adventures, I got a Bachelors, a trade degree and two Masters degrees, one is a Masters of Divinity. So, to be like me, go to school in great places and stay in school. In the summers you can work in adventurous places like P-town, Sitges, Ibiza or take an internship. Honey, when you’re finally finished with your education (which may take decades in total), you will be freer and smarter to really appreciate the adventure.

Hello Trinity, After two months, I fell in love and am moving in with the man of my dreams. However, his ex still lives in the next bedroom. Help? The Next Room, Washington, DC

Hey Trinity, I’m a chocoholic. I’m very healthy and in control of myself, but dark chocolate is my life. Should I worry about it? Chocolate Chains, Palm Beach, FL Hey C.C. Everyone has good and bad addictions such

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Hello Next, Just because reality TV shows create outrageous relationships to boost ratings doesn’t mean you have to as well. Two months, with the ex in the next bedroom, is a better choice for Youtube.com than you two about to do something wrong. Pumpkin, repeat after me, “I have plenty of time to move in. I deserve a healthy relationship.” And, if that doesn’t spark some sense into you, then try it just once in your life, but rent out the other bedroom to your therapist! Dearest Trinity, Many issues back you gave advise for dumping someone inhumanely. How about doing it humanely? Humane or Inhumane, Austin, TX

Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

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Dearest Humane or Inhumane, I must have been going through yet another zoological breakup when I wrote that. So, sweetie, now that I’m feeling less ferocious here’s: Trinity’s Kindhearted Tips To (HEAR) Humanely End A Relationship 1. S o, she’s a monster! OK, he’s a beast. But to HEAR means you will have to be a better person than your counterpart! 2. T he cell phone or internet are both great devices for making dates, but definitely wrong devices for ending them. Face-toface is the only way to HEAR! 3. “ It’s not working right now.” or, “I want to take a break.” is much nicer to HEAR than, “You A-hole! Good-bye!” 4. Together in a private place, where there’s nothing to throw, is a much smarter way to HEAR than doing it in a crowd. 5. At breakfast, in the middle of a big fight or at the end of a romantic interlude are all the wrong times to HEAR! 6. B irthdays, funerals, weddings and large sports or concert events are also the wrong places to HEAR! 7. S itting down, having time to talk, being slightly intoxicated (and holding a thick shatterproof window in front of you) will make it much safer to HEAR! 8. K eeping to the point (while wearing your

newly improved bulletproof vest) also makes it much easier to HEAR. 9. T he only reason not to HEAR is when you’re dealing with someone who refuses to have an ear for how you’re trying to HEAR! 10. L astly, remember expecting someone to easily listen to you HEAR is like expecting someone to easily take an enema. Allow them time to ease into it! : : info: With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org. Learn more at telltrinity.com.

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Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

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dishing with buff faye by Buff Faye :: qnotes contributor :: info@bufffaye.com

Time to Tip More: Drag is not Cheap Get those dollar bills out. It is time to talk about money and the financial costs of being a drag queen. Now there may be some cheap looking drag queens, but always remember it costs money to look that cheap. In this month’s column I want to share the costs associated with doing drag regularly — from the costs of make-up to the wigs to the rhinestone, sequin outfits and costumes. In the photo, you will see one of my favorite local drag queens, Lola Olivia Lovelace, showcasing four different looks. Lola is a queen who invests in her drag. She sews, does rhinestones and does hair. She even does her own make-up. Plus, she likes to take a lot of selfies to put on her Facebook page, so I grabbed these shots to help illustrate the costs of drag and being a local drag queen. Hmmm… After reading this, maybe next time you will pull out those dollars to tip? Make-Up Not all drag queens know how to do makeup, especially the beginners. And there are different styles of creativity in make-up, like a fishy look to a more avant garde, dramatic one or even campy fun face. Make-up is not cheap. Foundation and powders cost between $9-$12 each container. Individual blush colors, contour colors and basic makeup pencils range from $8 -$13 depending on the name brand. Eyelashes and eyeliner can be $3-$5. Nails are $3-$6. A 12-piece set of makeup brushes are $25-$50.

The initial investment for a drag queen who performs regularly will likely be upwards of $150-$250 in cosmetics and supplies to just get started. Per show, I estimate that a drag queen may use $20 worth of makeup and supplies from their makeup kit on average. Wigs Whether it’s a lace front or not, wigs come at all price points, colors and quality. As you can see from our drag queen Lola in the photo, there are all types of wigs and styles. Lola’s wigs are professional, high quality wigs and range from $30-$60 each. If you want the wigs professionally styled, that will cost more. Many drag queens (myself included) will also have two or three wigs sewn together to make larger wigs. Multiple wigs sewn together costs more money and can go as high as another $50-$150 depending on the size of the wig and the amount of work by the stylist. For reference, the wigs in Lolas photos are on average $50 as is. Of course, you can buy costume shop wigs for $10-$20. But good luck, these are often plastic hair and will not last long. They work well for Halloween, but not for a “professional.” Dress/Costume Some might say “real drag” is about one sewing and creating original costumes, dresses and outfits. However, some drag queens shop at outlet stores or Cato. I will leave that argument for another day. Either way, it costs money — some outfits more than others. Lola can sew, so she saves a lot of money. Most of the outfits pictured will take five yards of fabric for a drag queen of Lola’s size. Five yards is a good measure for our purpose. Fabric comes in all prices, too. Sale fabric can be $2.99 a yard, which is often ugly or a heavy, non-stretch fabric. More expensive fabric, like sequin, is around $25 a yard. Four-way stretch fabric and Lycra/Spandex, a favorite among drag queens, is usually in the middle at $10-$17 a yard. Overall, textile costs keep going up. Depending upon the outfit, other costs would include zippers, buttons, trim, shoulder pads and the list continues. Then you have to sew it or pay someone to sew it. The final outfits in the photo likely range in cost from $85-$250 in total. Undergarments Yep, a drag queen has a mix of body shapers, corsets, hip pads, butt pads, bras, boobs and panty hose to create that shape. And, you don’t even really see any of this because its all under the dress or costume outfit. Not all drag queens use the same undergarments. Pricing for undergarments are different for each queen as a result. But my recent bra cost me $25, my body shaper cost $50 and my lower body pads cost $150. Plus, I have to wear at least two pairs of panty hose and those tights cost $12 each. And, while you can wash and reuse undergarments, keep in mind they do have to be replaced often, especially panty hose. Total investment for undergarments, I will estimate, is at $250 on the conservative side. Heels Heels or other types of women’s boots or shoes can be dangerous. There are just so many and such a difference in quality and price from $15-$150. But, luckily, a drag queen has a larger foot size typically, so your choices are more limited. Otherwise, I would be broke!

see next page u

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Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

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SHOUT OUTS: Lola Lovelace sews, does

hair, rhinestones and more. Hire her to do your drag. Find her on Facebook under Martin Lovelace or on her Facebook Fan Page for Lola Olivia Lovelace.

Remember if you’re a men’s size 10, then you are typically two sizes larger in women’s heels. A safe cost estimate for quality heels that won’t break for awhile is $50 in my opinion. Accessories Jewelry, bags, boas, whips — you name it — drag queens live to accessorize. The most common accessory is jewelry, like necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Drag queen professional jewelry is different than what you might buy at Nordstroms. It is bigger than life. Typically, clip earrings are used. Lots of bling, but not necessarily diamond carats, is the rule. But, who knows, some of these queens may have the real thing. Either way, I would say a drag queen could buy an average necklace, bracelet, earrings and ring set for $75-$100. In the photos, Lola has minimal jewelry, so less can be more (I guess). Music Well, you can rip your music off YouTube these days. You can download music from iTunes and pay. You can have a DJ mix you something special and pay them. Either way, music does cost money. Plus, you need to buy CDs or a thumb drive. Cost is estimated at $3 for a Top 40 song on a CD to $50 for a professional mix on a CD. Total Cost Now it is time for some math. I got out my calculator. Using Lola’s photos as our comparison and her four different looks, you can safely bet that she invested $650 on the low end of the estimate, just so she can get up on stage and perform one number at your favorite bar. Yep, I even rounded down to get $650.

Photo Credit: Lola Olivia Lovelace, Facebook

Booking Fees & Tips Money, money… well not really. Now keep in mind, a drag queen booking fee for one show is between $50-$100 in the Queen City — unless you are a “RuPaul” drag queen and you make $1,500-$3,000 for a booking fee and then $500 plus in tips. Now, some local drag queens can make $150, and granted some local queens who are national title holders can make more. But, these booking fees may shock you. Plus, a typical show booking is two or three songs. A drag queen on a good night could make $100 in tips for a show, bad night less than $30. Let me get that calculator again and do the math. So, if Lola puts on make-up and a dress to do a show and she gets paid $75 and makes $50 in tips, the total is $125 for the one show. It would take Lola wearing the same outfit for five shows to come close to break-even. Now, granted, Lola may have done that — but I don’t blame her. What’s my point? We are your local drag queens and we love you. If you like what you see, show us some love. Next time you go to tip your favorite drag queen, remember drag ain’t cheap — and tip Lola (and all of us) more. : : — Buff Faye calls the Queen City her home and performs to raise money so she can one day get the key to the city like on “Wizard of Oz” (and raise money for charities). Find her at your favorite bars and hot spots. Plus, don’t forget her weekly Saturday night show with Patti O’Furniture and regular Friday night party bus. Learn more at AllBuff.com. Follow on Twitter @BuffFaye.

Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

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EVENTS

Submit your event to our calendar!

September-October 2015 ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ Theatre Charlotte 501 Queens Rd., Charlotte 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m., Sunday Set in a glitzy drag club on the French Riviera, a middle aged gay couple agrees to hide their relationship when their son comes home with his fiancée’s ultra conservative parents. As everything is thrown into disarray in this musical comedy, a family struggles to stay together and stay true to themselves. The show runs through Sept. 27. Tickets run from $12-$27. More information and tickets are available online. theatrecharlotte.org.

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

Continues through Oct. 4 ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Belk Theater 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte Various times and dates

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

Don’t Cry For Me, SEP OCT MO Margaret Mitchell Armour Street Theatre 307 Armour St., Davidson 8 p.m. This comedy, by Charlotte-based playwrights Duke Ernsberger and Virginia Cate, tells the “(almost) true story” of three men given just seven days to rewrite Gone With The Wind — even though one has never read the book, one is in the middle of directing “The Wizard of Oz,” and the other, the film’s producer, is rapidly losing money on the project. The play runs through Oct. 18. Advance tickets are available at $12 for students (up to age 21), $18 for seniors (65 and older),and $20 for adults. Information and tickets are available online. davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

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The Academy Award winning Disney animated film turned hit Broadway musical comes to Charlotte. It tells a clasThis annual sic story of a beautiful small town young woman named Belle and the Beast, a cabaret event bills prince trapped in a spell who must learn to love and be loved to return to his itself as former self. Familiar musical numbers a “fun, and lavish costumes and sets make this intimate, play an audience favorite. Tickets start entertaining musical at $25. More information and tickets are available online. concert” blumenthalarts.org. and will raise funds for two Stonewall Kickball Drag Show Benefiting Time SEP OCT MO non-profit Out Youth organizaVisulite Theater tions: 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte Cabarrus CARES and the Humane 7 p.m. Society of Charlotte. In addition to the The Stonewall Kickball League will host a drag show benefiting musical entertainment, there will be Time Out Youth, a non-profit supporting LGBT youth. The show catered appetizers and a silent auction begins at 8 p.m. Judges Rodney Tucker, Joanne Spataro, Tommy Feldman, and will be held. Admission is $20. Lana Cane will decide who will be crowned Miss Stonewall CLT 2015. $5 cover. petraspianobar.com. facebook.com/events/504319623082542.

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Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

Style Night OutCenter SEP OCT MO Stage NoDa 2315 North Davidson St., Charlotte 6-10 p.m. Local boutiques, salons and makeup artists come together to showcase their looks on the runway. Admission is $25. Proceeds will benefit the non-profit organization Carolina Breast Friends. More information and tickets are available online. stylenightout.com.

Pride Winston-Salem 2015 Downtown Winston-Salem 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Pride Winston-Salem will celebrate their LGBT community with a day of vendors, information tables, entertainment and a parade. Singer Debby Holiday will perform on the main stage. The 2nd Annual Rainbow 5K will take place on Oct. 3 at 9 a.m. in the Washington Park Neighborhood. Pride Winston-Salem is a free event. More information is available online. pridews.org.

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Blue Ridge Pride 2015 Pack Square Park 121 College St., Asheville 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. The 6th Annual Blue Ridge Pride event celebrates LGBT community members and educates the public about available programs and services. The Ms. Blue Ridge Pride Pageant will take place on Oct. 1 at Scandals. Pride Night is on Oct. 2 at Pack Square Park. Blue Ridge Pride is a free event. More information is available online. blueridgepride.org.

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Alamance Pride Festival SEP OCT MO Downtown Burlington 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Burlington celebrates their Alamance Pride Festival featuring community groups, vendors, music acts and food and beverages. Alamance Pride is a free event. More information is available online. alamancepride.org.

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‘Forbidden: Queer and SEP OCT MO Undocumented in Rural America’ Film Screening UNCC Student Union 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte 7 p.m. This 2015 documentary tells the story of Moises Serrano, a self-described undocu-queer from North Carolina. UNC Charlotte and Levine Museum of the New South partner to present this screening, which will be followed by a talk back session with filmmakers Serrano and Tiffany Rhynard, who will discuss the themes of being both gay and undocumented in America, as well as their experiences making the film. This is a free event. More information is available online. museumofthenewsouth.org.

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OUR PEOPLE:

Q&A with Arron Malachi Entertainer, photographer by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes contributor

Singer and parodist Arron Malachi learned the power of comedic performance at a young age. He recalls being in the sixth or seventh grade when he faced down a girl on his bus that had been picking on him for some time. “This girl used to pick on me and make fun of me on the bus…there was this Blaque song ‘808’…and for some reason I just made up an entire song about her [set to it].” He waited for the song, which was getting heavy airplay at the time, to come on while they were on the bus. When it did, he sang along, with his lyrics in place of the regular ones, and shut his bully down. He says he “always used to make up little silly songs as a kid,” but this had a different feel to it. “I found it was a way to kind of get her to leave me alone, but I found out that it made people laugh. Just making up silly songs, it just kind of went from there. And as I got older it got dirtier, and more funny, as more experiences in life come along and I come into who I am. It just kind of spun off from there…it’s just kind of natural for it to go in the direction that it went. It’s just something that kind of happened, and I just kept going with it.” No one in their right mind would ever think of picking on Malachi today, but he is still out there entertaining people with his song parodies, or remixes as he calls them, and his wild and provocative performances. Among his biggest were his performances at Pride Charlotte in 2013 and 2014, as well as emceeing this year. Malachi is also still fighting to continue making a name for himself wherever he goes, even though he cannot be easily categorized. “They call me androgynous, that’s usually the term they use for me,” he says. “It took awhile for me to get recognition… because some of the older drag queens, the traditional type of drag queens, didn’t really think I was what was needed, because I wasn’t a quote-unquote drag queen,” Malachi says. “So it was kind of hard to get their respect in the beginning, but it’s hard not to respect someone that comes in there and consistently gives you a good show that people are actually entertained by. It’s hard to ignore the crowd.” He points out that he now feels he is a part of the “sisterhood,” as other performers have gotten to know and respect him. While Malachi has the goal to reach out to a broader, wider-reaching audience by taking advantage of his increased exposure of late, he says he will always talk up Charlotte for the support the city has shown to him.

Are you from Charlotte originally? Not originally. I’m from Columbia, S.C. originally. But I’ve been here since 1999. What brought you here? My mother retired from the Army. She was still in the Army in ’99 when we originally moved here. So the military brought us here. Did you move around a lot as a kid? So so. Not too, too much. We started in South Carolina, moved to Florida, came back to South Carolina, went to Georgia — right outside of Atlanta, [in] Stockbridge — and then came to Charlotte in ’99 and have kind of been here ever since. When did you first start performing onstage? Of course, we all start in school. I used to make little parodies here and there in school, but didn’t really get into it until I graduated. I started at a club called Club Mix, off S. Tryon here in Charlotte. Went out there, and got booed off the stage because I messed up somewhere. I was completely nervous. So, so nervous, and Club Mix was kind of like Showtime at the Apollo. They’re not going to clap for you just because you walk out onstage. You had to really work for it and really earn it. This was when you were how old? 19, I believe. 19 or 20. Very humbling experience to say the least…I left and kind of came back and watched a few other shows…then just really worked on being comfortable and listening for my music cues and stuff like that and making a mix that would cater to me and what I want to do. I went back out there and won the talent show. I took about a good month or so, found some confidence, and then just went out there and owned it. Were you nervous to go back out there? I was nervous, but I knew what had happened…[I just needed to know] that I could do it. [Knowing] this really isn’t anything different from being in high school and having to get on stage and perform for people. It’s no different, [except] I get to do whatever I want to. No filters, no nothing, just go out there and cut up and just have a good time. Any time I can go out and cut up, they can tell I’m having a good time and they usually go ahead and have a good time with me. So, it was just kind of one of those things where [I told myself], “You got this, just go out there and have a good time and, hopefully, they’ll like it.” And, they did. And, it’s kind of been history ever since then. How do you find stuff to wear onstage and how do you decide what to wear? [Laughing] I go to Forever 21 and rue21. I go someplace like that. I like flowy stuff, I like tight stuff. I like stuff that shows off my legs, because people always talk about how much they love my legs and how pretty my legs look. So, it’s very hard to not want to show my legs, [and] my ass, because everybody likes it. You know, everybody likes it when you show skin. So, you know, I just try to make sure I give the people what they want [laughs]. You’re also a photographer. Tell me more about your photography work. [I’ve been a photographer for] Pocket Rocket, I shot the HRC Gala for I believe two years now, two or three years now. Anytime there’s an HRC event in town, I’m usually there. When Michelle Obama came for the DNC, I was there for that; HRC had me take pictures for that event as well. [As well as] the Stonewall Kickball league, I’ve shot some stuff for them before. How did you first get involved with photography? Did you study it formally or

did you take it up on your own? I just picked it up. I was working at Best Buy and I just kind of picked it up. I was like, I’m always the guy taking pictures when all my friends go out. Why not just go ahead and see what this is all about? What’s the big deal with all these cameras? Why are people getting these cameras? Next thing you know I’m $8,000, $9,000 in the hole…if it’s really something you want to do. Photography is not cheap. But, it’s a lot of fun. I enjoy doing it and I’ve actually met so many people within the community here from photography alone. What’s next? I feel like I’m on the “I Am Booked” tour. [In addition to a number of local shows coming up], ever since Pride came around, and I got to emcee and a lot of people got to see me, social media has gone crazy a bit. So, there are a lot of people like, “Hey, how can I get you here?” or, “What do you want to do?” I’m hoping more opportunities come around…That’s kind of my goal for the end of this year; beginning of next year, is to really branch out and be seen. I want to perform in Atlanta, I want to perform in Florida, I want to go to New York…all I need is a foot in the door. Because once you give me a microphone, and five to seven minutes to do my number, you’re gonna love me. I have no doubt about it. You’re going to love me. You’re going to want to have me back. : :

Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015

qnotes

Sept. 25-Oct. 8 . 2015