QNotes Sept. 27-Oct. 10, 2013

Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

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Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

inside

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news & features 6 9 10 11 11 11 25

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News Notes: Regional Briefs HRC pay criticized Wells Fargo hosts event Winston-Salem center opens Charlotte center names awards McIntyre sponsors anti-gay bill Gay book criticized

a&e / life&style

arts. entertainment. news. views.

“I see the center as the hub, the center of a wheel. I feel like it will bring us all together in one place...”

— Teresa Carter, board chair, on the opening of the North Star LGBT Community Center in Winston-Salem, on page 11.

Get to know Chris Sgro p. 27

Cher comes to North Carolina p. 18

12 13 14 18 19 19 24 26 27

Proudly pink for mom Breast Cancer Month events Charlotte gayborhood?

Cher tour announced Religion lectures slated Jane’s World Tell Trinity Q events calendar Our People: Chris Sgro

opinions & views 4 4 4 5 5

Editor’s Note TalkBack Staff Commentary Guest Commentary QPoll

Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

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qnotes connect Sept. 27-Oct. 10, 2013 Vol 28 No 11

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

contributors this issue Paige Braddock, Dr. Michael Brown, Matt Comer, Charlene Lichtenstein, Lainey Millen, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Matt Comer Illustration: MesserWoland, via Wikipedia. Licensed CC. 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 Editor: Matt Comer x202 editor@goqnotes.com Copy Editor: Maria Dominguez Production: Lainey Millen x205 production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper.

Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2013 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.

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upcoming issues: 10.11.13: QList 2013, Best of Charlotte Advertising Space Deadline: Oct. 2 10:25.13: InFocus: Community Non-Profits Advertising Space Deadline: Oct.16

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editor’s note

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

Small changes, new content We’re making small changes here at qnotes, in our print edition and online. As we’ve done from time to time, these changes — some cosmetic, some editorial — are meant to serve you better.

One of the first things you’ll notice is a redesigned front cover. We’ve made the newspaper’s name bolder and larger. Our new art direction for the front page will mean more dynamic covers.

The second biggest change we’ve made is on the inside. We’re fitting more content in our pages. We’ve reduced the font size slightly enough to provide more space for content without sacrificing readability. In addition, we’ll focus on layouts that provide room for interesting artwork and information you need to know quickly and easily.

Lastly, we’ve made several changes in our content. Some regular features have ended or will run online only and new or returning features will appear in the print edition. Among

the changes: After several months of engaging conversation, we’ve decided to stop running Brett Webb-Mitchell’s column, “On Being a Gay Parent,” though from time to time we may hear from Brett on other topics in which he’s well-versed. Our regular horoscopes feature, “Out in the Stars,” will now be published online once per month.

New and returning features include a revamped community Q&A column, “Our People.” According to our reader survey this year, a great many of you enjoyed former associate editor David Stout’s “20 Questions” column. So, we’ve brought it back, only slightly changed and hope you’ll find our casual interviews with community members and community leaders fun and entertaining. Starting next issue, we’re also bringing back our nightlife pages and adding in two new neighborhood maps highlighting Plaza Midwood and South End. We think the feature will give newcomers and visitors to the city all the information they

need to hit the ground running as they explore their new home or finding things to do while they are on vacation or a business trip. In the next couple of months, we’ll also begin running new columns for pet lovers and one showcasing conversations on faith.

Lastly, later this year, you’ll notice some wonderful changes on our website. We’re currently in the planning process for an entirely new refresh, with new strategies on how to integrate the content you want online with streamlined online advertising that better serves both you and our advertisers.

As always, we’re open to your feedback and suggestions. If there’s something you love about our new changes, let us know. If there’s something you think needs to be changed or just simply isn’t working, we want to know that too. Comments and suggestions, along with letters to the editor (approximately 200 words) and guest commentaries (approximately 600 words) can be sent to editor@goqnotes.com. : :

talkback Letters to the editor and comments from goqnotes.com. and facebook.com/qnotescarolinas.

Web comments are not edited for grammar or punctuation.

Winston-Salem center In response to our online article, “Winston-Salem to open new LGBT center this weekend,” goqnotes.com/24979/.

I think a Winston-Salem LGBT center is a great idea.

— Janice Covington, Sept. 19, web comment

Thanks for the very nice article! We are very exciting about the opening of North Star in Winston-Salem.

— Rex Welton (North Star board member), Sept. 19, web comment We are so excited for them! Kudos to Teresa and her group.

— James, Sept. 19, web comment

staff commentary

by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com

Choose your words wisely, the world is watching On Sept. 18, the U.S. saw its first gay “Big Brother” winner after 15 seasons. I would otherwise be elated, but this year, I just wasn’t.

Andy Herren, a 26-year-old public speaking instructor from Chicago, Ill., walked away with the $500,000 first-place prize. Not too shabby for such a young man.

However, in making it to the end to capture this win, he, along with a host of other cast mates, spit out a rash of vitriol that would make any normal human being shudder. In fact, this season was the landmark show’s most controversial in its history. Even host Julie Chen was appalled at the things said during its 90-day run. And, Herren was the brunt of some of it himself.

Fraught by racism, homophobia, hate speech, anti-semitism and inappropriate sexual overtures and behavior, I was aghast, and for the right reasons. I was astounded that CBS would permit some of the things said to continue. I guess ratings were more important? I dare to think not! In the end, two of the cast lost their jobs, one is under review by its employer and union, one was removed by the real estate company at which she worked and another employer publicly distanced itself from its part-time employee. In the last case, it was Herren who has worked as an adjunct instructor at the College of DuPage.

All of the house guests have now been brought up to speed on what transpired while

Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

they were sequestered during their sojourn on the show. Some find it hard to believe. Some think that their words were taken out of context. Not so. There were 24-hour live feeds and live shows to counter these claims.

Which brings me to the core of my concerns. I realize that we all have times in our lives that we say or do things of which we are not too proud. When we mature, we seem to get with the program and are able to see through this distorted portrayal. Now, that does not mean that we are absolved of what we say or do, we just have to make amends.

Herren told the Hollywood Reporter, “If I lost my job over this, I’m going to be very upset because I don’t think I did anything to merit me losing my job. Sure, some of the stuff I said might have been ridiculous or vulgar but at the same time I did comedy and things like that so people understand it’s my personality. … If this hurt my career, I would definitely be upset about that. Hopefully people will see the true me and realize that if I’m associated with that stuff, it’s wrongfully so. I hope all will be well.”

He knows internally what he said, so own up to it and truly make amends. Again, it’s all about integrity, of admitting we were wrong and doing something about it. And, for a gay man who was ridiculed in the house, why would you lower yourself to simply fit in? Former First Lady Nancy Reagan once said, “Just say no!”

I’m not a “fuddy duddy,” so don’t even go

there. I am, however, someone who chooses to use my words respectfully and responsibly.

I also try to maintain an honorable life. And, I think that we owe it to ourselves to make that our life-long mission. We should honor ourselves and our community, past, present and future, so that we are shown in the best possible light to combat negativity and stereotypes that are so often shown of us. We ought to share the best of who we are admist any antiLGBT focused statements made against us.

You see, I feel so strongly that if we are to continue to make big strides in the LGBT community — for rights, for equality, for acceptance — then we have to behave well and act responsibly. It is our duty and obligation to be an example to others on how to live life with integrity. Don’t you think that the nay-sayers that challenge us would be more approachable if we were to speak in a way that embraces diplomacy? I am sure that if we did, that we’d find making strides to be a bit easier. It’s hard to argue with someone who chooses to remain calm and composed. Perfect to extinguish the flames of bullying, violence and more.

We owe it to ourselves to stand proud, without stooping to the depths of offensive language and more.

I remember a song from times gone by lesbian artist Cris Williamson in which she sang, “you got to kill them with kindness.” It’s a great mantra and one that I hold near to my heart. : :

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guest commentary

by Dr. Michael Brown :: guest contributor

Sharing’s God’s goodness is never a failure [Ed. Note — Like all newspapers, qnotes strives to ensure our opinion and editorial pages are open to community discussion and thought-provoking conversation. Such openness isn’t limited to only our LGBT and ally readers. Below, you will find a response from anti-LGBT activist and religious leader Dr. Michael Brown, to my editorial, “Anti-gay Pride outreach was spectacular failure,” in the Sept.

13 print edition (goqnotes.com/24888/). Letters to the editor (approximately 200 words) and guest commentaries (approximately 600 words) are always welcome and can be emailed to editor@goqnotes.com. -- Matt Comer, editor] According to qnotes editor Matt Comer, the outreach I helped organize at the recent Charlotte Pride event was a “spectacular failure.” I beg to differ, and with good reason.

Matt was referring to the outreach involving students and grads from FIRE School of Ministry. They used a survey entitled “Are You Open Minded” to gain insights into the views of those participating in Charlotte Pride, as well as to ask them if they needed prayer for anything.

In years past, we had been involved in different ways at the event, making clear that we had our differences with many gay activist goals while at the same time demonstrating genuine, Christian love in the midst of our differences.

Four years ago, when nearly 500 of us prayed and worshiped across the street from the event, we were joined by a local lesbian activist with whom I subsequently shared a meal. She told us that when she interacted with our group, she met with “radical love.”

Two years ago, several hundred of our friends and colleagues (including families with their kids, all wearing “God Has a Better Way” T-shirts) handed out bottles of water that said, “Jesus Loves You.” According to one local gay activist with whom I had dinner last year, our presence at the event was the “gold standard” for a “model Christian protest.” So yes, we have our differences, but we will conduct ourselves with love and respect.

In fact, this same activist had organized a protest outside of our church in Concord in August 2012, but after a short time there, he called off the event, saying that our congregants were too nice to deserve a protest. He even called my radio show the next day to

state that he and his group met with the “perfect love of God” and he wanted to apologize for the protest.

I told him that I was happy to forgive him, but honestly felt he owed us no apology — after all, he was simply acting on his convictions. The big question I had was this: Since we both have deep convictions and live in the same city, how we can be better neighbors? It was this question that led to our subsequent dinner.

This year, as I prayed about what involvement to have in the event, I felt that we would not be obtrusive in any way. Rather, about 40 of our students and grads would ask people if they wanted to answer questions to a survey, telling anyone that asked them that they attended FIRE School of Ministry, also informing anyone who asked that we would post the results of the survey on my website, AskDrBrown. org, as well as mention the results on my radio show that Monday.

There was obviously no intention to mislead in any way, and although Matt says he spoke with some attendees who felt tricked by us — something for which I immediately and without hesitation apologized for when he shared it with me — our students came back with very different reports, saying that they did not have one hostile conversation, that many of the folks they talked with wanted prayer and that some were open to hear more of the gospel.

According to Matt, in the past, my colleagues and I have “interacted with attendees, prayed with attendees and spread harmful, false and hate-filled messages — driving an already outcast community further away from the church rather than closer to it.”

In all candor, what is harmful, false and hate-filled is Matt’s description, further driving a wedge between us.

But don’t take my word for it. Visit one of our church services; sit down and have a meal with me and my friends; invite us to attend one of your church services; or help schedule a private dialog among peer leaders, where we can honestly and candidly address our differences face to face.

Our door is open. : : — Dr. Michael Brown is host of the nationally-syndicated Line of Fire broadcast, which airs Monday-Friday in Charlotte from 2-4 p.m. on 960 AM and 105.7 FM.

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Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

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news notes:

carolinas. nation. world. compiled by Lainey Millen | Matt Comer

Charlotte Artists hit the high country

CHARLOTTE — Musical talents Jen Foster, Michelle Malone and Patrice Pike will perform at The Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., on Oct. 10.

The award-winning musicians will share their craft in the round similar to that done at the famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tenn.

Foster, a native of Houston, Texas, is a singer/songwriter.

Malone, from Atlanta, Ga., is a “guitar slinger and sweet songstress,” Guitar World shared. She has netted Grammy nods and her songs have been recorded by the likes of the Indigo Girls and more.

Pike rounds out the trio. Another Texan from Austin, she has made appearances around the world and was the youngest musician to be inducted into the Austin/Texas Music Hall of Fame.

The group will also be on hand at The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., in Asheville, at 8 p.m. on Oct. 13, 8 p.m. info/tickets: jenfoster.com.

— L.M.

Fall fundraiser set

CHARLOTTE — An Autumn Jubilee will be held on Oct. 12, 7-9 p.m., at The LGBT Center of Charlotte, 2508 N. Davidson St. This inaugural event will help to raise funds for the center. The evening will be graced with dinner and music.

Opening address will be given by Mayor Patsy Kinsey and keynote speaker will be Christopher J. Carmichael, senior vice president of Fifth Third Bank.

Tickets are $50. For those who wish to attend, email an RSVP to director@gaycharlotte.com.

In other news, Fifth Third Bank is sponsoring a community bingo game on Sept. 28, 7-10 p.m. at the center. Tickets are $20 at the door and includes nine games of bingo, dauber and a sheet for a $150 grand prize jackpot.

Get an extra 25 percent off the entrance fee for those who hold a Fifth Third Bank credit or debit card or are an employee of the bank. info: lgbtcharlotte.org.

— L.M.

TOY to offer counseling

CHARLOTTE — Time Out Youth Center will offer free individual, couples, family and group therapy this fall.

It will partner with the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and Phiffer University.

Through this endeavor, the center will be able to provide therapeutic services at no cost to program participants.

The new program will be under the direction of Adrienne Erby, a third-year Ph.D. student from UNCC who will be supervised by TOY Executive Director Rodney Tucker.

“In our 2013 community needs assessment of LGBTQ youth, it was very clear that for the next level of services for the youth of Time Out, therapeutic services were at the top of the list,” Tucker said. “As an alumni of UNCC’s counseling program, I am proud to see how they have embraced our agency

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and want to help address the needs of LGBTQ youth. This is a huge gift to our community.”

UNCC’s counseling department will be instrumental in developing the program and will provide clinical supervision. TOY will offer 30 hours of therapeutic sessions per week and plans on creating a schedule of therapeutic support groups for youth on Monday evenings, as well. In addition to Erby, two masterslevel interns and Micah Johnson, director of school outreach, will offer individual sessions.

Services will target youth 11-20, with additional support for youth 21-26 through the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte’s young adult group, PRISM. The program will offer scheduled individual session and emergency drop in sessions. info: timeoutyouth.org.

— L.M. and releases

Youth conference slated

CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Conference on Queer Youth will be held on Oct. 18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte’s Student Union, 9201 University City Blvd. Time Out Youth is helping to coordinate the conference.

The event brings together middle school, high school and college students, teachers, counselors and other practitioners working with this queer youth. It is open to professional educators, students and community members.

Conversations will center around what is being done to create safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ youth.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Registration is free. Parking is available in the visitor’s parking deck and is $10.

Continuing education units are available for select education-related professionals who attend the entire day’s programming. info/registration: conference@timeoutyouth. org. ccqy.eventbrite.com.

— L.M.

Covington heads home transformed NEWPORT, Del. — Janice Covington is going home, so to speak, to her class reunion, but she’s doing so quite differently than she was when she attended there some 50 years ago.

She decided to go to the the alumni function and shared with her classmates that she left as a man and is returning as a woman.

Since her reveal, she has gotten nothing but support and acceptance, quite different than what she had expected.

Former classmate Candace Wannamaker, Ph.D., B.C.E.T.S., from Philadelphia, Penn., asked Covington to come to Drexel University on Oct. 11 to share her amazing journey and lifetime work as an advocate for equality and LGBT rights. Her topic will be “A Lifetime of Advocacy and Change” and will be shared with participants at the James E. Marks Intercultural Center. She will be part of the university’s National Coming Out Day celebration. The event is sponsored by the Drexel LGBTQA Student Center and Foundation of Undergraduates for Sexual Equality.

Covington was the first transgender woman delegate from North Carolina at the 2012 Democratic National Convention held in Charlotte, N.C. She said that it “changed my life forever. I realized that I had an opportunity and a responsibility to my LGBT community to represent them in the best fashion I could muster.”

She added, “I was not elected by the LGBT community, I was elected by some of the very people who voted to pass Amendment One. I feel that I overcame their fears and ignorance of my community by educating them and as a result they saw past their own bigotry and discrimination of the past and elected me as the person who they got to know.”

Since then, she joined the Mecklenburg County Democratic Women’s Association and the North Carolina Democratic Women’s Association as a full voting member. She hopes that her participation in these two organizations will help to advance the Democratic Party in its perception and work with the LGBT community to further rights for LGBT citizens both statewide and nationally. She was elected as a delegate for the 12th Congressional District for 2013 through her work at the Mecklenburg County Democratic Convention.

Now she is involved with Get-Equal, a LGBT activist organization, as the state organizer working for the passage of the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act which has stalled in each of the years it’s been introduced in Congress since 1994.

She knows that the fight does not come without sacrifice. She learned that the only way to make a difference is to “reach out and conquer your fears.” Covington added, “We must show our nation and state as a community that we are not second-class citizens and that we deserve the same rights with housing, employment and to be able to marry the person we have chosen to love.” She thinks that this can be done by educating the straight community that the LGBT community are positive, viable contributors to society.

“I was honored to have received the Harvey Milk Award during the Charlotte Pride Festival.

You, my friends, made me feel it is all worthwhile by hearing your cheers and hugs while I was riding in the Parade. Thank you for the pleasure of being your friend,” she concluded.

— L.M.

Fall inspirational concert set

CHARLOTTE — The Fourth Annual Evening of Hope and Inspiration will take place on Nov. 23, 7 p.m., at the McGlohon Theatre, 345 N. College St. Jason Crabb and Christy Sutherland will headline the event that benefits the Jeanne White-Ginder Food Pantry at Different Roads Home, an HIV/AIDS resource agency located at 15905 Brookway Dr., Suite 4203.

Crabb is a southern Grammy-award winning gospel singer. Sutherland is a Christian singer/songwriter.

Joining them will be White-Ginder who will share her son Ryan White’s story and his experience with his guardian angel.

A VIP package is currently available which includes guaranteed reserved seating within the first five rows, a limited edition commemorative event poster hand signed by Crabb and Sutherland and a copy of “Treasures of the Snow,” the book from Grammy and Dove award nominee Janet Paschal whose first book, “The Good Road,” inspired the creation of Different Roads Home.

Tickets are $20-$50 and are ready for purchase at the Carolina Tix website. info/tickets: differentroadshome.org.

— L.M.

Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

Coastal Row, row down to the coast

CAROLINA BEACH — The first Annual Carolina Beach Dragon Boat Regatta and Festival will be held on Oct. 25-26 at the Carolina Beach Yacht Basin and Marina, 216 Canal Dr. Twenty-person crews will receive their rowing instructions from their able-bodied steersman and a drummer/pacesetter.

Charlotte’s LGBT-friendly One World Dragon Boat team is planning on attending and competing. At press time, they were still in the process of filling out their team.

On Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m., live music and kick-off party will get teams in the spirit of the competition. Team instructions will be made along with a parade.

The next day, Oct. 26, boats will launch on the open river course to vie for top honors. At 8:30 a.m., pre-qualifying races will take place.

Final heats will occur at 1:30 p.m. Trophies will be awarded for fastest time, slowest time, most spirited team, best costumes, match race winners and more. The awards ceremony and celebration party will take place at 6 p.m.

This inaugural event is sponsored by Got-Em-On Live Bait Club, Carolina Beach Fire Department and the Carolina Beach Arts and Activities Committee. Proceeds go to the Carolina Beach Volunteer Fire Department and the Got-Em-On Live Bait Club to support their disabled fishing tourneys.

Sports and health and wellness enthusiasts will be able to catch the active, planned schedule during this fall festival while enjoying arts exhibits and vendors along the way. info: carolinabeachdragonboat.com. oneworlddragonboat.org.

— L.M.

Triad Foundation mounts letter campaign

GREENSBORO — The Guilford Green Foundation is seeking participants in its $5 letter campaign.

In its fifth year, contributions of $5 or more go toward investments in the community through the foundation’s grant program.

Contributions will be matched dollarfor-dollar this year. Right now there are five

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news

National/Global

Eldridge launches congressional bid

state Sen. John Hawkins led the 2005 campaign to add an KINGSTON, N.Y. — Sean anti-LGBT amendment Eldridge, a former staffer for to South Carolina’s conFreedom to Marry and a leading stitution. Now, he’s joinadvocate for marriage equality, ing the Alliance for Full announced his candidacy for Acceptance, an LGBT New York’s 19th Congressional community organization District on Sept. 23. Eldridge is in Charleston. married to Facebook co-founder “I was wrong about and New Republic owner Chris pursing the marriage Hughes, a Hickory, N.C., native. amendment,” Hawkins Eldridge’s campaign will focus told WCSC on Sept. 18. on jobs, education, health and “I wish I hadn’t been campaign finance reform. Eldridge so strident against it.

Sean Eldridge is a small business investor … I never pursued the Photo Credit: Mzorick, via Wikipedia. and president of Hudson River marriage amendment Licensed CC. Ventures. He will challange incumfor any kind of religious bent Republican Rep. Chris Gibson. reason, or any so-called moral reason, or any— M.C. thing like that. I pursued the marriage amendment out of a sense of duty to the law.”

Equality foe changes mind The amendment Hawkin’s championed is CHARLESTON, S.C. — The lead architect also named for him. It passed with 78 percent of South Carolina’s anti-LGBT constitutional of support from voters. amendment has had a change of heart. Former — M.C.

QUICK HITS —————————————————————————————— Lawmakers in Pennsylvania, including State officials in Tennessee are denying openly gay state Rep. Brian Sims, have introname-change requests from legally-married duced legislation to ban anti-gay and “ex-gay” same-sex couples. Several individuals have conversion therapy on minors. The bill follows reported being denied name changes on driver similar successful efforts in California and licenses and Social Security cards by office New Jersey. workers. Tennessee does not recognize samemore: bit.ly/1fuomK5. sex marriages.

Transgender student Cassidy Lynn more: bit.ly/18RVcNP. Campbell, 16, was crowned homecoming Houston Mayor Annise Parker has said her queen at her Orange County, Calif., high school city should pass its own citywide anti-LGBT in September. It’s beleived Campbell is the firstnon-discrimination ordinance. Parker, who is ever transgender homecoming queen. lesbian, leads Houston as the only major metromore: bit.ly/1aZgtJC. politan area in Texas without such a provision.

Leaders of the Mormon Church are San Antonia recently passed their own nonencouraging their members in Hawaii to speak discrimination ordinance. out in favor of religious exemptions as that more: bit.ly/1fbWUTK. state considers legalizing same-sex marThe Topeka, Kan., City Council has voted riage. The Mormon Church was a signficant to add sexual orientation and gender identity proponent of California’s anti-LGBT Proposition to the mission statement for the city’s Human 8, which was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Relations Commission. The move will expand Court this summer. the commission’s educationa and awareness more: bit.ly/15me6BC. work. The provision did not LGBT non-discrimiNewly-elected Australian Prime Minister nation protections.

Tony Abbott is considering a block on more: bit.ly/1gT0fm8. proposed marriage equality legislation in the Activists and community members celAustralian Capital Territory. Abbott recently ebrated the 15th annual International Celebrate defeated pro-marriage equality former Prime Bisexuality Day on Sept. 23. The day is also Minister Kevin Rudd. known as Bi Pride Day and Bi Visibility Day. more: bit.ly/1fbZyJc. more: bit.ly/1fulXip.

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Blogger criticizes HRC executive pay Salaries comparable to other national orgs

by Matt Comer matt@goqnotes.com

goqnotes.com

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Blogger and activist Michael Petrelis, long known for his criticisms of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and other national LGBT organizations, is now pointing out the nation’s largest LGBT advocacy organization for its executive pay.

HRC recently released its 2012 Form 990, the annual tax return non-profit organizations file with the IRS. The group and its related foundation reported a combined revenue of about $49.5 million. The forms also included information on the organization’s top-paid employees. New Executive Director Chad Griffin earned $250,061, including base salary, retirement and other benefits. Additionally, Griffin received a $20,000 incentive bonus and a later $50,000 bonus. An additional $40,108 from HRC’s related foundation gave Griffin a total compensation of $360,169.

Other top employees earned salaries ranging from approximately $172,000 to $277,300.

“Are these salaries and bonuses justified,” Petrelis asked on his blog. “No, not in my opinion and I say that because I believe HRC’s leaders are part of the 1 percent, and addressing the economic disparities and concerns of the 99 percent of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is not on their agenda.”

Petrelis’ criticism has resulted in some commentary from other activists and bloggers.

Some have said HRC’s executive pay is too high and others have defended HRC. The salaries seem comparable with other national LGBT non-profits, though the share of salary expenses is much lower for HRC’s budget.

The New York-based Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network reported 2012 income of about $6 million; Executive Director Eliza Byard earned a total $251,750 in compensation. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation and its action fund had a combined 2012 income of nearly $7.9 million; Executive Director Rea Carey earned a total of $253,556 in compensation.

Fred Sainz, HRC’s vice president of communications and marketing, said the organization had no comment. : : more: Be sure to pick up qnotes’ upcoming Oct. 25 print edition for our annual review of local LGBT non-profit community organizations.

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

Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

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‘Flash Philanthropy’ event benefits LGBT, other local causes Charlotte-area Wells Fargo employees gather for tech-infused fundraising event

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

A Child’s Place Student Adovocate Kelly Cates and child actor Kenneth smile for the cameras after winning over Wells Fargo employees’ votes for a $10,000 grant at a Sept. 13 ‘Flash Philanthropy’ mixer in Uptown Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE — Dozens of Wells Fargo employees in the Queen City gathered in Uptown on Sept. 13 for a unique “Flash Philanthropy” event, where old fashioned networking and technology combined to benefit more than a dozen local LGBT organizations.

Wells Fargo’s employee affinity groups, including the Pride Team Member Network for LGBT employees, each invited a non-profit organization of their choice to the event. The Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) and the Levine Museum of the New South, which is working to bring an LGBT-themed exhibit to town in the next couple years, were among the organizations represented.

Each group set up informational tables and, in the highlight of the event, competed to win a $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo. Employees were treated to 60-second mini-presentations from each group. At the end of the presentations, employees used their cell phones to cast votes

for the group they thought should win the $10,000 grant. The Arts and Science Council wowed the crowd with song and dance. RAIN’s Jaysen Foreman, coordinator of the group’s Empowering Positive Youth program, shared his story and the reasons he now works in HIV/AIDS care. Though RAIN came in second, it was Kenneth, a child actor who portrayed the story of a young client of A Child’s Place, whose presentation won over the crowd. A Child’s Place, founded in 1989, works to support homeless children and their families.

No organization went away empty handed; each invited were given a $1,000 grant. The program was part of Wells Fargo’s nationwide month-long Community Support and United Way Campaign in September. The annual campaign raised $60.5 million for more than 25,000 nonprofit groups and schools across the country last year. Charlotte-area Wells Fargo employees raised $9.7 million last year and hoped to reach a goal of $10 million this year. : :

Charlotte LGBT center launches new website CHARLOTTE — The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte has launched a new website at lgbtcharlotte.org. The new website includes much more information about the group’s programs and activities, including updates on brand-new programming and activities. The site was designed by Kristian Wedolowski.

“I love how user friendly the new website

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is,” said Glenn Griffin, the center’s director.

“People can go to the website and find all of the information that they are looking for right at their fingertips.”

The switch from gaycharlotte.com to lgbtcharlotte.org was meant to offer a more inclusive face for the group. : : — Matt Comer

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news

Winston-Salem opens new LGBT center Programs for adults, families, youth planned

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com WINSTON-SALEM — Organizers of the new North Star LGBT Community Center proudly debuted their new organization and location on Sept. 21. The opening celebration followed three years of local conversation about the need for a community center.

Teresa Carter, chair of the North Star Center board, said last year’s Amendment One campaign drove her and others to organize the new group.

“After Amendment One was passed, it felt like this would be a great time to work toward a community center,” she said. “We tried to unite everyone, because [the amendment] was such a let down. I thought this was something that could be encouraging and unifying for the community.”

The North Star LGBT Community Center is the first of its kind in the Triad area. The organization, located at 704 Brookstown Ave. in downtown Winston-Salem, will offer a variety of programs and activities, including support groups, drop-in times for youth, meeting space and more. The center is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-8 p.m. It will also be open on Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

“I see the center as the hub, the center of a wheel,” said Carter, whose 14 board members she said draw from a wide diversity of Winston-Salem’s community. “I feel like it will bring us all together in one place…that’s what we’ve been missing, having one place where we can all be.”

The new organization, which received its federal tax-exempt status last November, has received some of its initial funding from Winston-Salem’s Adam Foundation. They’ve also received a community grant from Wells Fargo. The group is currently in the process of applying for additional grants to pay for a part-

time manager and volunteer coordinator they hope to hire by February.

Carter said she hopes that a wide range of activities will keep the momentum flowing past the center’s opening. The group plans to incorporate a number of community activities currently planned independently, including an annual LGBT youth prom in the spring, AA and NA groups and a youth support group.

Organizational sustainability, she said, was a board concern.

“I actually spoke with the board chair of the Raleigh center,” Carter said. “I had two conversations with him and he gave me some great ideas. The main thing I was asking about was longevity. A lot of people are excited right now, of course, but how do you keep it up after a year or two?”

Carter said Winston-Salem’s center will learn from the past experiences of similar organizations. She cited the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte’s recent organizing and fundraising challenges as an example.

“I was a little concerned,” she said. “I saw they had split off having their Pride group and the center. I guess, that’s my main goal, is to make sure we keep this going.”

Discussions about the creation of an LGBT center in Winston-Salem date back three years, when an initial organizing meeting was held for those interested in making it a reality.

The new center joins three others in the Carolinas.

Columbia’s Harriet Hancock LGBT Center opened in 1993. The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte opened its first location on Central Ave. in 2003. In 2008, it moved to Uptown’s NC Music Factory and, in January, opened its current location on N. Davidson St.

Yarbrough, Palm-Beck to receive LGBT center awards ‘Autumn Jubilee’ set for Oct. 12

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

CHARLOTTE — The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte has announced it will award community leaders Jim Yarbrough and Denise Palm-Beck at its inaugural Autumn Jubilee dinner fundraiser to be held next month.

The dinner is slated for Oct. 12, 7-9 p.m., at the center, 2508 N. Davidson St. Yarbrough and Palm-Beck will be inducted into the group’s Ambassador’s Circle, which honors leaders and donors who have substantially supported the center and community.

Yarbrough, who is the publisher of qnotes, also owns White Rabbit and has been involved in community organizing and leadership since the 1980s, including several terms as committee member and co-chair for Pride Charlotte activities from 2006-2009.

Palm-Beck served as vice-chair of the LGBT Community Center board in 2007.

In 2008, she was made chair of the board

and served until the end of her term in July 2010. She was also active with the Charlotte Business Guild and served as a co-chair for Pride Charlotte 2010. Under Palm-Beck’s leadership, the center moved in 2008 from its location on Central Ave. to the NC Music Factory.

Chair Roberta Dunn said the center envisions the October fundraising dinner as one of its signature annual events. A total of four events each year, she said, will help raise funds for the organization, including the group’s annual Stonewall Celebration and two others still in the works.

Tickets for the event are $50 and include dinner and drinks. Entertainment will include music. The opening address will be given by Charlotte Mayor Patsy Kinsey, with a keynote address offered by Christopher J. Carmichael, a senior vice president of Fifth Third Bank. : : info: gaycharlotte.com.

Jeff MacIntosh (Democratic candidate for Winston-Salem City Council), Betty Taylor (CEO of CenterPoint Human Services), Teresa Carter (chair, North Star Center board) are all smiles at the ribbon cutting for the center’s grand opening ceremonies.

The LGBT Center of Raleigh, which will soon move from its prime, but small location on Hillsborough St. to a larger space a few blocks away, first organized in 2009 and shared office space with Triangle Community Works in 2010. The two organizations later merged

and, in 2011, moved to its current location on Hillsborough St. Community members in Asheville are currently brainstorming the possible creation of a center there. : : info: northstarlgbtcc.com.

McIntyre among anti-gay bill sponsors WILMINGTON — North Carolina’s U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre, representing the state’s coastal 7th Congressional District, is one of only two Democrats co-sponsoring a bill that would grant religious organizations and individuals the right to ignore federal and other non-discrimination laws.

The bill, the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act, was introduced on Sept. 19 and is designed to grant “freedom of conscience” protections to religious groups and churches, a commonplace protection already enshrined in several states’ marriage equality laws. Critics of the new bill, however, say it could also allow discrimination by individuals. If passed, the bill could allow federal employees to refuse to process tax returns, visa paperwork or Social Security applications from LGBT individuals or couples.

“Every American understands the importance of protecting the rights of people of faith to hold and express their beliefs, including about the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people,” said Human Rights Campaign Legislative Director Allison Herwitt. “But our Constitution and laws already strongly safeguard that liberty.

The purpose of the legislation introduced today is

simply to let federal employees, contractors and grantees refuse to do their jobs or fulfill the terms of their taxpayer-funded contracts because they have a particular religious view about certain lawfully-married couples — and then to sue the federal government for damages if they don’t get their way.”

The bill could also allow anti-LGBT discrimination by religious groups which receive taxpayerfunded grants for community services.

McIntyre is joined by just one other Democratic co-sponsor, Illinois’ Rep. Daniel Lipinski.

An emailed request for comment to McIntyre Chief of Staff Dean Mitchell was unreturned at press time.

The bill has been endorsed by a variety of anti-LGBT organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Organization for Marriage, Heritage Action, Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention and Concerned Women for America. : : — Matt Comer

Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

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Proudly Pink for Mom Two sons stood strong by their mothers in times of need

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

E

ach October, you hear the stories — sometimes of sadness and uncertainty, others of triumph and new-found appreciation. Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings a range of emotions for people remembering loved ones or those who remember battling the illness and who, now, work as survivors to raise funds and awareness.

We often hear the stories of those who experienced breast cancer — we hear about their determination, their spirit, their legacies. But, behind the scenes of each of the courageous women and men who battle breast cancer, you’ll often find the strong, unwavering support of family and friends without whom many survivors say they couldn’t have made it.

Raleigh’s James Miller and Charlotte’s Davey Roberson are just two of the legions of family and friends who have stood strongly by their loved ones during their times of need. For both men, life changed when they learned their mothers had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Miller had just landed in London for a study-abroad program in 2004 when he received a call from his mother, Blair.

“My mother didn’t want to reveal she had breast cancer because she knew I wouldn’t leave for my study-abroad,” Miller says. “She genuinely held all that information until I was gone and couldn’t come back.”

But, Miller still wanted to. Standing at Heathrow airport and talking to his mom on the phone, Miller demanded that he should return to the U.S. His mother wouldn’t let him.

“She said, ‘This is something I never got to do and now I get to live it through all the photos you’ll be sending me,’” Miller recounts.

“She was so incredibly supportive of my life even while hers was diminishing quickly,” Miller adds.

From 3,000 miles away, Miller, the youngest of three children, stayed as updated as he could and when he finally returned, he devoted all his time to his mother.

“I’m the mama’s boy,” he says.

In Charlotte, Roberson and his mother Karen found themselves facing the challenge together.

“We found out together,” Roberson says. “I went with her to the doctor’s office. She was going to be screened for allergy shots.”

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An X-ray, he says, led to the eventual breast cancer diagnosis.

“Mom’s doctor called us but wouldn’t give us any information over the phone and told us to come into the office,” he says.

“We actually went together and found out together and decided together what the next steps were going to be.”

Roberson made sure he was at every doctor’s appointment and chemo-therapy treatment. He only missed two, due to work conflicts.

Navigating the healthcare system and coming face-to-face with the realities of his mother’s challenge was daunting, says Roberson.

“You know people who have gone through it, but you haven’t been through it yourself and you just don’t know what to expect,” he James Miller says. “You go in the first day at the and his mother, chemo room and you see all sorts of Blair. different people waiting to get their treatment. That was the first thing that really hit me.”

And, standing with his mother during her first rounds of treatment were tough, too.

“That first medicine — the bad medicine that makes you lose your hair — watching that go in and knowing what was going to be coming, it was hard,” he says. “I wasn’t prepared for if she got sick on the way home or what happened when we got home.”

Roberson says caregivers like him often face personal challenges of their own. “You change your life around it. You start literally moving your schedule around and deciding what is important for you to do and what is not important for you to do,” he says. “I had to give up a few commitments — I couldn’t sing in the men’s choir anymore — because I felt like I couldn’t give up the time.”

Miller and Roberson both say they were glad they were able to take the time to be with their mothers. But, Roberson says it was important for him — and other caregivers, too — to have support systems of their own.

“It’s something you don’t want to go through alone,” he says. “Whether you’re

the person who is diagnosed or the person who becomes the caregiver, it’s incredibly hard and it feels lonely at times.

Sometimes I had to call a friend and ask them, ‘Help me through this right now, I need some clarity, tell me that I’m doing the right thing and tell me everything will be okay and there is light at the end of the tunnel,’ because, at the time, the tunnel seemed very dark.”

The uncertainty back then, Roberson says, has faded. Nearly two months ago, his mother was deemed cancer free. He’s turned the passion he had for caregiving to supporting larger efforts. His twice-monthly trivia nights he hosts with friends often raise funds for groups like Susan G. Komen.

And, it’s groups like Komen, Miller says, that give breast cancer patients, their caregivers, families and friends the hope and information they need to survive.

“I think a lot of women have benefited highly from the people who have gotten up and told their stories and been very frank about their experiences,” Miller says. “A lot of amazing people are stepping up and forming and starting these great non-profits and investing to help bring awareness and fundraising.” : :

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life

October:

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Fundraising, social and educational events across the state On Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, the Charlotte Fire Department unveiled “The Pink Lady,” a reserve engine repainted pink just in time for the many events that promote breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer has touched the lives of many within the Charlotte community as well as members of the Charlotte Fire Department. The department says the truck is a way of showing solidarity and support for all those who have either directly or indirectly been affected by the disease. “The Pink Lady” made its official debut at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Oct. 1, 2011, and can still be seen at many events throughout the city.

Photo Credit: Charlotte Fire Department

Komen Race for the Cure Oct. 5 :: Charlotte Festivities begin at 6 a.m., with the timed race starting at 7:15 a.m. and the recreational walk/run at 7:50 a.m. All activities at Marshall Park. Register at komencharlotte.org.

PinkFest Oct. 6 :: Raleigh Annual survivor celebration hosted at the Renaissance Raleigh Hotel in North Hills, 2-5 p.m. Pampering with mini spa treatments like massages, manicures and hair and makeup consultations. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $20 for survivors. komennctc.org.

Trunk Show Oct. 11-12 :: Charlotte Diamonds Direct SouthPark hosts a trunk show and sale featuring designer Jack Kelege.

5-7 p.m.

Celebrate The Ta Tas Oct. 24 :: Charlotte The Charlotte chapter of Hadassah, the largest women’s volunteer organization in the world, hosts its second annual “Celebrate The Ta Tas” party with unique art, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, guest speakers, cash bar.

Mint Museum, 500 S. Tryon St. 6:30 p.m. $36. celebratethetatas-zvents.eventbrite.com.

Fit for the Cure Month-long :: Statewide Wacoal will host Fit for the Cure events to help women across the country find their perfect fit. For every woman fitted at an event Wacoal will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen. No purchase is necessary. Wacoal will also donate $2 to Komen for every Wacoal bra or shapewear item or b.tempt’d bra purchased at these events. Visit FitfortheCure.com for more information.

Individual events listed below.

• Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Belk, 254 N. New Hope Rd., Gastonia.

• Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dillards at Westfield Independence Mall 3500 Oleander Dr., Wilmington.

• Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Belk, 2115 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 600, Monroe.

• Oct. 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dillards, 4400 Sharon Rd., Charlotte.

• Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dillards, 7535 Northlake Mall Dr., Charlotte.

• Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Dillards, 11041 Carolina Place Pkwy., Charlotte.

• Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dillards at Triangle Town Center 3501 Sumner Blvd., Raleigh.

• Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dillards at Cary Towne Center 1105 Walnut St., Cary.

Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

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news

Does Charlotte have a gayborhood?

And why we may not even need one

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com :: Originally published in Creative Loafing

T

om Warshauer has called Charlotte home for 23 years, moving here in his early 30s to take a job with the city. He has lived in some of the city’s hippest neighborhoods, including Dilworth, Uptown and, now, Plaza Midwood. He’s seen each area transform and their popularity ebb and flow — especially among his gay friends and acquaintances.

But he doesn’t think the city has a true “gayborhood.”

San Francisco has Castro, and New York has Greenwich Village, Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen. D.C. has Dupont Circle. Chicago, Boystown. These gayborhoods, many of which formed decades ago, contain heavy concentrations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) residents and clusters of gay-owned-and-operated businesses, bars, restaurants and shops. They’ve become famous worldwide as true gay villages — cities within cities where LGBT people comprise the majority of residents and business owners and rainbow flags are hung even outside nongay-owned businesses.

Charlotte has plenty of gays, there’s no doubt. Census data shows LGBT folks are spread across Mecklenburg County. Business districts like Plaza Midwood and South End have strong collections of gay business owners and gay bars.

Warshauer works for the city’s Neighborhood and Business Services, where he helps manage programs to improve neighborhoods. Despite his bulk of neighborhood-building experience and wisdom, Warshauer admits it is no easy task pinpointing an area in Charlotte that is clearly defined as LGBT. “I don’t think there is a Chelsea or Castro in Charlotte,” he says.

“But there are neighborhoods that have a diverse population and higher percentage of gay residents.”

85 The federal people counters began collecting information on same-sex couples in 2000. The result was a revealing glimpse into a community the government had never thought to track before. Charlotte’s 28205 ZIP code — which includes much of Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Chantilly, Belmont and Windsor Park, among dozens of other neighborhoods — had the highest number of same-sex couples than any other ZIP in the state.

Charlotte-Douglas From 2005-2009, the Census Bureau’s American International Community Survey again tracked same-sex Airport households across the country. Only couples were counted, but east Charlotte’s Central Avenue corridor was still the gayest of them all in North

East Charlotte 10.9% *

250 couples **

7.9%

181 couples

7.7%

176 couples

7%

160 couples

4.4%

101 couples

4.1%

95 couples

2.8%

64 couples

2.7%

62 couples

1.4%

33 couples

South Blvd. Corridor Steele Creek

Ballantyne/Providence Uptown

South Blvd.

Cotswold/Eastover/Myers Park Camp Greene/Wesley Heights South End/Dilworth NoDa

* Percent of total estimated same-sex households in Mecklenburg County ** Estimated number of same-sex households Illustration by Lainey Millen

Did you know?

• • • • • • • • • ————————————————————————

28205 may be the state’s gayest ZIP, but it wasn’t the first to elect an openly LGBT Charlotte City Council member. That honor goes to District 3, which includes Steele Creek.

——————————————————————————————————— With nearly 3,000 same-sex households, Charlotte is home to the state’s largest gay community, but researchers at UCLA say Asheville has the largest concentration. With 737 couples, 19.72 per 1,000 couples in Asheville are same-sex.

——————————————————————————————————— One of the largest and oldest gay clubs in the state, The Scorpio, is on Freedom Drive, where nearby neighborhoods like Wesley Heights, Camp Greene and Ashley Park account for nearly 3 percent of the city’s same-sex households.

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Carolina; 250 couples, or about 11 percent of total estimated same-sex households in Mecklenburg County, called the area home.

Other, more surprising areas of town were nearly as popular. The South Boulevard Corridor, with the more suburban-like neighborhoods of Madison Park, Ashbrook and Sedgefield, ranked second at about 8 percent. Steele Creek contained 7 percent, and the more conservative Ballantyne and Providence had 7 percent.

Realtor Scott Lindsley of Janus Real Estate says though many of his LGBT clients purchase lake homes and live in the suburbs, they return Mecklenburg to the city’s core neighborhoods for fun. Plaza Midwood, South End and County NoDa offer straight, gay-friendly bars as well as gay bars within walking or close driving distance. Those areas also have small clusters of gay-owned businesses, including restaurants, spas and furniture stores. Plaza Midwood and other areas in 28205 are also home to most of the city’s LGBT organizations with physical locations, including the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte in NoDa, Time Out Youth Center in Plaza Midwood and three predominately LGBT faith congregations.

“Regardless of where they live, you will 77 have more folks who go out and spend a lot of time in the center city neighborhoods,” Lindsley says. “You won’t find a lot of folks driving over to South Park and Piedmont Row or Ballantyne. They come to neighborhoods like ours.”

Lindsley and his husband Joey Hewell moved from South End to NoDa about six months ago. Lindsley says they enjoyed South End, but in NoDa, he says, “there are tons of cars with rainbow flags 277 and Human Rights Campaign bumper stickers.”

NoDa, Plaza Midwood and South 485 End, says Lindsley, are likely the closest thing Charlotte has to Independence Blvd. true gayborhoods.

A list of “gay villages” across the U.S. on Wikipedia lists those neighborhoods, too.

Providence Rd. But neither Lindsley nor Warshauer are willing to go quite so far with the “gayborhood” label.

“Despite being one of the gayest ZIP codes, Plaza Midwood is by no means a gay neighborhood,” Warshauer says.

Lindsley receives the same feedback from outof-town friends used to living in cities with larger gay districts. “They come visit and ask where is [the gayborhood] here and a lot of times comment on the fact that there aren’t a lot of gay bars and other establishments,” he says.

Perhaps that’s because, Lindsley says, the city’s gayest neighborhoods are popular with the LGBT community, but they’re also popular with a wide range of people. In other words, Charlotte may just be more integrated than bigger cities.

“These neighborhoods don’t just attract gay folks, but also hipsters and artsy folks and people who enjoy being around diversity of all kinds,” he says.

Comfort in numbers Blame it on our politics or our religious leanings, but clearly defined Southern gayborhoods are rare.

Raleigh native and resident Ian Palmquist, a former executive director of North Carolina’s statewide LGBT advocacy group Equality NC, says that during the ‘60s and ‘70s people from smaller or more rural areas across the country often flocked to what they considered gay meccas: New York, San Francisco, etc. Young gay men and lesbian women wanted to live openly with other people like them — they didn’t feel the same sense of acceptance enjoyed by their modern counterparts.

Whether they knew it or not, these displaced youths helped organically construct the most wellknown gayborhoods in America today.

see Gayborhood on 23

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Ask Dr. C…HIV and healthcare advice

Helping to keep you in the know with up-to-date information

by Frederick Cruickshank ~ Medical Director

After many successful installments of “Ask Dr. C” in the past, Rosedale wants to bring back this opportunity to offer to our readers information about HIV from basic questions to in-depth explanations. The questions have provided us a forum to debunk myths and remove stigma from those living with HIV and AIDS. It is important to educate yourself, get tested, and protect yourself! Send your questions to info@ rosedaleid.com. Dr. C looks forward to responding to as many emails as possible.

Can I get HIV from oral sex?

— Berry from Charlotte Yes, you can definitely contract HIV from oral sex.

It is more common to contract the virus by engaging in anal or vaginal sexual intercourse. However, the risk is still there. If the person performing oral sex has HIV, blood from their mouth may enter the body of the person receiving oral sex through the lining of the vagina, anus, or urethra (the opening at the tip of the penis). Also, HIV could enter the body through small

cuts or open sores. The risk of transmission increases if the person receiving oral sex has HIV. Their blood, semen (cum), pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), or vaginal fluid may contain the virus. The risk of transmission increases if the person performing oral sex had cuts or sores around their mouth or throat, if the person receiving oral sex ejaculates in the mouth of the person performing oral sex, and/or the person receiving oral sex has another sexually transmitted disease (STD).

In addition to HIV, it is important to note that many STDs can be transmitted through oral sex, as well. So, how do you protect yourself? Use a condom! People often overlook the importance of using a condom for oral sex. There are many great condom products out there to protect you during oral sex and provide you with a pleasurable experience. Condoms come in assorted flavors and colors. Also, flavored lubricants are available to protect you from breaks in the skin and to have a little fun! I encourage my patients to experiment with different condoms and find one that they really like to ensure they are always protecting themselves. Feel free to come by Rosedale and get a variety of condoms for free! We most recently ordered a flavored variety, as well as glow in the dark and tuxedo condoms.

How well does HIV survive outside of the body?

— Bob from Mint Hill It does not survive outside the body very well. HIV is found in varying amounts in bodily fluids includ-

ing blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, saliva, and tears. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have done many studies to determine how HIV is spread from person to person. They found that even if the virus was concentrated in a bodily fluid, it died shortly after leaving the body. In addition, once the fluid was removed from the body and dried, the amount of HIV in the sample was reduced by almost 99%. This means that environmental transmission almost never occurs. So, what does this mean? It means that it is unlikely to contract the virus by shaking someone’s hand or even sharing a bathroom with someone who is HIV positive. It is important to remember that the most common routes of HIV transmission are sexual contact or sharing needles during injection drug use. Make sure that you take the precautions you need to keep yourself safe. Always wear a condom when having sex whether it is vaginal, anal, or oral. If you need condoms, stop by Rosedale’s office and one of our nurses would be more than happy to answer more of your questions and supply you with condoms to keep you protected.

Are all STDs curable? And, if so, why are they such a big deal if they can be treated easily?

— Larry from Kannapolis Many STDS can be effectively treated if found early enough. These include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. While most of these can be cleared up by a simple dosage of medica-

tion, it is important for people to take these diseases seriously. Without treatment, STDs like syphilis can lead to severe effects on the body including blindness, paralysis, and death. In addition, there are some STDs that are not curable. Herpes and genital warts can lead to recurrent flare-ups throughout a person’s lifetime. Medication can be given to treat the symptoms, but the disease remains present within the body. Also, to date there is no cure for HIV/AIDS which is also sexually transmitted. It is important to get tested for both STDs and HIV regularly in order to effectively manage your sexual health. It is also important to keep an open dialogue about your HIV and STD status with your sexual partners. If you open up the dialogue about STDs, you will be more likely to take the steps you need to protect your sexual health. Always discuss condom use, and encourage your partner to use protection as well!

Always remember that this is an advice column based on your questions and the best possible knowledge out there. We need your questions to help educate the community, so email them to info@ rosedaleid.com and be sure to include a first name and location. All respondents will remain anonymous. We will try to do our best to answer, educate and inform from your responses to this column.

Don’t forget to visit our website at rosedaleid.com and friend us on Facebook for community and clinical updates.

— Sponsored Content —

Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

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a&e

Cher announces 2014 tour Charlotte, Raleigh stops slated for May International Pop icon Cher has announced her new “Dressed to Kill” tour in 2014, making stops in 49 cities across North America.

The tour will stop at Time Warner Cable in Charlotte on May 5 and PNC Arena in Raleigh on May 7. Additionally, Cher will play in nearby Atlanta onMay 12 and in Nashville on March 31.

Cher’s previous tour, “The Farewell Tour,” was one of the most successful tours by a solo artist. Later named the “Never Can Say Goodbye Tour,” it stopped at 325 locations with 5.5 million audience members.

Ticket sales for the general public open on Oct. 11. American Express cardmembers can purchase tickets early, Sept. 30-Oct. 3. Online ticket purchasers will receive a free copy of Cher’s new album, “Closer To The Truth.” : : Cher at the London premiere of ‘Burlesque’ in 2010.

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Photo Credit: Ian Smith, via Wikipedia. Licensed CC.

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life

Upcoming lectures feature LGBT, religious topics Local and national pros share their stories by qnotes staff

Several upcoming lecture and discussion events will feature engaging conversations on topics of religion and LGBT equality.

CNN’s Wolf Blitzer & Mitchell Gold: On Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m., North Carolina LGBT activist, businessman and philanthropist Mitchell Gold will participate in a panel discussion on “Politics, Religion and LGBT Equality” at Lenior-Rhyne University’s P.E. Monroe Auditorium, 625 Seventh Ave. S.E. in Hickory. CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer will moderate. Other panelists include the Rev. T. Anthony Spearman of Hickory’s Clinton Tabernacle Church and the Rev. Jack McKinney, a pastoral counselor and former pastor at Raleigh’s Pullen Memorial Baptist Church. Gold is the editor of the anthology “Youth in Crisis: What Everyone Should Know About Growing Up Gay.” Interfaith dialogues: Myers Park United Methodist Church will host a two-part interfaith discussion on Sept. 30 and Oct. 21. Rabbi Murray Ezring of Temple Israel and the Rev. James

Progressive theologian Brian McLaren will speak at Myers Park Baptist Church for a series of events, Oct. 11-13. Photo Credit: Wally Schmidt/schmidtphotography.ca.

Howell of Myers Park United Methodist Church will discuss “Christianity and Judaism” on Sept.

30. Howell will join Imam John Enderer of the Muslim American Society of Charlotte to discuss “Christianity and Islam” on Oct. 21. Both events begin at 7:30 p.m. at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Rd. Emerging Church: Myers Park Baptist Church, 1900 Queens Rd., will host the Rev. Dr. Brian McLaren on Oct. 11-12 for two events. An oct. 11, 7 p.m., free book signing and lecture will be followed on Oct. 12, 8:30 a.m., with the seminar, “Christian Faith Emerging.” The seminar is $45 and includes a continental breakfast. McLaren will also speak at the church’s 9:45 a.m. adult forum and 11 a.m. worship service on Oct. 13. McLaren is well-known as a progressive Christian theologian within th emerging church movement and has expressed moderate views on the life of LGBT people in the church. : :

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19

News Notes continued from page 6 matching donors who are each donating $500 in honor of the five U.S. Supreme Court justices who voted to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act earlier in the year.

In other news, community partner Replacements, Ltd. is showcasing a traveling photo exhibit, “We Have Faith,” at their showroom at 1089 Knox Rd., McLeansville, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. It runs through Oct. 9.

The exhibit features well-known LGBT and allied clergy and people of many faiths and denominations, including Christians, Jews and

Muslims. Through this series of images and stories, organizers are striving to fight religionbased homophobia.

Admission is free. info: ggfnc.org.

— L.M.

Movies and more pepper Adam’s agenda

WINSTON-SALEM — The Adam Foundation has a host of events slated for the month of October.

Martini Night will be held on Oct. 9 at 6th and Vine, 209 W. 6th St., from 6-9 p.m. Support AF by attending while enjoying the community’s company.

On Oct. 12, Out at the Movies will hold a benefit for the foundation by way of a film presentation of “Before You Know It” at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts ACE Theatre Complex, 1533 S. Main St., at 7 p.m. The program is part of the foundation’s Aging Friends Initiative. The storyline follows three aging LGBT seniors (Dennis, Ty and Robert) and their stories navigating the adventures, challenges and surprises of life and love in their golden years. It is produced by Sara Giustini and directed by P.J. Raval.

There are an estimated 2.4 million lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans over the age of 55 in the U.S., many of whom face heightened levels of discrimination, neglect and exclusion.

These characters are part of this demographic and are go-go booted bar-hoppers, love struck activists, troublemaking baton twirlers, late night Internet cruisers, seasoned renegades and bold adventurers. They are trailblazers, who were born before the Civil Rights era, have witnessed the Stonewall Riots and gay liberation, as well as the HIV/AIDS pandemic to gay marriage.

Tickets are $6/adult and $5/seniors and students and will be available at 6:15 p.m. in the ACE lobby. All proceeds will benefit the foundation and the UNCSA’s School of Filmmaking.

The fun does not stop there. Save the date for “The Greatest Foundation on Earth,” the 24th annual Adam Festival event on Nov. 2 from 7-11 p.m. at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, 251 N. Spruce St. The evening fundraiser will be filled with food, DJ, dancing, auctions, entertainment and 2013 grant recipients.

Tickets are available online and are $30/ adult advance, $35/adult at the door and $15/ students. Or choose to donate $250 or higher and get free tickets to the special festival pre-party on Nov. 1 to be held at the Sawtooth School for Visual Art, 251 N. Spruce St., as well as free Adam Festival tickets. More details will be available at a later date. info: adamfoundation.org. beforeyouknowitfilm.com — L.M.

Triangle NCSU seeks diversity post applicants

RALEIGH — North Carolina State University has launched a search for an assistant director for its GLBT Center, a part of the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity.

According to the university, essential duties for the job include having a demonstrated passion for issues related to the GLBT communities and serving as a dynamic liaison between these communities, the Center and the University. The post calls for a strong commitment to the goals of the Center, with a firm knowledge of GLBT issues, exceptional people skills, well-developed written and verbal communication skills and appreciation for staff and volunteers and reports to the GLBT Center director. In addition, the assistant director must have demonstrated ability to plan and execute programming that educates and enriches the campus community. The schedule will vary and may regularly include nights and weekends.

A Master’s degree is required, preferably in higher education administration, counselor education, college counseling or a related field; four years direct experience working with the GLBT community, preferably in a higher education setting; and demonstrated success with administration, supervision, and programming, preferably in a higher education setting.

Broad knowledge of sexual orientation and gender identity issues are required.

Work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., in addition to nights and weekend.

The position number is 00102587. More information and details are available online at careers.insidehighered.com/nc-state-university/assistant-director/jobs/513946. info: employment@ncsu.edu. 919-515-2135.

— L.M.

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Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

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Center announces new digs

RALEIGH — The LGBT Center of Raleigh is on the move. They will be relocating to 324 S. Harrington St. in January 2014 from its current location at 411 Hillsborough St. The larger quarters will enable the center to provide its clientele with a more expansive environment in which to enjoy camaraderie and grow fundamentally within the LGBT community. A photo gallery and virtual tour is available online.

In other news, the center has released its 2013 annual report focusing on FY 2012. It is available for viewing at the center’s website. info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

— L.M.

Western BLURP hosts Pride event

ASHEVILLE — Blue Ridge Pride will be held on Oct. 5, 12-7 p.m., at Pack Square Park, 121 College St. The day features an all-new adult fun zone, an all-access catered VIP area and expanded footprint including Spruce St. and the Renaissance Asheville Hotel property.

The main stage will feature hilarious, zany and the talented entertainers. Slated are reggae/Jamacian/ska beats from Common Foundation. Porch 40’s southern funk rock sounds will ignite into foot stomping and dancing tempos. The electric violin twins Stephen and Jeff Neil of Synergy will bring their diverse tunes to the stage. Asheville’s Right Right Band will energize the audience with an eclectic blend of various musical

styles. And, Bobby Jo Valentine, a singer/ songwriter, rounds out the offerings with his soul-searching melodies.

Additionally, Natalie Smalls Productions rocks it out with a rousing drag spectacular.

The Youth Pride area will offer children and families a non-alcoholic area to enjoy children’s entertainment, craft activities, games and more.

Limited VIP passes are $40 and are available until sold out. These entitle the holder to and meet and greet on Oct. 4 at the host hotel. Afterward, a kick-off party will be held at Club Hairspray, 38 N. French Broad Ave. On festival day, get front-row viewing of the stage, as well as complimentary beer, wine and beverages and catered food. Get unlimited use to the adult fun zone (with ID bracelet), featuring silent disco, karaoke, mechanical bull rides and more. Get treated like royalty with private restroom access and hand washing station inside the VIP area.

Lastly, use the VIP pass for free entry to Club Hairspray, Scandals Nightclub, 11 Grove St., and O.Henry’s and The UnderGround, 237 Haywood St. Only 100 passes will be sold.

Passes are available online.

It’s disco time after Pride. Dance the night away after Blue Ridge Pride at 7 p.m. at The Timos House, 5 Biltmore Ave. Attendees will be able to enjoy the sounds of disco to keep the party spirit going.

Want to get the party started early? Then head out to the Blue Ridge Pride Pageant at Scandals, on Sept. 29 at 10 p.m.

Volunteers are still needed to support the festival and its activities. Participants will

receive a T-shirt, two drink tickets and an invitation to the volunteer party on Nov. 8.

Those who work the wrist band and beer/ wine tents must complete the BARS (responsible sellers) training. Email brpvolunteers@ gmail.com to learn more. Volunteers selling beer and wine must 21 years old. info: blueridgepride.com. vols.pt/VxfQMp. — L.M.

South Carolina School mounts ‘Laramie’

SPARTANBURG — Theatre/Converse at Converse College, 580 E. Main St., will present “The Laramie Project” on Oct.. 9-11 at 8 p.m.

The Moises Kaufman production will mount at the Hazel B. Abbot Theatre.

Tickets are $8/adults, $4/students and seniors, and free to Converse students and staff. info/tickets: John Bald, 854-596.9067.

— L.M.

Regional Virginia group wants gay license plate

RICHMOND — Equality Virginia is seeking to bring its advocacy message to the streets and highways. However, it cannot do this without having 450 people pre-register to sport an Equality for All license plate. It now has met half of its goal and needs the rest to complete the process.

Once pre-orders are in place, the group will be able to petition the Virginia Commonweath’s General Assembly for the privilege of developing the allotment for approved usage.

news

The Division of Motor Vehicles says that it must have pre-paid applicants before it can issue the license plates. But first, the initiative needs legislative sponsorship and approval from the General Assembly. Once secured, the bill will go to the governor for signature and the plates can go into production.

Cost for the specialized plates will be $25 for non-personalized ones and $35 for personalized styles. After 1,000 plates are sold, then $15 of the proceeds of the plates will go back to support the work of Equality Virginia.

Pre-registration is available online through the organization’s website.

South Carolina Equality already has this initiative in place. Applicants are able to obtain one for $25 by asking for plate NPEQ through their regional Division of Motor Vehicles.

Unlike Virginia, however, personalized plates are not available. Fifty percent of the fee goes directly to support South Carolina Equality educational and outreach work.

One hundred plates have been reserved for those who wish to make an additional $250 contribution to the SC Equality Foundation.

After orders have been received, organizers will send a “Driving toward Equality” T-shirt and reserve plate form to be used to make application.

For more information, email ryan@ scequality.org. info: equalityvirginia.org. scequality.org.

— L.M. info: Have news or other information? Send your press releases and updates for inclusion in our News Notes: editor@goqnotes.com.

Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

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21

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news

Gayborhood in Charlotte? continued from page 14

❝ These neighborhoods don’t just attract gay folks, but also hipsters and artsy folks and people who enjoy being around diversity of all kinds. ❞ — Scott Lindsley

Palmquist points to people like iconic gay author Armistead Maupin, who grew up in Raleigh, went to UNC Chapel Hill and “got the hell to San Francisco as quickly as he could.” After working briefly in Raleigh and Charleston, Maupin came out as gay and moved to the California’s bay city, where in 1971 he began writing the legendary Tales of the City series documenting gay and straight life in San Francisco.

“The idea of living an open life in Raleigh, or I imagine in Charlotte at that time, too, was not something people necessarily considered an option,” Palmquist says. “Certainly, those larger cities drew folks who wanted to live openly and be in a place that had a vibrant community.”

Raleigh, Palmquist says, has the beginnings of a gayborhood in its downtown warehouse district. That’s where the LGBT Center of Raleigh is located, along with three of the

city’s gay bars and several other gay-owned businesses. The problem, he says, is a lack of residents. Gay people live downtown, but “it hasn’t reached a critical mass to be considered a true gayborhood.”

The strength and vibrancy of big-city gayborhoods has been threatened in recent years, the most telling indicator being the closing of many gay bookstores (many original residents have also been priced out). Long considered de facto gay community centers, LGBT bookstores gave their consumers reading material long before mainstream booksellers. Last year, Atlanta’s Outwrite Bookstore shuttered its doors. Before it went D.C.’s Lambda Rising, New York’s Oscar Wilde Bookshop and San Francisco’s and Los Angeles’ A Different Light.

Charlotte’s White Rabbit, which opened in 1992, is still operating, but its Raleigh location closed in 2010. Greensboro’s opened in 1985 and closed in 2003.

But some argue gayborhoods might not even be needed anymore.

“I think even in a lot of larger cities that do have traditional gayborhoods, though often gay businesses are still centered there, a lot of the community is starting to disperse,” Palmquist says. “People coming out in the last 15 to 20 years are much more likely to feel OK staying where they are.”

The Internet could also have something to do with it.

In a story about the decline of gayborhoods, Obit Magazine’s Matt Katz writes, “In a digital world, physical entities are less critical to community identity.” : : — The article is provided in partnership with Creative Loafing and was originally published in Creative Loafing’s Sept. 18 print edition.

Learn and read more at clclt.com.

Creative Loafing is a qnotes news partner.

Tell us what you think!

We welcome your input. Send in your thoughts, praises, criticisms and more to editor@goqnotes.com for general feedback or letters@goqnotes.com for letters to the editor. Thank you!

Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

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goqnotes.com/to/arts

tell trinity

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

Can a top have bottom pleasures?

Dear Trinity, I consider myself a strict top, but recently had an encounter with another top and I’ve been enjoying that side now and then. I find it pleasurable. Yet, now I am wondering if this activity makes me a bottom?

Bottom Blues, Roanoke, VA

Dear Bottom Blues, I hope you’re sitting down, well, at least, leaning over. The truth is yes, shoving, I mean

24

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smartly placing a men behind you, stimulating you and receiving pleasure back there is the exact definition of a bottom. Welcome to Kansas, Dorothy! But, Toto, if you also like fudge packing, (oh, God, I didn’t just say that) I mean topping, then you simply have become a healthy, smart and open-minded, versatile man.

Sorry…and congratulations!

Dearest Trinity, I’m a great partner. I come home early, do all the bills, even cook great meals, but we don’t have sex anymore. After nine months, what am I doing wrong?

Domestically Sexless, Omaha, NE

Dearest Domestic, Newsflash, being domestic has nothing to do with sexual enticement. It makes for a great lifestyle, but not a great love life. Watching you do chores is un-sexually stimulating, unless, of course, why not start cleaning, cooking and paying bills in something more sexy, more alluring, more naughty. Think undergarments, uniforms and more. Honey, think turning your home into a XXX movie.

Think vavoom! (Look how enticing I am doing the domestic thing in my cartoon, sweetie!)

Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

Hey Trinity, I went to the bar, sat next to a really cute guy and we spent hours talking. He was great until he got up to leave. It was then that I discovered he was handicapped. Now, I’ve committed to a date and I’m not sure if I want to. Am I evil?

Handicapped Man, Indianapolis, IN

Hey Handicapped, In life, we make choices, no different than if you found out he had a huge pecker, was a millionaire or only spoke French. If you’re not into him because of whatever, then you’re not into him, period. But, maybe, just maybe, you could go out with him, not because you feel bad for him, but because you feel bad for your own unadventurous, narrow-minded ways. Darling, he may end up being a French millionaire with a huge pecker, or is that my fantasy? Be adventurous.

Hello Trinity, I fell in love, but she lives 1,500 miles away. Help?

1500, Memphis, TN Hello 1500, Surely, I can help you, but you may not want to read them. Sweetie, relationships are tough enough but 1,500 miles of, of…well start reading:

Trinity’s Negative Tips For Being In A Long Distance Relationship 1. You’ll always wonder what it’s like to live with someone, wake up with someone or have someone’s daily kisses.

a&e

2. You’ll know way too much boredom, way too much loneliness and far too much private time for someone who is supposedly in a relationship.

3. You’ll never truly know multiple nights, weeks and months of being part of a “team,” a “romantic couple” or part of a “home.”

4. You’ll always miss those fun/silly/simple nights together.

5. And, you’ll never be able to keep an eye on him, her or each other so… anything at anytime can happen. (Don’t cry yet, there’s more.)

6. Most of your personal and relationship issues will be dealt with over the phone, Skype or internet.

7. One of you will always be leaving, thus never really having that “perfect” family.

8. You may also at times feel like why bother dressing sexy, cooking a nice meal or playing romantic music when you’re… living alone.

9. And, you’re left on your own (once again) to completely take care of everything that needs fixing or to be paid for. (Don’t blame me, I’m just writing this stuff!)

10. Lastly, you’ll always be wondering, “Why in God’s name do I always feel single even though I’m not?” (Now, you can cry!) 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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news

Groups criticize reading assignment SC Equality asks supporters to speak out in favor of book of commentaries from ‘Rainbow Radio’

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com SPARTANBURG — Anti-LGBT advocacy organizations are criticizing the choice by University of South Carolina-Upstate officials to require incoming freshman to read an LGBT-themed book in their first-year reading program. Meanwhile, LGBT advocates are pushing their supporters to speak out in favor of the inclusive book choice.

Palmetto Family Council and Palmetto Conservative Alliance say the book, “Outloud: The Best of Rainbow Radio,� and the reading program, Preface, are using taxpayer dollars to promote homosexuality. Students are required to read the text in English 101 and University 101 courses and to attend related events in their English courses.

Josh Kimbrell, a conservative radio host and leader with Palmetto Conservative Alliance, has said LGBT-themed reading materials at South Carolina colleges are “poisoning higher education.� The action from conservative groups in the Upstate follows similar controversy earlier this summer, when groups objected to the College of Charleston’s choice to require freshmen to read lesbian cartoonist Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic.�

Kimbrell has said his group will work to have the state legislature “forbid public universities from using public money and mandatory student fees to promote any sort of sexual agenda.�

Kimbrell added, “This kind of propaganda doesn’t align with the view of most South Carolinians, and we shouldn’t be forced to pay for its promotion.�

Ryan Wilson, executive director of the statewide LGBT advocacy group South Carolina Equality, praised USC-Upstate officials for their choice in reading materials and, today, urged his group’s supporters to speak out in favor of the book. “Unfortunately, the Palmetto Family Council and other groups that oppose LGBT diversity and inclusion are calling on their members and supporters to try and stop this book from being read by USC Upstate students,� Wilson said in an email. “They fear that students might be

exposed to true life experiences of members of our LGBT community and have compassion on us, or worse, support equality as a result of reading our stories. We have been told that the voices opposing this book are outnumbering the voices in support!� “Outloud: The Best of Rainbow Radio� was edited by the Rev. Candace Chellew-Hodge and Dr. Ed Madden. It includes collections of commentaries and interviews from Columbia’s “Rainbow Radio,� founded in 2005 and, for five years, the only LGBT-themed radio program in the Carolinas. qnotes has been a past sponsor and supporter of the radio program. info: scequality.org.

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Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

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Q Catawba Valley Pride Downtown Hickory 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Catawba Valley Pride heats up downtown Hickory with entertainment from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte, Rythmic Essence Belly Dance Studio and performers from Club Cabaret. catawbavalleypride.org.

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SEP SEP

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C A L E N DA R SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2013 To see more upcoming events, visit goqnotes.com/calendar/ Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/ The New South City SEP SEP Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte, 234 N. Sharon Amity Rd. 6:30 p.m.

Levine Museum of the New South’s historian Tom Hanchett will speak on the development of Charlotte in his lecture, “Sorting Out the New South City: Race, Class and Urban Development in Charlotte.” The lecture is part of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte’s ongoing Social Justice Series. 704-366-8623. museumofthenewsouth.org. uuccharlotte.org.

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SEP SEP

NC Pride Duke University East Campus, Durham 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

NC Pride returns with its annual festival and parade in Durham. Nightlife and other events throughout the weekend.

Special NC Pride coverage online at goqnotes.com/24890/.

–––––––––––––––––––– SC Pride Downtown Columbia Noon South Carolina Pride returns to Main St. in downtown Columbia. Day festival features annual parade at Noon. visitscpride.org.

–––––––––––––––––––– Community Bingo The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte 2508 N. Davidson St. 7 p.m.

The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte hosts its monthly community bingo, this month sponsored by Fifth Third Bank. Doors open at 7 p.m., with tickets costing $20 at the door. Includes nine games of bingo, bingo dauber and a sheet for the $150 grand prize. Fifth Third employees and those with a Fifth Third credit or debit card get 25 percent off admission. lgbtcharlotte.org.

–––––––––––––––––––– Charlotte Roller Girls Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Dr. 6 p.m.

The Charlotte Roller Girls face off against Appalachian Roller Girls of Boone in their final bout of the season.

Day-of tickets are $14 for adults and $8 for children 6-12 years old. charlotterollergirls.com.

Shelby Knox Jewish Community Center 5007 Providence Rd. Charlotte.

6:30 p.m.

Planned Parenthood Health System’s Charlotte’s Young Advocates host a screening of the documentary, “The Education of Shelby Knox,” a 2005 film showcasing thenteenager Shelby Knox as she advocates for better sex education in the public schools of her hometown, Lubbock, Texas.

Admission for the event is $20. facebook.com/events/162050610662769/.

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Blue Ridge Pride SEP OCT Pack Square Park, Asheville Blue Ridge Pride is scheduled for Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville, Noon -7 p.m., featuring entertainment from Common Foundation, Porch 40, Synergy, Get Right Band and others. An Adult Fun Zone will feature silent disco, karaoke and mechanical bullrides. VIP passes are on sale for $40 and include complimentary beer and food. blueridgepride.com.

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SEP OCT

Men’s support group The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte 2508 N. Davidson St. 6:30-8 p.m.

Friends Indeed is a new group for gay men dealing with depression. The group will meet every other Tuesday. lgbtcharlotte.org.

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Charlotte candidate forum SEP OCT Amity Presbyterian Church 2831 N. Sharon Amity Rd. 6:30 p.m.

Citizens and residents in East Charlotte host a forum for candidates for Charlotte City Council.

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Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

SEP OCT

Autumn Jubilee The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte 2508 N. Davidson St. 7-9 p.m.

The LGBT Community center of Charlotte hosts their inaugural annual fundraising event, Autumn Jubilee.

Event includes dinner, dancing, music and drinks. Opening address will be delivered by Charlotte Mayor Patsy Kinsey.

Key note delivered by Christopher J. Carmichael, senior vice president at Fifth Third Bank. Tickets are $50 and includes dinner and drinks. lgbtcharlotte.org.

12

Victory Reception SEP OCT Foundation for the Carolinas 220 N. Tryon St. Charlotte.

5:30-7 p.m.

Jay Everette, Krista Tillman and John Arrowood host a reception with Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Institute. Tickets begin at $150, with friend, sponsor, host and cabinet levels starting at $250 and ranging through $1,500.

Tickets: victoryinstitute.org/charlotte.

Contact: Ryan Loney. ryan.loney@victoryinstitute.org.

202-567-3314.

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SEP OCT

Pride Winston-Salem Downtown Arts District 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Pride Winston-Salem returns for a third year, featuring its festival and parade and moving to Winston-Salem’s downtown arts district. Festival is slated from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., with the parade scheduled for 11 a.m. Entertainment includes headliner Hannah Thomas accompanied by members from Indigo Girls. pridewinstonsalem.org.

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Lecture: Gender and Sexuality Davidson College Tyler Tallman Hall 102 N. Main St. 8 p.m.

Davidson College welcomes Alice Echols as its first speaker in their “Public Dissonance” lecture series exploring gender and sexuality in music. Echols is the Barbra Streisand Professor of Contemporary Gender Studies and a professor of English, gender studies and history at the University of Southern California.

Her work has explored the ways gender and sexuality studies have demonstrated the importance of urbanization, capitalist development, technology and medical/scientific discourse in the forging of dissident sexual and gender identities and social formations in 20th-century America. Her talk will bring music studies and LGBT studies into dialogue as she explores the importance of 1970s disco and “women’s music” in the forging of queer identities and counterpublics.

Information: rofenimore@davidson.edu.

704-894-2591. davidson.edu/events/event-detail? id=113194

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SEP OCT

Submit your event to our calendar!

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Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Chemistry Nightclub 2901 Spring Garden St., Greensboro.

11 p.m.

The Sisters of Sacred Insanity, a local chapter of the national Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, host a special celebrity drag show featuring Season 4 “RuPaul’s Drag Race” finalist Phi Phi O’Hara. Monies raised benefit the local Sisters chapter. Admission is $10 for Chemistry members and $12 for 18-20.

Contact: sistersofsacredinsanity@gmail.com.

336-247-0036.

Recurring Charlotte Events: PRISM Young Adults: Weekly discussion held each Monday, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. For young adults ages 18-25. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. lgbtcharlotte.org.

Men’s Yoga: Weekly yoga sessions for men hosted by certified instructor. Each Monday, 7:30-8:30 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte.

Time Out Youth: Weekly support and discussion groups, Tuesday-Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Monthly group for youth ages 11-14. timeoutyouth.org.

MeckPAC: Monthly meeting of local LGBT political action committee. First Tuesdays of each month, 6:30-8 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte.

StillOut Photography: Local LGBT photography club. Meets monthly on fourth Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. facebook.com/StillOutPhotography.

Friends Indeed: Men’s depression support group. Every other Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte.

Weekly HIV & Syphilis Testing: Hosted at the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte each Wednesday, 5-7 p.m.

HIV Support Group: Open support group for men and women who are HIV-positive.

Hosted second Wednesdays of each month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Different Roads Home. differentroadshome.org.

LGBTQ Adult Education and Discussion Group: Weekly on Thursdays, a safe place for LGBTQ adults to meet and discuss important issues and topics. Hosted at LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. Each Thursday, 6-8 p.m.

PFLAG Charlotte: Monthly support group meeting. Second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church. pflagcharlotte.org.

Tradesmen: Monthly social meeting first Saturday of each month. 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. The Woodshed Lounge. charlottetradesmen.org.

Have a recurring weekly or monthly event, social, support or discussion group? Let us know. Submit your event at our online calendar at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/.

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

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life

OUR PEOPLE:

Q&A with Chris Sgro Executive Director, Equality NC

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com I always envisioned I could complete the challenge at the end, where they run around the map and put plungers down on the countries and call it out faster than the kids on the show. I always dreamed I’d be a Carmen San Diego contestant.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Honestly, and you can ask my parents and friends about this, I wanted to work in politics from the time I was a little kid. My grandmother was a precinct captain for the party and she would take me to hand out literature on election day. I would do canvasses when I was 8. My parents took me over to Clinton’s headquarters in suburban Philadelphia to get our lawn sign when I was 10, when he ran the first time. And, we had a little Electoral College thing on election night when we’d track the votes. As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be involved in politics.

Chris Sgro, 31, knows a thing or two about politics. He’s worked for elected officials and political organizations since graduating from college. It’s a childhood passion, he says, that stems from a youth of engaged and politically-active family members in his hometown of Philadelphia, Penn. But, there’s more to Chris than politics. He’s a fun-loving guy with great, humorous stories who lives in Greensboro with his husband, Ryan Butler. As Chris continues in his first few weeks as the new executive director of Equality North Carolina, we thought we’d hit him up as we relaunched our new version of our old column, “20 Questions.” It’s a perfect opportunity for you to get to know him better as he leads the statewide LGBT equality movement into new projects and campaigns.

What’s your favorite food?

So, I’m a recovering vegetarian right now, and what I mean is that at two different points in my life I’ve attempted to be a vegetarian and have failed miserably, generally in like epic meltdown form. But, as a good Philadelphian, I’d say a good cheese steak is my favorite food, but a Reuben, in terms of what I can get in the southern U.S., is probably my favorite food that tastes like its supposed to, because cheese steaks don’t do that here.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

Teddy Ruxpin. It is a creepy, stuffed bear that you plug a tape into the back of it and it talks to you and it animates itself. I loved that thing. I probably got that for my sixth or seventh birthday.

What was your favorite children’s TV show?

Carmen San Diego. I am a geography buff.

When you were in high school, what colleges were on your short list?

I actually transferred to American University from Temple University.

My short list in high school was that college needed to be super-affordable and close to him, so that was Temple. But, then I decided I wanted to be in D.C. On a Friday or Saturday night, would you rather sit at home with Ryan and watch a movie, go out to dinner and then a movie or do dinner and then go out to the club for a night of dancing?

Definitely not the night club option. But, we’re big out-to-eat folks. A typical Friday night, if it were up to me, would probably be that we would have dinner somewhere decent and local in Greensboro and then we would go out to a couple of the bars, and when I say bar, I really mean a neighborhood bar. We have about four of those within walking distance of our house. And…increasingly earlier bed times as I get older.

What’s one place you’d like to visit but haven’t yet gone?

Ryan would tell you that at any given time you could ask me that question, because we’re big traveling people, and I would tell you “X” is the place I have to go next. There’s probably a rotating list of 10 such places on that list.

Thailand and India are really high up there for me. I’ve never been to Southeast Asia and I really, really want to get there.

Where have you traveled?

The Caribbean. Europe a number of times.

We’ve done the northern edge of South America and good amount of Central America.

I love Central America. It’s probably the friendliest place I’ve been in the world. It’s inexpensive, it’s tropical and it’s wonderful. : :

Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013

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Sept. 27-Oct. 10 . 2013