QNotes, October 19, 2018

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

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qnotes

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

inside this issue

Oct. 19 - Nov. 1, 2018 Vol 33 No 13

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contributors this issue

Buff Faye, Torie Dominguez, Rev. Todd Goewey, Nicolai Mather, Lainey Millen, Larry Nichols, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography: bizoo_n via Adobe Stock

Democrat Susan Rodriguez McDowell vs.

Bill James

Election Endorsements

It’s a square off between incumbent Mecklenburg County Commissioner Bill James and rival Susan Rodriguez McDowell as voters go to the polls to unseat the longtime anti-LGBTQ and conservative candidate.

news 8 8 8 9 9 10

Matthews Shepard Burial Homeless Youth Project Jussie Smollett PSA Foust Receives Award TOY New Podcast Series McDowell vs. James

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Mission:

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

Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc., dba QNotes P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ph 704.531.9988 fx 704.531.1361 Publisher: Jim Yarbrough Sales: x201 adsales@goqnotes.com Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media, ph 212.242.6863 Managing Editor: Jim Yarbrough, x201, editor@goqnotes.com Assoc. Editor: Lainey Millen, specialassignments@goqnotes.com Copy Editor: Torie Dominguez, torie@goqnotes.com Production: Lainey Millen, x205, production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper.

Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2018 and may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of the editor or publisher. Advertisers assume full responsibility — and therefore, all liability — for securing reprint permission for copyrighted text, photographs and illustrations or trademarks published in their ads. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, cartoonists we publish is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or photographs does not indicate the subject’s sexual orientation. qnotes nor its publisher assumes liability for typographical error or omission, beyond offering to run a correction.

Official editorial positions are expressed in staff editorials and editorial notations and are determined by editorial staff. The opinions of contributing writers and guest columnists do not necessarily represent the opinions of qnotes or its staff. qnotes accepts unsolicited editorial, but cannot take responsibility for its return. Editor reserves the right to accept and reject material as well as edit for clarity, brevity.

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

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Out in Print Tell Trinity Halloween Fun Dishing with Buff Faye

Our People: Linda Lawyer

One of Charlotte’s senior community members and former qnotes writer shares her story about coming out and doing her part in helping to preserve LGBTQ history.

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life 4 5 11 19

Maurice Hines Up Stairs Tragedy Women’s Health Our People: Linda Lawyer

Register to vote!

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Spiritual Reflections

events 18 18

Retro Horror Afro Funk

Photo Credit: komunews via flickr. CC by 2.0

In just a few weeks, voters will get a chance to take a stand againt discrimination by electing officials to office who will share their views. Want to be part of that process? Then be sure to go to an early voting location from now-Nov. 3 in North Carolina or to the polls on Nov. 6 and cast a ballot.

Same-day registration is availble in North Carolina (ncsbe.gov) during early voting and early voting is available in South Carolina (scvotes.org).

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

qnotes

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life

Maurice Hines

LGBT History Month: Legendary performer talks seven decades of keeping toes tapping

BY Larry Nichols, LGBT History Project | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

O

ut dancer, performer, choreographer and actor Maurice Hines has been in show business since he was five years old, which means almost 70 years in the game.

A New York City native, Hines has seen and experienced a great deal of art and history in his time, first performing alongside his brother, the legendary Gregory Hines, and then later on television and theaters across the country and Europe as part of Hines, Hines & Dad. He continued his success into adulthood, making his big screen debut in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Cotton Club,” as well as directing and choreographing musicals like “Uptown… It’s Hot!” and national tours of “Satchmo” and “Harlem Suite,” among others. He’s also recorded a couple of critically acclaimed jazz albums, “Maurice: I’ve Never Been in Love Before” and “To Nat ‘King’ Cole with Love.”

So, for LGBT History Month, we reached out to the acclaimed and accomplished performer to talk about his journey as an artist, his perspective on life and the fascinating things he has seen and done along the way.

LN: Did being immersed in show business affect your world view and what you were exposed to at an early age?

MH: That’s a good question. What I remember about it is I remember being extremely happy. Both my brother and myself were extremely happy. We were very lucky to get teachers that were like that. Henry LeTang was the one that discovered us and gave us an act to put together and got us to the Apollo Theater at a very young age, I think at nine and 11 was the first time we worked there with Dinah Washington. So by that time we just loved doing it. I asked my mother before she passed. She said “There was something about it. You and Gregory loved doing it right away. You even loved the learning process, even though it was more difficult for you.” Gregory used to get things quicker than me. He would teach me, and then he would forget the steps and then I’d remember them and I would teach him. So we loved it from the beginning. That’s what I really remember about the early years, how fun it was. And it still is, maybe because it was fun right from the beginning.

LN: You started in tap but then progressed into singing, choreography and acting. Was that a natural evolution for you, or was it something performers of that era had to do to stay competitive?

MH: We had to do everything. The main focus at the time, we started as tap dancers.

Then we saw Sammy Davis, Jr. at the Apollo and he sang. We used to sing around the house to records and stuff, but then people realized we could really sing. We really could do it. Then we became more versatile. But it was Sammy Davis, Jr. that really inspired us because he did everything, and we saw him at the Apollo where all the African-American stars played a lot. There was new show every week, and we’d go and see these great performers. We were inspired by the Lena Hornes and the Eartha Kitts and Ella Fitzgeralds. They all played the Apollo. We saw the greatest of the great, so we all wanted to do that. Everybody could do everything. Gregory and I never took any acting lessons. Gregory certainly did more acting than I did. There are just people who can do it. Gregory had a natural gift for it.

We just wanted to do everything. We didn’t like the business end of it, but we loved that actual performing. To get to the performing was the more difficult part and not a nice part, and it still isn’t. It’s rougher now than it ever was. I evolved into choreography because we had a choreographer when we were the Hines Kids, and then we became Hines, Hines & Dad. The first time I choreographed something, we were going

to work the Americana Hotel, they had a nightclub in the Royal Box, and we wanted to do something different. We added two girls and we wanted to do a modern dance section. Our choreographer couldn’t do it so Gregory said to me “Maurice, you’ve been studying jazz; you do it.” And I did. And I was good at it. We really loved each other’s talent. He was a fabulous actor and was a choreographer, then I started choreographing ballets. Alvin Ailey saw my work and said “Maurice, you have the gift. Choreography is not just making up steps. Anybody can do that and you have the gift.” And coming from Alvin Ailey, I almost fainted because I loved him so, and he’s one of the great choreographers of all time. So, I became a choreographer, and I’m really, really, really good. I know my stuff. And I love it.

LN: You mentioned Sammy Davis, Jr., a performer who broke down a lot of social and cultural barriers. Do you think you and your brother were at the forefront of helping to break those barriers, or did you follow in the path Sammy helped to create?

MH: We walked through the doors he helped to break down. There’s no doubt about it. He suffered a lot. A lot of people don’t know how much he suffered break-

LGBT History Month — A Time to Celebrate

ing those doors down, we knew because we knew him. A lot of those artists did that. Lena Horne did that. Ella Fitzgerald did that. We had the great honor of knowing both of those ladies. We owe everything to them. It’s sad that the kids these days really don’t know [what they did], and when you talk to them, they don’t really have any interest to. There are a lot of dancers even now who don’t know what Katherine Dunham did in the concert dance world, when we were told we couldn’t do concert dance. We were just boogie woogie dancers and the slings and arrows that she had to go through.

In the school that I’m going to be running, all that dance history will be there. We loved dance because we were so young, and we were experiencing those first signs of racism. And in dance it was very clear to us even though nobody had to tell us that dancers had no racism. All they cared about is if you can dance. We weren’t exposed to a lot of racism until later.

Ballerinas say “I don’t care if he’s Black, White, Hispanic or Asian...can he partner?

Can he throw me in the air? Can he catch me?” That’s what dancers are about. That’s why I loved living in that world.

LN: That was also an era where peoples’ sexuality wasn’t talked about in the media or publicly. Behind the scenes, was that something that was known, or did people not bring their sexuality up amongst their peers?

MH: No, no, no, no. There were no closets. I haven’t talked about it so much. I remember we worked in Miami with Cab Calloway. I was so young and quite a few of the chorus boys were gay. And my mother and father never had any stigma about it at all. And that’s the first time that I realized I was gay, but I didn’t have a word for it.

And because we lived in a world of total acceptance, I never had a world for it. I was Maurice. I wasn’t doing anything with anybody, but I was discovering myself.

My mother and father never said, “Don’t do this” or “Don’t act that way.” There was never any of that. They accepted me for who I was, and they always did. And my brother to. And we were around people that were so open about everything. There was no stigma about anything. It was a great life. I’ve had a great, great life with fantastic people who nurtured me to be the see Maurice Hines on 5

Every October, the LGBTQ community takes time to recognize the people, place and events that helped shape our lives and the quest for “equality and justice for all.” During this time, readers can get a glimpse, both in print and online, of those past heroes, some well known and some more obscure, who stepped out of the shadows, and with bravery, marched forward toward a better life for us all and our world.

These features are being presented to you compliments of the National LGBT History Project.

Additionally, during the month, qnotes is rolling out daily a different personality chosen by the Equality Forum to help our readers learn more about others who have left their mark on the landscape of equality, social justice and more.

Enjoy the read and add these facts to your historical memory and mental archives.

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qnotes

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

Author talks about new book about overlooked LGBTQ tragedy LGBT History Month: New Orleans, La.’s Up Stairs Lounge fire

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BY Larry Nichols, LGBT History Project | CONTRIBUTING WRITER New Orleans is fascinated with stories about itself. There were always these rumors about it, but it wasn’t until the 21st Century that serious scholarship started to be published about it.

From there it started to build on itself. There were news articles and books and documentaries. It’s a shocking and tragic event in its own right. We’re 15 years removed from Laurence v.

Texas in 2003, when the Supreme Court struck down sodomy laws and decriminalized homosexuality, people are more interested in looking at the cause of the social institution and the Up Stairs Lounge fire is a really powerful way to look at the what the closet was in American society and how it governed lives.

uthor Robert Fieseler’s new book, “Tinderbox: The Untold Story of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire and the Rise of Gay Liberation,” dives deep into the events leading up to and the aftermath of the Up Stairs Lounge Fire, a tragic and unsolved arson that claimed the lives of 31 men and one woman on June 24, 1973, the largest mass murder of gays until the Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016.

The tragedy went largely ignored until the mid-2000s for reasons the book explores in great detail. Philadelphia Gay News (PGN) spoke to Fieseler about the insights about the era he was able to uncover in the writing and documentation of this important piece of LGBTQ History.

PGN: Why did a tragedy of the scale of the Up Stairs Lounge fire go forgotten and unrecognized for what it was for so long?

RF: The Up Stairs Lounge fire was swept under the rug during its era, which was 1973, primarily due to straight constituencies and then closeted gay constituencies in New Orleans being uninterested in any kind of mass reporting of a large-scale tragedy involving gay men. This was a period of time when homosexuality was almost a taboo topic in the New Orleans media and the national mainstream media. It would really raise eyebrows if you were to report anything involving the homosexual community that wasn’t about arrests or anything of the like. It was the deadliest fire in New Orleans history, 32 deaths.

It was initially presumed to be an amazing story. It was front page news for a few days. Then when it became clear who had burned and the nature of the location that had burned, that these were homosexuals that burned in a homosexual bar, then the stories dried up. It was a time period where people weren’t quite ready to discuss anything on the level of a gay tragedy.

PGN: What do you think the younger generation can take away from reading this book?

RF: The dominant social institution governing LGBT life was the closet. It would be difficult to understand that the closet succeeded in shunting something under the rug so successfully from the context of a society where the closet still ruled. Whereas in the 21st Century you can get to the decriminalization of sodomy, it started to speak more to an open society that was increasingly curious about the mysterious deadly event that occurred in New Orleans. New Orleans has a wonderful storytelling culture, and

PGN: Do you think that people will see any parallels between New Orleans circa 1973 and America in 2018?

RF: This alternate gay tragedy which occurred in the past seemed to give the Pulse Nightclub shooting some kind of context. It really did succeed in a surprising way to bring this decadesold history to the forefront. In a strange way the Up Stairs Lounge fire was seen as an antecedent or some kind of parallel event.

They’re not exact mirrors of each other. They share some similarities, and they diverge greatly in others. Those two events seem to comment on each other, especially in the eyes of the public in the days and weeks that followed Pulse.

PGN: What inspired you to write a book about this forgotten piece of history?

RF: I’m a subculture reporter usually. I cover marginalized groups and overlooked people that make the world better for themselves.

I’ve covered the subculture of canner in New York. I’ve covered ghost hunters and their long campaign of their attempts to reach some sort of legitimacy in their craft. I’m a queer person, and I’m fascinated by human rights and civil rights. I was looking for years for a subject in gay rights that has all the levels of complexity where I could delve into the dynamics of the closet of the times.

That’s what drew me to the Up Stairs Lounge fire. It’s a crime that continues to be unsolved. I wanted to try and tell a story that helped me understand and to help LGBTQ youth and allies to understand what it was like to live in those times where you had to hide yourself on a practical daily basis. What it was like to make a shift to live without undue strain in a very oppressive world. And this was a story that took me down those dark avenues. : :

Maurice Hines continued from page 4

man I am today. I’m so grateful for that life and those people that we met so young, especially those chorus boys because they were out, baby. They didn’t hide nothing.

They weren’t lewd or nasty about it. They were just themselves.

LN: Do you think artistic communities are insulated from the often seismic shifts in social and political norms and perceptions of mainstream society?

MH: I think we’re insulated because show business is a fabulous world. I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. We are insulated, although we know what’s going on, and when we don’t like it, we speak up. We are not afraid. I find when I was growing up, people wanted us to be quiet about stuff, and Gregory and I came from

another generation. Gregory and I were very outspoken. We both did things to hurt our careers. We talked about the racism on Broadway because it was there, and we saw it and experienced it. We asked “why aren’t there any Black choreographers on Broadway? Why is that?” Among the dancers and other choreographers, they were upset about it, but they weren’t putting the shows on. The producers were, and there was racism among them.

LN: With a career as long as yours, how much of a challenge is it to stay on top of your game and current in the world of dance?

MH: It’s very, very hard. Debbie Allen and I were talking about this the other day. You find your niche. That’s what I’m finding out

now in this stage of my career. That’s what we have to find in order to give back what we have learned because they are not learning the same way we did or learning what we did. They don’t have to be as versatile as we were. They do something on a video, and people think they can dance and when they get with us and Debbie does a combination or a step, they can’t do it. Not all of them, but a lot of them feel like they don’t have to train. That’s the mindset now. But you have to produce. So, you don’t say it mean, and then you encourage them to learn some ballet. Ballet gives you control of your body. Once you start telling them that, they start doing it.

For more information on Maurice Hines visit mauricehines.com. : :

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

qnotes

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news

Endorsements key to finding LGBTQ and LGBTQ-affirming candidate choices Carolinas and national organizations share their voting options

by Lainey Millen | qnotes Staff Writer

Photo Credit: 3desc via Adobe Stock

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ll across the U.S., voters are gearing up for one of the most contentious races in recent history in a push to take back national, state and local government seats from Conservative office holders. Never before has it been so imperative to elect candidates to office who are LGBTQ-affirming, but also share sensibilities toward protecting the rights of all citizens and ensuring that U.S. residents are afforded due process and equality in day-to-day life.

This year, Carolinas-based and national organizations have provided their approval and endorsement for a number of candidates for public office. Among those organizations are the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Emily’s List (EL), The Victory Fund (VF), Equality NC PAC (ENCPAC), SC Equality PAC (SCEPAC), Reflections Ltd. Political Action Committee (RLPAC), and the Mecklenburg Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Political Action Committee (MeckPAC).

Additionally, all six constitutional amendments that are on the ballot for consideration result in a “no” from ENCPAC. Early voting is now open in North Carolina through Nov. 3. Check local boards of election to find locations and times.

Absentee ballots can be requested by no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 30 from county elections offices.

Also, same-day registration is available for voters who have not as yet registered at early voting locations. Voters should visit the websites for the North Carolina State Board of Elections or one that is located in a voter’s county to receive qualifications and other information to aid in a smooth registration process.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on Election Day. North Carolina’s election board suggests that voters view their sample ballot prior to going to the polls to facilitate ease of voting. Voters should also go their assigned polling place to ensure that they receive the proper ballot style.

Candidates are listed by races from national to local contests.

North Carolina Seat/Name/Endorser(s) U.S. House of Representatives District 1: G.K. Butterfield (HRC) District 2: Linda Coleman (ENCPAC) (EL) (RLPAC)

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qnotes

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

District 4: David Price (ENCPAC) (HRC) District 5: DD Adams (ENCPAC) District 6: Ryan Watts (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 7: Kyle Horton (ENCPAC) District 8: Frank McNeill (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 9: Dan McCready (ENCPAC) (HRC) (RLPAC) District 10: David Brown (ENCPAC) District 11: Phillip Price (ENCPAC) District 12: Alma Adams (ENCPAC) (HRC) (RLPAC) District 13: Kathy Manning (ENCPAC) (HRC) (EL) (RLPAC) Soil & Water District Supervisor Lewis A. Brandon (Vote for 2) (RLPAC) Kirk Perkins (Vote for 2) (RLPAC) State Senate District 1: Cole Phelps (ENCPAC) District 2: Ginger Garner (ENCPAC) District 7: Barbara Dantonio (ENCPAC) District 8: David Sink (ENCPAC) District 9: Harper Peterson (ENCPAC) District 10: Vernon Moore (ENCPAC) District 15: Jay Chaudhuri (ENCPAC) District 16: Wiley Nickel (ENCPAC) District 17: Sam Searcy (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 18: Mack Paul (ENCPAC) District 19: Kirk DeViere (ENCPAC) District 20: Floyd B. McKissick, Jr. (ENCPAC) District 22: Mike Woodard (ENCPAC) District 23: Valerie Foushee (ENCPAC) District 24: J.D. Wooten (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 25: Helen Probst Mills (ENCPAC) District 26: Bill McCaskill (RLPAC) District 27: Michael Garrett (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 28: Gladys Robinson (RLPAC) District 30: Jen Mangrum (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 31: John Motsinger, Jr. (ENCPAC) District 34: Beniah McMiller (ENCPAC) District 35: Caroline Walker (ENCPAC) District 37: Jeff Jackson (ENCPAC) District 38: Mujtaba Mohammed (ENCPAC) (HRC) (RLPAC) (MeckPAC) District 39: Chad Stachowicz (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) (MeckPAC) District 41: Natasha Marcus (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 42: Ric Vandett (ENCPAC) District 43: Altriese Price (ENCPAC) District 46: Art Sherwood (ENCPAC) District 47: David Wheeler (ENCPAC) District 48: Norm Bossert (ENCPAC)

State House of Representatives District 2: Darryl Moss (ENCPAC) District 8: Kandie Smith (ENCPAC) District 9: Kris Rixon (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 11: Allison Dahle (ENCPAC) (HRC) (VF) (RLPAC) District 13: Pene DiMaio (ENCPAC) District 15: Dan Whitten (ENCPAC) District 16: John Johnson (ENCPAC) District 18: D eb Butler (ENCPAC) (VF) (RLPAC) District 19: M arcia Morgan (ENCPAC) (VF) (RLPAC) District 20: Leslie Cohen (ENCPAC) District 26: Linda Bennett (ENCPAC) District 29: Maryann Black (ENCPAC) District 30: Marcia Morey (ENCPAC) (VF) District 31: Zack Hawkins (ENCPAC) District 34: Grier Martin (ENCPAC) District 35: T erence Everitt (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 36: Julie von Haefen (ENCPAC) District 37: Sydney Batch (ENCPAC) District 50: Graig Meyer (ENCPAC) District 56: Verla Insko (ENCPAC) District 57: A shton Clemmons (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 58: Amos Quick (RLPAC) District 59: S teven Buccini (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 60: Cecil Brockman (ENCPAC) (VF) (RLPAC) District 61: M ary Price (Pricey) Harrison (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 62: Martha Shafer (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 63: E rica McAdoo (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 64: Elliot Lynch (ENCPAC) District 68: Rick Foulke (ENCPAC) District 69: Jennifer Benson (ENCPAC) District 74: Terri LeGrand (ENCPAC) District 75: Dan Besse (ENCPAC) District 77: Bonnie Dawn Clark (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 78: Jim Meredith (RLPAC) District 82: Aimy Steele (ENCPAC) District 83: Gail Young (ENCPAC) District 84: Allen Edwards (ENCPAC) District 85: Howard Larsen (ENCPAC) District 86: Tim Barnsback (ENCPAC) District 87: Amanda Bregel (ENCPAC) District 89: Greg Cranford (ENCPAC) District 92: Chaz Beasley (ENCPAC) District 93: Ray Russell (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 95: Carla Fassbender (ENCPAC) District 96: Kim Bost (ENCPAC) District 97: Natalie Robertson (ENCPAC) District 98: C hristy Clark (ENCPAC) (MeckPAC)

District 100: John Autry (ENCPAC) District 101: Carolyn Logan (ENCPAC) (MeckPAC) District 102: Becky Carney (MeckPAC) District 103: Rachel Hunt (ENCPAC) District 104: Brandon Lofton (ENCPAC) District 105 Wesley Harris (ENCPAC) (MeckPAC) District 109: Susan Maxon (ENCPAC) District 111: David Brinkley (RLPAC) District 114: Susan Fisher (ENCPAC) District 115: Don Ager (RLPAC) District 116: Brian Turner (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 117: Gayle Kemp (ENCPAC) District 118: Rhonda Cole Schandevel (ENCPAC) Alamance County Board of Education Yvette Gaboury (RLPAC) Wayne Beam (RLPAC) Guilford County Board of Education At Large: Winston McGregor (RLPAC) District 2: Greg Drumwright (RLPAC) District 6: Khem Denise Irby (RLPAC) District 8: Deena Hayes (RLPAC) New Hanover Board of Education Judy Justice (ENCPAC) Alamance County Commissioners Kristen Powers (Vote for 2) (RLPAC) Robert (Bob) Byrd (Vote for 2) (RLPAC) Guilford County Commissioners At Large: Kay Cashion (RLPAC) District 1: J. Carlvena Foster (RLPAC) District 2: Scott Jones (RLPAC) District 3: Tracy Lamothe (RLPAC) District 7: Carolyn Coleman (RLPAC) District 8: Skip Alston (RLPAC) Mecklenburg County Commissioners At Large: Pat Cotham (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) At Large: Trevor Fuller (ENCPAC) (MeckPAC) District 3: George Dunlap (ENCPAC) (MeckPAC) District 4: Mark Jerrell (ENCPAC) (MeckPAC) District 6: Susan Rodriguez-McDowell (ENCPAC) New Hanover County Commissioners District 2: Julia Olson-Boseman (ENCPAC) Pender County Commissioners District 2: Carol Johnson (ENCPAC) Rockingham County Commissioners Ann Brady (RLPAC) Elretha Perkins (RLPAC) Wake County Commissioners District 1: Sig Hutchinson (ENCPAC) District 2: Matt Calabria (ENCPAC) District 3: Jessica Holmes (ENCPAC) District 4: Susan Evans (ENCPAC) District 6: Greg Ford (ENCPAC) (VF) District 7: Vickie Adamson (ENCPAC) see next page u

Wilkes County Commissioners L.B. Prevette (ENCPAC) North Carolina Supreme Court Anita Earls (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) North Carolina Court of Appeals Seat 1: John Arrowood (ENCPAC) (VF) (RLPAC) Seat 2: Toby Hampson (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) Seat 3: Allegra Collins (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) North Carolina Superior Court District 10D: Seat 1, Keith Gregory (ENCPAC) District 18A: Seat 1, Lora Christine Cubbage (ENCPAC) (RLPAC) District 18B: Joe Craig (RLPAC) District 18D: Seat 1, Gavin Reardon (ENCPAC) District 18D: Seat 1, Bill Wood (RLPAC) District 26E: Seat 1, Donnie Hoover (ENCPAC) North Carolina District Court District 14: Seat 6, Amanda Maris (ENCPAC) (VF) District 18: Seat 1, Tom Jarrell (RLPAC) District 18: Seat 2, Jonathan Kreider (RLPAC) District 26A: Seat 2, Donald Cureton (ENCPAC) District 26F: Seat 2, Khalif Rhodes (ENCPAC) District Attorney Durham County Satana Deberry (ENCPAC) Guilford County

Avery Michelle Crump (RLPAC) Mecklenburg County Spencer Merriweather (ENCPAC) (MeckPAC) Clerk of Superior Court Guilford County Lisa Johnson-Tonkins (RLPAC) Orange County Mark Kleinschmidt (ENCPAC) (VF) Wake County Jennifer Knox (ENCPAC) Guilford County Sheriff B.J. Barnes (RLPAC)

South Carolina Governor James Smith Lt. Governor Mandy Powers Norrell Secretary of State Melvin Whittenburg U.S. House of Representatives District 6: Jim Clyburn House of Representatives District 3: Rep. Gary Clary (SCEPAC) District 10: Lucy Hoffman (SCEPAC) District 12: Rep. Anne Parks (SCEPAC) District 13: Michael Gaskin (SCEPAC) District 15: J.A. Moore (SCEPAC) District 22: Rep. Jason Elliott (SCEPAC) District 23: Rep. Chandra E. Dillard (SCEPAC) District 25: Rep. Leola Robinson:Simpson

(SCEPAC) District 35: Helen M. Pendarvis (SCEPAC) District 44: Rep. Many Powers Norrell (SCEPAC) District 48: Vickie Hold (SCEPAC) District 49: Rep. John King (SCEPAC) District 50: Rep. Will Wheeler (SCEPAC) District 51: Rep. J. David Weeks (SCEPAC) District 52: Rep. Laurie Slade Funderburk (SCEPAC) District 54: Rep. Pat Henegan (SCEPAC) District 59: Rep. Terry Alexander (SCEPAC) District 61: Rep. Roger K. Kirby (SCEPAC) District 64: Rep. Robert L. Ridgeway, III (SCEPAC) District 66: Rep. Gilda Cobb:Hunter (SCEPAC) District 67: Rep. G. Murrell Smith, Jr. (SCEPAC) District 69: Beth Ann Rocheleau (SCEPAC) District 70: Rep. Wendy C. Brawley (SCEPAC) District 72: Seth Rose (SCEPAC) District 73: Rep. Christopher R. “Chris” Hart (SCEPAC) District 74: Rep. J. Todd Rutherford (SCEPAC) District 78: Rep. Beth E. Bernstein (SCEPAC) District 79: Rep. Ivory Torrey Thigpen (SCEPAC) District 80: Rep. Jimmy C. Bales (SCEPAC) District 81: Elise Fox (SCEPAC)

District 82: Rep. Bill Clyburn (SCEPAC) District 90: Rep. Justin T. Bamberg (SCEPAC) District 91: Rep. Lonnie Hosey (SCEPAC) District 93: Rep. Russell L. Ott (SCEPAC) District 99: Jen Gibson (SCEPAC) District 101: Rep. Cezar E. McKnight (SCEPAC) District 102: Rep. Joseph H. Jefferson, Jr. (SCEPAC) District 103: Rep. Carl L. Anderson (SCEPAC) District 109: Rep. David J. Mack, III (SCEPAC) District 110: Ben Pogue (SCEPAC) District 111: Rep. Wendell G. Gilliard (SCEPAC) District 112: Joe Preston (SCEPAC) District 113: Rep. Marvin R. Pendarvis (SCEPAC) District 116: Rep. Robert L. Brown (SCEPAC) District 119: Rep. Leon Stavrinakis (SCEPAC) District 121: Rep. Michael F. Rivers, Sr. (SCEPAC) City Council Richland County District 4: Paul Livingston (SCEPAC) District 5: Allison Terracio (SCEPAC) Beaufort County District 6: Joe Passiment (SCEPAC)

For more information on endorsements, visit hrc.org, emilyslist.org, victoryfund.org, equalitync.org, equalmeanseveryone.org, replacementsltdpac.org and meckpac.org. To learn more about voting, visit ncsbe.gov in North Carolina and scvotes.org in South Carolina.

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

qnotes

7

BRIEFS

news Hate crimes victim interred WASHINGTON, D.C. — Matthew Shepard, a young man who was tied to a fence, beaten and tortured in 1998 in a field near Laramie, Wyo. will have his cremains interred in the National Cathedral in Washington on Oct. 26.

Until now, the family had not found a place that they felt safe enough to lay their son’s ashes to rest, CNN reported. The family did not want him buried in Wyoming because they did not want his grave to be a point of pilgrimage and vandalism. Shepard’s death became a “rallying point” for the gay rights movement. NBC News reported that he would be buried alongside notable Americans, including Woodrow Wilson and Helen Keller.

Presiding over the service will be Right Rev. V. Gene Robinson.

Robinson was the first openly gay priest to be consecrated a bishop in the Episcopal Church, CNN reported.

Following Shepard’s death, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Oct. 28, 2009, expanding on the “1969 federal hate-crime law to include crimes based on a victim’s sexual orientation, gender identity or disability,” Associated Press News (AP) reported.

However, there are now “mixed feelings by LGBT and anti-violence organizations that lobbied over nearly a decade for its passage.” As of this past summer, the law has served to indict 88 defendants in 42 hate crimes cases, but only 64 of those ended with convictions. AP shared that some activists were disappointed by the low numbers, but the Human Rights Campaign’s Government Affairs Director David Stacy considered it successful “because of its role in motivating state and local prosecutors to take anti-LGBT violence more seriously.”

NBC News reported that even 20 years after the attack of Shepard, the LGBTQ community is still battling hate violence. Currently, 15 states have no LGBTQ protections and five states (including South Carolina) have no hate crimes legislation at all, NBC News added. The news source also reported that Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew, had expressed her anger, saying, “We made such progress, and now it’s being tossed aside.” In particular, she is upset with the Trump administration, which has made efforts to pull back on hard-earned LGBTQ protections. There has been a rise in hate-related homicides by 86 percent in 2017 from 2016 numbers. The Human Rights Campaign attributes this to “anti-LGBTQ political rhetoric.” At the center of the epidemic are transgender women of color.

AP reported that Judy Shepard and others have indicated that the law had been helpful, but hopes that law enforcement agencies would be required to report hate crimes to federal authorities and that officers should be provided with better training. Anti-violence projects and programs have been started across the U.S., but that is not enough. Shifts in attitudes about violence and hate crimes is essential in staving off the perpetuating and rising case load.

A number of years ago, Campus Pride initiated its “Stop the Hate” campus bias and hate crimes prevention program as a way to address the issue at higher educational institutions. It serves to train and educate those at colleges and universities on ways to fight back against hate while fostering community development. This is only one example of programs that are now available to stem the tide of violence. info: bit.ly/2RMmapw. nbcnews.to/2EikJwi. campuspride.org/stop-the-hate. cnn.it/2pQk3US. nbcnews.to/2EikJwi. bit.ly/2IVM0mW. — Lainey Millen

Homeless youth partnership formed CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Time Out Youth Center (TOY) and the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte (MSC) has formed a partnership to help LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness in Charlotte, Holly Drummond, director of development and communications for TOY reported.

The shared position provides case management services targeting LGBTQ youth in the shelter system.

In 2016, the center conducted a local needs assessment regarding services to LGBTQ youth. While community data indicates most young adults seeking emergency shelter identify as male, MSC, the only year-round emergency shelter for men in Charlotte, N.C., ranked as the least safe sleeping option by young individuals who participated in the needs assessment. Safety concerns identified by the youth in the assessment were addressed in MSC’s upcoming renovation of the Tryon campus. Some concerns were related to staff interactions with members of the LGBTQ community.

The joint venture answers the crucial needs of LGBTQ youth and was fully funded by a private donor for the first year. But for years to come, funding support is needed to help sustain the work of the partnership. Contributions in any amount are welcome and appreciated.

In the meantime, TOY will continue to implement the Host Home Program, a 90 transitional housing initiative for LGBTQ youth who have been displaced due to sexual orientation and/or gender identify. The program serves youth ages 18-24, providing housing, case management, counseling and emergency financial assistance, in addition to utilizing volunteers to provide housing for youth. Ten Host Home Providers are maintained by TOY at all times and is actively is searching for new participants. For more information on housing programs for LGBTQ youth or to become a Host Home Provider, email TOY at info@timeoutyouth.org or call 704-344-8335. info: timeoutyouth.org.

— Lainey Millen

Smollett recruits volunteers NEW YORK, N.Y./LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Trevor Project released “How to Save a Life,” a new national campaign that encourages supporters to apply to become volunteer crisis counselors for TrevorText and TrevorChat, the organization’s free and confidential text and web chat support services for LGBTQ youth. The campaign’s 30-second public service announcement features actor, artist and activist Jussie Smollett who is part of the “Empire” cast.

“It’s heartbreaking to think of the amount of LGBTQ youth out there who feel hopeless and alone, or think they don’t have support,” said Smollett. “Just one supportive person can decrease an LGBTQ youth’s risk of suicide by 30 percent, and The Trevor Project is giving everyone the amazing opportunity to be that person. I can’t encourage you enough to apply — volunteering your time can literally save lives.”

Volunteers can use a computer and Internet to support LGBTQ youth from anywhere in the country. To become a volunteer, supporters can apply at TheTrevorProject.org/SaveALife. Successful candidates will complete a series of training courses that meet American Association of Suicidology accreditation guidelines and are designed to prepare volunteers to support LGBTQ youth in crisis. info: thetrevorproject.org. bit.ly/2yhqUvs. — Lainey Millen

8

qnotes

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

Governor makes proclamation

Earlier in the month, Gov. Roy Cooper proclaimed October as LGBTQ History Month. The document in part commended its observance “to all citizens.” He also stated that the “State of North Carolina stands with the LGBTQ community in the struggle for human rights and the dignity of every person to be visible and open in their authenticity.” info: bit.ly/2AarKve.

PFLAG members honored

PFLAG Greensboro member Linda Stroupe was recognized for her six years of service on the PFLAG National Board at a recent PFLAG National Board of Directors meeting in Washington, D.C. In other news, the chapter is currently engaged in its annual membership drive. Dues are $20 for individuals and $40 for households. The organization is also accepting contributions to its general and scholarship funds at any time of the year to help set off the costs of operations and events. info: pflaggreensboro.org. pflag.org.

Trans youth vies for queen

Seventeen-year-old senior Marquis Monroe, a student at Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville, N.C., fought against opposition in her run for homecoming queen. She obtained support from students and faculty who encouraged her to run, The Fayetteville Observer reported. info: bit.ly/2OpBlqz.

Parke named CJJ organizer

Carolina Jews for Justice has has hired Cole Parke as a full-time organizer.

Parke has been involved in many issues related to extremism, including racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia and anti-Semitism and was a co-founder and coordinating team member of Boston SURJ, the organization said. info: carolinajewsforjustice.org.

Concert season opens

Charlotte Pride Band has announced the opening of its 2018-2019 season with “An American Elegy” on Nov. 3, 6 p.m., at Myers Park Baptist Church, Heaton Hall, 1900 Queens Rd. The concert will be led by the band’s new artistic director, John Stanley Ross. The concert will also feature other works by American composers such as Leonard Bernstein, John Philip Sousa, Eric Whitacre, Frank Ticheli and Samuel Hazo. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door or online. info: charlotteprideband.org.

GGF explores SONG chapter

The Guilford Green Foundation announced that it held an interest meeting on Sept. 21 to determine whether the community was interested in creating a Southerners on New Ground (SONG) chapter. Nearly 50 individuals attended and had the opportunity to socialize and talk about what they wanted from a Greensboro chapter of SONG, the foundation’s Executive Director Jennifer Ruppe shared. They also viewed two short documentaries presented by House of Pentacles, a film training program for black, transgender queer youth, Ruppe added. Representatives of SONG were on hand to share information with the group about the organization’s current goals. At the end of the event, and based on the positive feedback received, Greensboro SONG organizers are going through the process of officially creating a Greensboro chapter and meeting schedule. To learn more, email claudette.colvin@gmail.com. info: southernersonnewground.org. guilfordgreenfoundation.org.

Association honors Foust with champion award

TOY debuts podcast

RALEIGH, N.C. — The ADAP Advocacy Association selected Evelyn Foust, director of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Communicable Diseases branch, as the 2018 recipient of the William E. Arnold ADAP Champion Award.

Foust was one of nine ADAP Leadership Awards honorees, which recognizes individual, community, government, media and corporate leaders who are working to improve access to care and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS— including the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP).

Foust was presented with the award during the association’s 11th Annual Conference, which was held from Sept.

20-21 in Washington, D.C. The association’s mission is to promote and enhance ADAP and improve access to care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. It works with advocates, community, healthcare, government, patients, pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders to raise awareness, while offering patient educational programs Evelyn Foust (center) is presented with the William E. Arnold and fostering greater ADAP Champion Award community collaboration.

“It’s a real honor for Evelyn and the state of North Carolina that she was selected to receive this year’s ADAP Champion Award. When you look at major advancements in HIV treatment and prevention in North Carolina over the last 20 years, Evelyn has had a hand in all of them. From modernizing our state’s HIV law to ending the ADAP waiting list, people living with HIV have a champion in Evelyn Foust,” said Lee Storrow, executive director of the NC AIDS Action Network. info: adapadvocacyassociation.org.

— Lainey Millen

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Time Out Youth Center (TOY) debuted its new bi-weekly podcast series, “Out With It,” on Oct.11 in recognition of National Coming Out Day. The gender-fluid podcast is specifically developed for LGBTQ youth, the LGBTQ community and allies, the organization shared. Center staff team up with LGBTQ youth on every episode to hear their perspective on topics relevant to them.

TOY staff and youth believe a podcast is an excellent way to amplify the voices of LGBTQ youth in the Carolinas, as well as to provide a digital presence where LGBTQ youth can share their stories and experiences. The center hopes that these panel discussions will provide education and awareness for allies to the LGBTQ community, and more importantly, serve as peer support and a resource for LGBTQ youth across the country that might not have access to spaces like Time Out Youth Center. Each episode will end with the youth panel sharing national resources relevant to LGBTQ youth, such as The Trevor Project, Trans Lifeline and Center Link.

The LGBTQ youth-focused panel-format podcast is made possible through the continued support of the Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund. Along with the fund’s support, the Charlotte Comedy Zone has offered to provide access to their studio space to record episodes, the center said. Steven Pappas, a center volunteer and creator of the “Is This Adulting?” podcast, is also providing support with the production of Out With It. Out With It’s branding and marketing direction was provided by LGA as part of their annual Goodstock campaign.

To listen to the podcasts, visit timeoutyouth.org/podcast. info: timeoutyouth.org.

— Lainey Millen

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

qnotes

9

news

James faces commission seat challenge Democrat Susan Rodriguez McDowell takes on Republican Bill James

BY Nikolai Mather | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

F

or the first time since 2012, Republican Bill James has a challenger for the seat of county commissioner.

Susan Rodriguez McDowell, a former precinct vice-chair for the Democratic Party, is running against incumbent Bill James to represent District 6 on the Board of Commissioners. The district, which includes Pineville, Mint Hill, Matthews, and parts of South Charlotte, is traditionally Republican territory. James is the longest-serving current member of the Board of Commissioners, with 11 terms under his belt.

However, demographic changes in District 6 have given Democrats reason to hope for electoral success.

Since 2012, the number of voters registered Republican in the area has dropped, and the number of unaffiliated and Democrat voters has increased.

Another possible factor in this race is the surge of political participation both in Charlotte and in the U.S. as a whole. Since the election of President Donald J. Trump, more and more women have been politically organizing and running for office. In Mecklenburg County, all three incumbent Republican commissioners are fielding challenges from female Democrats. And local activists have been working double time to get constituents — particularly young people and college students — registered to vote.

James is running on a platform of staunch conservatism, taking a strong stance against affordable housing and tax increases. He thinks District 6 isn’t quite ready to turn blue. In a quote to the Charlotte Observer, he stated his extensive time in office is attractive to voters. “They know who I am. They know what I stand for.”

But McDowell thinks it’s time for a change. While she identifies as “fiscally conservative” (she is also against raising taxes), she believes that the changing district needs fresh ideas. And she’s advocating for plenty: creating new parks and greenways, developing a better relationship with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and supporting affordable housing and other measures to reduce poverty. McDowell also wants to make the board more inclusive to other people and perspectives. James is notorious for his racist, transphobic and homophobic beliefs; in 2016, for example, he posted a series of tweets repeatedly using a slur to refer

to transgender and nonbinary people, including a young girl. McDowell has stated that this behavior is at odds with her values and wants to uplift marginalized voices.

This race is critical not only for the Democrats, who are aiming to maintain their majority this year, but for Mecklenburg County. Another revaluation is coming up next

year, and property values are projected to jump by at least fifty percent. Whether taxes will see a similar increase will be determined by the county commissioners. District 6 constituents can rest easy knowing that both James and McDowell support a revenue-neutral tax rate. But the outcome of this contentious election remains to be determined. : :

Elections: Regardless of the results, never give up Spiritual Reflections

BY Rev. Todd Goewey | CONTRIBUTING WRITER It’s that time again. On street intersections, in front yards and all through the countryside, we are assulted with signs of the names of candidates for us to vote for. Nothing else but their names boldly emblazoned for us to remember when we enter the voting booth. Nothing else, just their names, nothing about what they stand for, or what they support, what their politics are, or in most cases, not even their party affiliation — just their names. Huge amounts of money are spent just to get the name out there.

When I hit the voting booth, I need more than a name. I’m not voting for the candidate with only a few signs because they seem to be the underdog. And I’m not voting for the one with the most signs because they appear to be the most popular. I am voting for the person whose values and positions best match what I want to see supported in government.

It’s our responsibility to research their positions and/or voting records to see whom we can support, and cast our vote for that candidate. One of the best clearing houses to get the LGBTQ perspective on the candidates before us is the Equality NC Voter Guide: (see equalitync.org/voterguide2018 and qnotes’ endorsements article on page 6) Or, if you don’t want any slant to your information, and you wish to view the candidates in an unbiased platform try VoteSmart.org.

Sometimes the people we like and support get elected, and sometimes they don’t. We can’t let our disappointment

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qnotes

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

affect how we do, or do not, continue to back the causes that we care deeply about. There is always that temptation to respond to our disappointment with an attitude of, “OK, I’m going to take my toys and go home!” But that’s never the answer. Regardless of the results of any election, we need to continue to support and fight for the causes that are near and dear to our hearts. And we need to be involved in and support our government, because that’s the place where we can begin to bring about change and growth.

I was living in Florida during the famous “hanging chad” incident, and I felt that my vote had been stolen from me. I was angry, but instead of giving up and fostering an attitude of “it doesn’t matter anyway,” I continued to be active and involved. In fact, I think I may have become even more involved. I focused on the issues that matter to me and my community. I continued to stand with those who strive to speak for the marginalized, those who can’t speak for themselves.

My point is that you can’t just give up. You still have to maintain a faith in what you believe in and continue to move it forward. And personal faith can do a lot to give you hope to move forward. You may get discouraged and feel like these are the worst of times and that things can’t get any worse than they are now. But I believe that things will always get better, and along the way we will have setbacks, but a per-

sonal faith can help keep us engaged and moving forward.

As bad as you may think things are now, they have been worse. Remember Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero — things were most definitely worse — especially for people of faith. People of many different faith backgrounds were butchered for fun and entertainment, and for a time, especially Christians. But things got better, the tyranny did end, and people of faith were there to help guide and steer the new politics and the new age forward.

We are called to never give up — there is a brave new world before us. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would ever see marriage equality in my lifetime. But I never stopped fighting for the cause, and for the future for the next generation. But look where we are now; even with all the opposition we had, we have full and equal rights for the LGBTQ community to marry.

Never give up! Let me leave you with a repurposed quote from Carey Nieuwhof, the pastor of Connexus Church in Barrie, Ontario — “(People) who see the future can seize the future, (people) that don’t, won’t.” Whatever your faith may be, never lose sight of your unique vision of the future, and carry on. : : Rev. Todd Goewey is the pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Charlotte.

life

Preventive care key to women’s health Wellness, cancer screening, STI testing, treatment and education among priorities at PPSAT health center Planned Parenthood Resources

P

lanned Parenthood South Atlantic (PPSAT) plays a crucial part in creating social capital in Charlotte, N.C. by providing high quality preventive care, sex education programs and access to healthcare for more than 5,000 men, women and teens at the health center on Albemarle Rd. PPSAT provides a wide range of sexual and reproductive healthcare services to people of all genders and ages. Services offered include birth control, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment and HPV vaccine services, breast and cervical cancer screenings, well-person exams, pregnancy testing and options counseling, genderaffirming hormone therapy, HIV testing and counseling, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), emergency contraception and more.

The Charlotte health center is staffed by highly-trained nurses and other health care professionals who put the total wellness of patients at the forefront of care.

For more than 100 years, Planned Parenthood has been committed to providing high-quality healthcare around the world to everyone who walks through the doors, no matter their race, income level, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status or insurance status.

“Preventive screening is vital,” says Stephanie Limesand, PPSAT clinician. “We assess the whole picture during these visits — vital signs, a full physical exam, labs, family history review, social history, sexual history, allergies, medications, tobacco screening.

“We review recommendations with the patient based off of age and their history,” she says. “We determine if there is a need for referrals and further evaluation. We discuss health promotion and disease prevention.

These screenings are recommended yearly.”

PPSAT offers comprehensive totalwellness preventive care and services, including anemia testing, screening for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and thyroid dysfunction; employment and sports physicals; flu vaccinations; routine physical exams; smoking cessation and urinary tract infection testing and treatment, among others.

Screening for cervical and breast cancer at PPSAT can literally be life-saving, Limesand says.

“We recommend cervical cancer screening for all women starting at the age of 21,” she says. A swab of the cervix is taken during

a pelvic exam and sent to the lab for evaluation. Results typically take a week to return.

Breast exams during preventive visits should start for all women at the age of 21, Limesand says. “At every visit, we also educate women on how to assess their breasts. Women aged 40 and up we recommend yearly mammography screening — unless there’s a family history, which we determine at their preventive visit — and we give patients a list of places they can obtain this screening.

“For women who come to the clinic for a specific breast complaint like having a lump or pain, we perform a breast exam in office and if we determine we need further imaging, we will refer for a diagnostic mammogram and/or ultrasound for further evaluation,” she says.

Education is a key component to women’s preventive health measures, and Planned Parenthood is the number one provider of sex education in the country.

PPSAT reaches and empowers Charlotte’s women with a variety of highly effective programs, including: • HIP Teens: Sexual risk-reduction intervention for low-income, urban, adolescent girls • Parents Matter: promoting parent-child discussions about sexuality • Get Real: an inclusive program for all teens to develop skills to make positive life choices.

More About Planned Parenthood For a century, Planned Parenthood has been one of the nation’s leading providers of high-quality, affordable healthcare for women, men and young people, and the nation’s largest provider of sex education.

Planned Parenthood health centers provide contraception, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and life-saving cancer screenings to millions of people in the U.S. With a presence in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Planned Parenthood has 56 affiliates, which operate more than 600 health centers. Globally, Planned Parenthood supports local partners in 12 focus countries, reaching over 1.5 million individuals with reproductive health information and services. Women, men and young people from every community and income level view Planned Parenthood as their first-choice provider of care. For more information, visit plannedparenthood.org/ planned-parenthood-south-atlantic. : :

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

qnotes

11

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Why is PrEP important?

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Among people aged 13-24 with HIV, about 51% do not know they

12

qnotes

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

have it. PrEP, in combination with safe sex practices, may help lower the risk of getting HIV when used appropriately.

How does it work?

If someone is exposed to the HIV virus, PrEP therapy works by preventing the virus from multiplying and causing a permanent infection. PrEP has been shown to be over 90% effective at reducing the risk of HIV infection in people at high risk when used appropriately.

What are some risk factors for HIV exposure?

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a&e

‘And Then We Danced…’

Out in Print

BY terri schlichenmeyer | CONTRIBUTING WRITER “And Then We Danced: A Voyage into the Groove”

by Henry Alford ©2018, Simon & Schuster $26.00/$35.00 Canada 229 pages You can’t stop your feet.

They need to move, to tap-tap-tap, to side step, and dosi-do. The music’s on and you gotta move.

You can’t help it, your toes gotta go and in “And Then We Danced” by Henry Alford, you take the lead.

Think of all the times you danced in your life.

Your first was likely some bouncy-toddler thing you did, and the adults around you laughed. Later, you endured embarrassing and awkward boy-girl classes or school events until you became cool (even if only in your mind) and snuck into clubs.

You’ve danced at weddings, for fun, for joy; and Alford has danced for work. He’s a journalist who immerses himself in his subject in order to write about it but, in the case of dance, he’s been immersed his whole life.

Dance, he says, is a “universal language.” If you suddenly found yourself in Siberia and you began dancing, nobody would mistake what you were doing. It’s an art, yes — but it’s so much more.

Dance, he says, is a way of “Social Entrée.”

Cotillions and debutante balls are good examples, dancing in a club falls into this category, and if you ever took classes from an Arthur Murray studio, you get the picture.

Politics can step onto the dance floor, Alford says. Think about your favorite candidate on the campaign trail, dancing with potential constituents. Or think of the Cakewalk, a dance that was “originally devised as a way for slaves to mock their masters…”

Teenagers know that dance can be a form of rebellion; icons such as Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham knew that, too.

Dance can be a form of emotional release, happy, sad, or angry, and it can involve one’s entire body, Henry Alford almost without (Photo Credit: Greg Villepique) thought. Any good church choir can tell you that dance is spiritual. With the right group, it can bring on feelings of nostalgia. And dance, if you need it, can be healing.

There’re a few pleasant little surprises to this book about moving your body: it’s also author Henry Alford’s memoir, and it’s a series of mini-biographies of dancers you may know and admire. And it’s delightful.

Part of the reason is that Alford uses his youth as example here: he was a gawky kid who tried very hard to ignore his gayness, an attempt that made junior high boy-girl dances understandably more awkward. His tales are mostly universal (who didn’t hate forced dance class?) and they’ll make you laugh, while anecdotes of researching to write this book — Alford dives into dance, remember — are woven between the life stories of Murray, Duncan, Graham, Savion Glover, Toni Bentley, and other dancers, as well as lighter-side dance history through the ages.

Yes, there are “Awww, naw” moments along here with the Nae Nae, but the joy in this book supersedes any sadness.

All in all, it’s a quickstepper, and for a hoofer, ballet lover, line dancer or anyone who shimmies and bops, “And Then We Danced” will have you on your feet. : :

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

qnotes

13

a&e

Fetishism 101 Tell Trinity

BY Trinity | CONTRIBUTING WRITER talking to guys on the street, then am I still a criminal?

Crimes Of Passion, LA, CA

Dearest Trinity, My ex was into the fetish scene and now, two years later, I’m beginning to find it very interesting myself. Any advice for first timers?

Thanks, Baby’s First Straps, Raleigh, NC

Hello Crimes Of Passion, It seems like today everyone’s doing something wrong, i.e., looking at or talking to someone you shouldn’t be, flirting with or even sleeping with someone you shouldn’t be. While many laws and rules seem to be set in stone, there are also times you find yourself cracking those rules. So, darling, no, you’re not a criminal…

Dearest Baby’s First Straps, For many people the word “fetish” itself is dirty and dangerous. So, I won’t lie and say breath control or public flogging doesn’t make me squirmy. But I will say uniform and facial hair fetishes do make me smile. When it comes to newfound activities, some jump in headfirst, and some take their time. Either way, keep an eye on your addictive nature and remember to have safe boundaries. Also, sweetie, fetish accoutrements can be very expensive, so be thrifty at first because they may end up in a storage bin when you’ve moved on to fan dancing or political activism!

qonexions

Hey Out Of Sight, I know it’s easier to avoid someone

space starting at $22: call qnotes for details 704.531.9988

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Dear Two Too Many, Why can so many gorgeous guys lift their own weight at the gym, but not muster up enough courage to start a conversation? Sure, have a drink or two, but have a water or soda between drinks so four drinks equal two with alcohol.

But either way, pumpkin, start trying to spend more time facing your shyness and fear of rejection and less time avoiding getting drunk.

Lots of Love, Trinity Hey Trinity, It’s been a month since I stopped dating my girlfriend. I ignore her calls, blocked her emails and unfriended her on FB, but I’m afraid I’ll still see her out at the clubs. How do I avoid her and having to talk to her?

Out Of Sight, Minneapolis, MN

Hello Trinity, For years I’ve hung out with many gay couples that have happy non-monogamous relationships. Now my new partner insists on monogamy. But I come from a very different world. If I don’t tell him the little, not-sofaithful things I do, like chatting on an app or

qomunity

as long as you try to communicate as much as you can, and when you can’t, keep good secrets…I mean boundaries. (Check out my cartoon to see how I “judge” the whole issue. Verdict in?)

Wink, wink, Trinity Dear Trinity, I’m a good-looking guy, and I don’t like getting drunk, but I have an easier time meeting people if I have a few drinks first.

Unfortunately, I get drunk easily. I don’t have a drinking problem as much as I have a problem being sober and friendly.

Yours, Two Too Many, Montreal, QC

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

than face them, but, honey, it’s unkind, unnecessary and inhumane. There’s a popular word called “communication!” It keeps countries connected, businesses thriving and relationships together, as well as ending one in a mature, kind and responsible way. I’m afraid I can’t support your avoidance. But if you truly have no fingers to type or mouth to speak, then copy and send this letter instead.

I’m NOT COMMUNICATING with you because: 1. My heart gets too scared when I’m with you.

2. I don’t believe you care about me or us. (circle one or both) 3. What’s the point? We are from different worlds!

4. The timing is no good for us right now!

5. When I’m with you, I feel like I’m in prison doing time.

6. Who do you think you are?

7. You’re a looser.

8. I’m not interested in you at all!

9. You’re too old, young, stubborn or drunk for me. (circle one or more) 10. Other With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org, Gay Spirituality for the Next Generation! Learn more at telltrinity.com.

Send emails to: trinity@telltrinity.com.

Halloween off the Beaten Path Unique events demonstrate diversity of area holiday offerings

I

t’s that time of the year when things get spooky and people dress in costumes to welcome Halloween. It’s also a time when events and places get decked out for the holiday and greet their visitors with frightening delight! Here are some that are available in the Carolinas.

October 19-27 Concord’s Spooky Seas Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium Concord Mills Mall 8111 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord Sea Life Charlotte-Concord Aquarium takes Halloween to new depths every weekend through All Hallows’ Eve with a variety of themed activities and new programs for all ages.

Saturday and Sunday afternoons see kid-friendly attractions added to the 26,000-square-foot indoor aquarium’s year-round offerings. From 12-4 p.m. families can explore the Creepy Craft Zone, have their faces painted and catch the Underwater Pumpkin Carving Dive Show.

After hours, Sea Life transforms itself into the ocean floor, remaining open an hour beyond its normal closing time for the inaugural year of its Spooky Seas Flashlight Tour. Explore the aquarium in darkness and view the facility’s biolumi-

By Torie Dominguez | qnotes Staff Writer nescent wonders. Solve the mystery of the vanished research vessel “Merlin.”

Daytime events are included with Sea Life standard admission. Tickets are available online and in person. Online advance purchase prices are $15.95 for adults and $10.95 for children ages 3-12 and seniors 60+, a discount of 25 percent off walk-up prices. Kids 2 and younger are admitted free.

Spooky Seas Flashlight Tour tickets are $16 online. Advance purchase is suggested in order to guarantee admission, as each tour — Fridays at 8, 8:15 and 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 9:15 and 9:30p.m. — is limited to 25 participants. However, a $5 discount on walk-up admission is offered for guests who arrive in costume. Those booking in advance are invited to dress up as well. info: visitsealife.org/charlotte-concord.

October 20 2018 BooBash Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall 4400 Sharon Rd., Charlotte, 5-9 p.m.

This free, family-friendly gathering on the lawn goes all out with trick-or-treating, face painting, arts and crafts, costume parades and prizes, following up the festivities with a Halloween movie screening at dusk. No advance registration required. info: bit.ly/boobashsouthpark.

October 20 ‘All Hallows’ Twirl 2018: Scarier Things’ Flight Beer Garden & Music Hall 314 N. College St., Charlotte, 10:30 p.m.2:15 a.m.

Costumes aren’t required at this blacklight dance party, but those who do come dressed in their Halloween best will be eligible to compete for a $500 cash prize.

A limited number of $20 advance tickets available online until Oct. 20, after which attendees will be required to pay the $25 door charge. Ages 21+ only. ID required. info: bit.ly/allhallowstwirl.

October 25 Miss All Hallows’ Eve Drag Pageant Rooftop 210 @ the Epicentre 210 E. Trade St., Level 3, Charlotte, 8-11 p.m.

The 10th annual Miss All Hallows’ Eve Drag Pageant hostess Buff Faye declares it’s open to all. $50 registration gets contestants signed up, while general admission for spectators is $10. Entertainment will include high-profile performers like Jinx Matthews, Sierra Santana, Carmen Banks and more. info: bit.ly/missallhallows.

October 26 Silent Disco – Halloween Edition Rooftop 210 @ the Epicentre

210 E. Trade St., Level 3, Charlotte, 8 p.m.12 a.m.

Specially designed headsets let you choose your own music from your favorite DJ. General admission is free, but advance registration is required, as there are a limited number of headsets available. $15 VIP admission guarantees a headset reserved until 9:30 p.m., along with a commemorative T-shirt and glow sticks. A costume contest promises a cash prize to the bestdressed attendee. Ages 21+. info: bit.ly/210silentdisco October 27 GUTS: Creatives Carving Wishes BB&T Ballpark 324 S. Mint St., Charlotte, 2 p.m.

2018 marks a decade of friendship and philanthropy for the GUTS organization.

Each year, local artists gather to produce the pumpkin carving of a lifetime, and while only one can be declared the winner, all proceeds from the event benefit the MakeA-Wish Foundation of Central and Western North Carolina. Tickets are $10 and available for purchase online, with kids 12 and under admitted free. Those who cannot attend but wish to support the cause may make a donation through the GUTS website. info: gutscharlotte.com.

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

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Seven not-so-deadly tips to be a drag queen this Halloween Dishing with Buff Faye

By Buff Faye | qnotes contributor | info@bufffaye.com Halloween is upon us. The time where all the spooks and horrors come to life — including drag queens. It is not a surprise that many first-time drag queens start dressing up on Halloween. What could be a more safe and fun time to do so?

Seriously, it’s a spooktacular time to be frightening and fierce.

I have already been contacted by at least a handful of people who want do to drag this Halloween. So I decided to come up with some tricks and tips on what you need to be a drag queen this Halloween.

1. Clothing: You must select the right clothes to go with your look. Are you going to be a beauty or a scary beast?

I mean it is Halloween. These days you can get drag clothing from almost anywhere and spruce it up with rhinestones, sequins and boas. Try the thrift stores or even Ross — to cross-dress for less.

2. Wigs: Yeah, you can get a cheap plastic wig at Party City. It will look horrible and frightening no matter how you try to style it. And trust me, it will never look like the photo. The general rule is that the more you pay for a wig, the better the wig will be. Locally, if I need a wig fast, I go to Morris Costumes. Otherwise, I go to a professional wig stylist or company. Plan ahead on this one.

3. Boobs & Body: Get yourself a bra at Walmart and make some boobs out of some foam or put birdseed in a sock.

Boobs will help give you a waistline.

Plus, when you add your hip pads, it will create that hourglass shape. Hip pads can be tricky, but you just have to watch one of the many web tutorials. Now I would generally say that you have to have boobs and wear hip pads to be a drag queen, but the influence of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has shown otherwise. Still I encourage you to embrace proportions if you want that real feminine beauty queen illusion.

4. Dragscaping: Shave. I said it. Sure you can be a bearded queen if that is your look, but otherwise shave that body head to toe. Show that you are committed to being a drag queen. If you decide not to shave, you have to sell yourself.

Prepare to howl at the moon.

5. Heels: Now you can’t say you’re a drag queen unless you are wearing some sort of heel. Really, I don’t care if it is a gogo boot or a kitten heel. Depending on the size you wear in men’s shoes, it can be difficult to find women’s heels above a size 12 at a local shoe store. Some of the best places are Payless and Walmart, but still you have to shop around. A good rule is that if you wear a size 10 men’s shoe your women’s heel size will be two sizes bigger. So you wear a size 12 in

women’s heels. If you have time, go online and buy heels.

If you’ve got a wide foot, going another size bigger is a good idea.

6. M akeup: This is where it pays to have a drag queen friend or two. There are numerous drag makeup tutorials online these days, but many still require a helping hand. Some of them are specific to doing Halloween drag too. I always found it easier to do Halloween drag looks than others. Either way, figure out what you want, and don’t be afraid to ask a drag queen friend.

Drag queens love to help out a newbie. And if you’ve got $50, then I am sure they will make time for you. If not, pull in those favors.

7. F inal Touches: Pantyhose, fishnets, nails, eyelashes, gloves…oh my! Don’t forget the final touches. Believe me, these little things will set you above the rest. And regardless of whether you take one or none of these tips, remember to have fun and enjoy the queerest holiday — Halloween!

Photo Credit: kopitinphoto via Adobe Stock DRAG TIP: Remember, you may be in drag at that Halloween party a long time, so plan how you are getting out of that dress to go to the bathroom. Or make sure you can sit because after the first hour those heels will feel like hell — trust me on that.

Buff Faye calls the Queen City her home and performs to express her creativity (and raise money for charities). Find her at your favorite bars and hotspots. Plus, don’t forget her monthly Sunday drag brunch and regular Friday night party bus. Learn more at AllBuff. com. Follow on Twitter @BuffFaye.

SHOUT OUTS: So you think

you’re a drag queen this Halloween?

You should try entering the Miss All Hallows’ Eve pageant on Thursday, Oct. 25 at Rooftop 210 at the Epicenter in Uptown Charlotte. Only $50 for the registration fee. Or at least come watch.

Learn more at EatMoreBuff.com.

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

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events October 19-27 ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ Hadley Theater at Queens University 2132 Radcliffe Ave., Charlotte 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m.

Sunday In the latest production from Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, a teenage prodigy sets out to discover the killer of his neighbor’s dog after he himself is accused.

The winner of five Tony Awards is based on the novel of the same name. Pay-what-you-can preview Oct. 4, 50 percent off admission Oct. 5-6. Ticket prices $28-$40 thereafter. Talkbacks will be hosted Oct. 11 and 18. The Oct. 21 performance will offer ASL interpretation. atcharlotte.org/curious-incident.

October 19-28 ‘Stuff Happens’

Burning Coal Theatre Company Murphey School Auditorium 224 Polk St., Raleigh 7:30p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30p.m. Sunday Award-winning playwright David Hare imagines the behind-thescenes maneuvering that culminated in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in this comedy-drama. Regular admission $25. Tickets $20 for seniors and $15 for students, teachers, and active military. Student rush tickets $5 where seats are available. burningcoal.org/stuff-happens.

October 19-November 4 ‘Hamilton’

Belk Theater at Blumenthal

Performing Arts Center 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte Various times Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop musical biography of founding father Alexander Hamilton is the Queen City’s most anticipated show of the season. Tickets $75-$600. blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/ Hamilton.

October 19 Pop Up Bingo

Chemistry Nightclub 2901 Spring Garden St., Greensboro 7 p.m.

The longest running Drag Bingo in the Southeast is back to celebrate Greensboro Pride. Join all of the Pop Star Wannabe Boyz and Girlz for Pop Up Green Queen Bingo in a huge pop up tent outdoors. Food trucks will be onsite. Youth ages 15 and up are welcome. Tickets $12 w/ student/government ID (in advance and at the door), $15/advance and $20/at the door. guilfordgreenfoundation.org/event/ pop-up-bingo.

October 19 Uptown Grooves at Loft & Cellar: A LGBTQ Affair

Loft & Cellar 305 W. 4th St., Charlotte 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Fresh off Charlotte Pride 2018, DJ Dana Dee headlines this 21+ event also featuring a body paint show. Limited early bird tickets $7, general admission $10 in advance or $12 at the door. $35 VIP packages are available and must be purchased in advance. bit.ly/uptowngrooves.

October 19 The Supplier Diversity 101

The Mint Museum Uptown 500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 11:30 a.m.

The Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce presents an informa-

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

tion session on winning government and corporate contracts, funding and LGBTE certification. clgbtcc.org.

October 20 Intersection of Faith and LGBTQ Identities Panel

Caldwell Presbyterian Church 1609 E. 5th St., Charlotte 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

PFLAG Charlotte invites community members to participate in a discussion on the intersection of faith and LGBTQ identity, featuring a panel of progressive Charlottearea faith leaders who will share how their respective traditions affirm diverse sexual and gender identities. The event is free, but advance registration is requested as space is limited. The day’s program will begin at 9 a.m. following a continental breakfast at 8 a.m. bit.ly/faithpanel.

October 23 B The Network! B The Support!

B There!

B-Cycle Charlotte Office 201 S. Tryon St., Suite A, Charlotte 6:30 p.m.

Charlotte NC Tours and B-Cycle team up with the community to collect items needed to assist those affected by Hurricanes Florence and Michael. Items needed are canned goods, non-perisable good items, diapers and toiletries.

Complimentary hors d’ouevres, beer and wine for guests.

October 26-27 ‘The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber’

Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 7:30 p.m.

The Charlotte Symphony and guest vocalists present Webber’s greatest hits along with works from Broadway favorites ”Cabaret,” “Chicago,” “Les Miserables” and more. Tickets $43-$195. charlottesymphony.org/events.

October 26-28 United Ink Queen City Tattoo & Arts Festival

October 19-November 1: Retro Horror Series at Ayrsley Grand Cinemas

The South Charlotte theater gears up for Halloween with a dozen iconic genre films and sendups, from “Night of the Living Dead” to “Young Frankenstein.” Tickets $5. 9110 Kings Parade Blvd., Charlotte. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. showings. ayrsleycinemas.com.

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Charlotte Convention Center 501 S. College St., Charlotte 2-11 p.m. Friday, 12-11 p.m.

Saturday, 12-7 p.m. Sunday Far more than a seminar on body modification theory, the Tattoo & Arts Festival features not only live music, performances and instructional sessions, but on-site tattooing as well. Advance online ticket prices $15 adult single-day admission, $7.50 for children under 12, $40 for a weekend pass covering all three days. Door prices $20/$10/$45. Admission to dedicated seminars is purchased separately. All ages welcome. unitedinkproductions.com/queencity.

October 27: AfroFunk CLT 2018

Rescheduled from its original September booking, this year’s “funkaval” brings patrons together for food, storytelling and an African market to explore, all set to the music of DJ Fannie Mae and A Sign of the Times Band, with additional guest singers and dancers. Ages 21+. No Halloween costumes. Tickets $20 standard admission, $40 VIP. Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Ave., Charlotte. 7-10 p.m. bit.ly/afrofunk2018.

October 26-November 11 ‘The Philadelphia Story’

Theatre Charlotte 501 Queens Rd., Charlotte 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m.

Sunday Wealthy, headstrong Tracy Lord (famously portrayed by Katharine Hepburn alongside Cary Grant and James Stewart in the film of the same name) attempts to marry while dodging tireless tabloid journalists – and her ex-husband.

Tickets $28. Rated PG-13. theatrecharlotte.org/show-2018philadelphia-story.

October 27 Public Opening: Michael Sherrill ‘Retrospective’

Mint Museum Uptown 500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte 11a.m.-6p.m.

Western North Carolina materialsbased artist Michael Sherrill brings his retrospective exhibition “Respective” to the Mint Uptown, kicking off the drop-in event with an hour-long public talk and Q&A. A book signing will follow in the museum shop. Admission is included in museum ticket price: $15 adults, $10 college students and seniors 65+, $6 children 5-17. Children 4 and under admitted free. mintmuseum.org/events/publicopening-michael-sherrillretrospective.

November 7 ‘The Children of Harvey Milk: How LGBTQ Politicians Changed the World’

Flyleaf Books Chapel Hill 4:30-6p.m.

Coinciding with the upcoming 40th anniversary of the assassination of Harvey Milk, UNC-Chapel Hill Profes-

sor Andrew Reynolds launches his new book “The Children of Harvey Milk” with a special interactive event.

The evening will conclude with a reception following a collaborative discussion among LGBTQ elected officials from across North Carolina, moderated by USA Today journalist Steven Petrow. Registration required; $20 fee includes admission to all portions of the event as well as a copy of Dr. Reynold’s book. Student discounts are available but must be applied for in advance. humanities.unc.edu/event/thechildren-of-harvey-milk.

November 10, 15, 18 ‘The Daughter of the Regiment’

Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte 8 p.m. Saturday Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday Nov. 15, 2 p.m. Sunday Nov. 18 Opera Carolina kicks off the performance season with Gaitono Donizetti’s singular tale: an orphaned young woman, brought up among a regiment of the French army and in love with a peasant, learns she was born to the aristocracy. Tickets $22-$157. operacarolina.org

November 14 H.E.R. in Concert

The Fillmore 820 Hamilton St., Charlotte 8 p.m.

Emerging alternative R&B artist and outspoken feminist campaigner H.E.R. headed out on tour only last month in support of her latest E.P., a precursor to her upcoming full-length debut. Ticket prices are $32-$105 in advance, higher day of show. Doors open 7 p.m. livenation.com/artists/289070/h-e-r.

life

REGULAR EVENTS

Our People: Linda Lawyer

Charlotte LGBT Chamber

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

Writer, Activist, Community Supporter

by Torie Dominguez | qnotes staff writer

PFLAG Concord/Kannapolis

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

PFLAG Gaston

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

Prime Timers

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

Stonewall Sports

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

Trans Youth Group

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

Transcend Charlotte

Hosts twice monthly support groups for partners, friends and family of transgender and gender non-conforming adults ages 18 and older, second and fourth Sundays of each month, 6-7 p.m., Time Out Youth Center, 3800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte.

Prior to each meeting an anxiety support group is offered 5-6 p.m. info: transcendcharlotte.org.

UPDATES/ADDITIONS?

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

L

inda Lawyer has, as she reports in a fit of modesty which may or may not be characteristic, “a lot of stories.” A lifetime’s worth, in fact, although speaking with her even briefly makes clear that the denouement of this vital community activist’s lifetime remains well beyond the horizon.

Lawyer’s quest to support struggling members of the still-underground queer community began more than 40 years ago in her native Pittsburgh, Pa. and continued in Charlotte, N.C., her adopted home. With half a decade as a contributor to this very newspaper — during the apotheosis of the United States’ HIV/AIDS crisis, no less — under her belt, Lawyer drops the nom de plume to give qnotes readers a glimpse of a life devoted to helping others find families of choice and embrace their authentic selves.

How did you become involved in community organizing, first in Pittsburgh and later in Charlotte?

In Pittsburgh, my partner and I went to the Persad Center (around 1975) for counseling to help each of us deal with being gay.

Along with counseling it was a quasi-community center. They had a program called “Persad Friends” — where a couple would meet a same-sex person who was either new to [Pittsburgh] or just coming out. My partner and I would meet the woman for dinner and/or then take them to a women’s bar so they weren’t walking in by themselves for the first time. We were asked about a year later to join the Persad Board … We spent several years on the board. When I came to Charlotte I wanted to continue my community involvement. I contacted Don King through the Friends of Dorothy bookstore and he told me about the [Gay & Lesbian] Switchboard. I joined in the Fall of 1982, which later led to starting [Queen City Friends] (QCF) in 1986.

In your view, how has queer life in Charlotte changed since you came here in the early ‘80s?

In the early ‘80s most gays and lesbians were very secretive about their sexuality. The bar was the only place we could be ourselves, unless we were out among our friends. There were few social outlets — [successor to gay Catholic group Dignity] Acceptance comes to mind, but that was mostly attended by men. The location of the G&L Switchboard was known only to those who were part of the organization, for fear of being beaten by homophobic individuals as we left at 11 p.m. Today LGBT individuals can be out at work in many places without fear of being fired. We have many organizations and their existence is publicized on social media, and celebrated during Charlotte Pride.

When did you join qnotes’ staff, and how would you describe the work you did?

I joined the qnotes staff at the beginning of 1988, and stayed on for five years. At the time, there were no women writing for the paper. So with “The Soft Spot” I tried to put a lesbian perspective on what was happening in our community. I didn’t feel comfortable us-

ing my real name, so I came up with the name Ann (my middle name) Michele (pronounced Michael) after the last name of a good friend of mine in Washington, D.C. Compared to when you started, how would you do the job differently now?

Because the LGBT community is so much more open than it was 30 years ago, it would be easier to write about individuals, maybe spotlighting careers, or their contribution to our community, or their families. I think “The Soft Spot” in 2018 would encompass diversity in our community and the pride we have in each other, rather than just provide information. I would also use my real name.

What advice would you give to current and future contributors?

I would encourage contributors to “find the gap” in our reporting and fill that need.

When did you leave, and what have you been up to since?

I left at the end of 1992. In September of 1992, I joined One Voice Chorus, which is one of the best things I ever did. I was there for about 12 years, as a singer and board member. One Voice was the catalyst that helped me come out at work and thus, to the rest of the world. I was on the Board of Advisors of the Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund for six years, and also participated in the “Sing for the Cure” and Tyler Clementi summer concerts put on by Kathryn Mahan and Ann Hooper.

Currently I’m involved in the Charlotte Queer Oral History Project.

Last but not least, what do you hope to do next?

As I mentioned above, I’m involved with the Charlotte Queer Oral History Project. Our first effort is to capture the history of senior LGBT members so that we don’t lose their valuable history.

Some of their stories are pretty unbelievable, and it would be a real loss if they weren’t recorded. All of the information is being stored at UNCC [the University of North Carolina at Charlotte] in Special Collections at Atkins Library and will be available to the public.

By the way, I’m looking for old intake logs from the Gay & Lesbian Switchboard. If anyone has them in their basement or attic, please contact me or Special Collections at the UNCC Atkins Library.

I’m also encouraged by Stonewall Sports, which is looking into starting activities for LGBT seniors. They cover the gamut from sports to meetups that serve others so there’s a lot of potential for the “gay and gray” community. I can see my future involvement with this organization. : : For qnotes’ extended feature on Linda Lawyer, visit goqnotes.com/61433.

Oct. 19-Nov. 1, 2018

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