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qnotes news & features
news. views. arts. 4 entertainment. HB2 Updates 12 News Notes: Regional Briefs 13 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs 14 PAC Endorsements 15 Jason Collins for Hillary
Campaigning for votes in N.C./S.C.! Out former NBA star Jason Collins was in North Carolina lending support to Hillary Clinton’s campaign. page 15
a&e / life&style 16 23 24 26
Jason & deMarco Tell Trinity Dishing with Buff Faye Q Events Calendar
opinions & views 5 Our Endorsements 18 Spiritual Reflections
more news & features
Ya gotta eat someplace!
Political Action Committees announce their endorsements for the upcoming election
Buff Faye shares her favorite restaurants across the Queen City page 24
qnotes gets in on the action and names list of candidates for local, state and federal races pages 5, 14
Oct. 21-Nov. 3 . 2016
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HB2 Update
North Carolina continues to get heat for anti-discriminatory HB2 Hillary Clinton criticises the governor and state while collegiate athletic conferences ditch the Tar Heel State for more inclusive environs by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes contributor
Hillary Clinton condemns N.C. governor for HB2 Clinton’s criticism compounds call for repeal among investors, politicians
Hillary Clinton strongly opposes HB2, saying that it is “mean-spirited” and “wrong-headed.” Photo Credit: Lorie Shaull via Wikimedia. CC license.
RALEIGH, N.C.—Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton made a campaign stop at Wake Technical Community College on Sept. 27. She took the setting to heart in her speech to the audience, heavily criticizing Gov. Pat McCrory for signing a bill that Clinton called “mean-spirited” and “wrong-headed.” “House Bill 2 has hurt this state,” Clinton said. “But more than that, it’s hurt people. It has sent a message to so many people that, well, you know, you’re not really wanted. You’re not really part of us.” “My American dream is big enough for everybody,” Clinton declared. Her point about the law’s effect on individuals is particularly poignant. The personal and psychological impact of anti-LGBT legislation like HB2 is one that may leave invisible scars for years to come. The fact of exclusion that results from being the victim of legal discrimination is not easy to overcome for individuals who already experience discrimination on an everyday level. “Living under oppression legally, experiencing microaggressions, and living with direct violence takes its toll,” said transgender activist and social worker Mel Hartsell in an August interview. The psychological toll of HB2 was readily apparent to the 150 mental health professionals who wrote a letter protesting the new law back in April.
Clinton’s other point highlighted the way the state of North Carolina has suffered as a result of its legislators’ discriminatory law. The economic cost of HB2 has topped $395 million so far, according to Wired. This report precedes the most recent event cancellations, including the Colonial Athletic Association’s (CAA) Sept. 23 threat to move its women’s golf championship, which was planned for Southport, North Carolina. The CAA is following suit with other athletic groups that have relocated events from the state, most notably the NBA All-Star Game. Aside from these athletic organizations, and private corporations like PayPal that have canceled North Carolina expansions, even other governmental bodies have recognized the need to repeal HB2. Clinton is not the only politician to condemn it, not by a long shot. Most recently, the California state legislature passed a bill banning state-funded travel to any states that have discriminatory laws in effect. This ban not only covers North Carolina, but also any other states that may adopt similar legislation. The pressure is mounting for the North Carolina legislature to address this issue. With even a presidential candidate acknowledging the serious impact HB2 has had on the state and its citizens, it seems that the governor and lawmakers may not be able to afford ignorance any longer. : :
CIAA, NAIA, NJCAA cancel events in North Carolina over HB2 Sports associations not happy with anti-LGBT legislation WASHINGTON, D.C.—In the last couple of weeks, three major sports organizations announced decisions to move events from North Carolina, directly citing House Bill 2 (HB2), also known as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act. The bill, which prohibits transgender people from using the restrooms and changing facilities consistent with their gender identities, also prevents cities or counties from adopting non-discrimination policies more inclusive than the state norm. The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) released a statement explaining its decision to change locations for championship games. The statement says that this move “is the first step in demonstrating that the conference does not support laws which prevent communities from effectively protecting student-athletes and fans.” LGBT advocates praised the decision and called once more upon Gov. Pat McCrory, who has steadfastly defended the legislation as a “commonsense” measure to protect vulnerable citizens. “Where is Pat McCrory right now?” said Chris Sgro, executive director of Equality North Carolina and member of the North
Carolina House of Representatives. “As our state suffers economically and communities are targeted for discrimination by the law, the governor does nothing.” Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin was even more direct: “Lawmakers who continue to ignore the overwhelming majority of North Carolinians and business leaders demanding the discriminatory law be repealed do so at their own risk come November,” said Griffin. This jab is not without justification. Gov. McCrory is currently campaigning for re-election and polls show him trailing behind opponent Roy Cooper, with one major issue being HB2. The CIAA is not alone, of course. Aside from previously reported event cancellations by the NBA, ACC and many others, several other organizations have made similar announcements this week alone. The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is among them, saying on Oct. 3 that it will relocate its 2017 baseball championship away from Kinston, N.C. The NJCAA referred to its mission statement’s emphasis on
an “inclusive environment” for all involved in the championship. “The current HB2 law in North Carolina poses specific challenges to the inclusive environment the NJCAA believes should not be in question at its national championships,” the organization’s statement said. Yet another organization announced a similar decision. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) also reported its 2016 Cross Country National Championships is relocating from Charlotte’s McAlpine Creek Park, where the event was also held last year. This year’s event was slotted for Nov. 19, so the NAIA has short time to find another venue. Nevertheless, “The NAIA Council of Presidents made this decision out of concern that the state’s HB2 legislation creates an atmosphere where discrimination potentially exists for some NAIA student-athletes and personnel,” the association stated. Despite the ever-growing list of organizations, businesses and private citizens protesting HB2, lawmakers in the state continue to procrastinate addressing the issue or voting on a repeal. Federal court cases are pending to decide the fate of this controversial law. : :
Federal, state attitudes towards transgender citizens clash Armed forces lift transgender ban, McCrory’s HB2 case continues RALEIGH, N.C.—In another development in the federal court clash over House Bill 2 (HB2), Gov. Pat McCrory has filed a memorandum invoking legislative privilege for himself, Sen. Phil Berger, House Speaker Tim Moore, the Department of Public Safety, and the state itself. The document claims that the aforementioned are immune from investigation and liability because their role in passing the discriminatory law is protected, since doing so was a part of their duties as legislators. Legislative privilege is an established defense in voter-ID-law controversies, as it protects legislators from having to release communications and documents that might interfere with the legislative process. However, critics say its use in this case is questionable. ACLU-NC Legal Director Chris Brook had a few choice words:
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“North Carolinians deserve to know why their legislators called an emergency session to enact such a discriminatory and disastrous law,” Brook asserted. “It’s disgraceful that the lawmakers defending HB2 in court refuse to answer questions about why they passed it in the first place.” As the state government continues to impede the federal court case concerning the law, the contrast between North Carolina state government and the federal government grows stronger by the day. Nowhere is this more apparent than at military bases in North Carolina, which this month are effecting new protocols regarding accommodations for transgender service members. It was only this past June that the Department of Defense lifted the ban on transgender service members in the military. Now, with more on-base protections and protocols for these
members, there remains some question about how they will be treated once they step off the base and onto state land. “The moment they step off the military installation, you’ve got the discriminatory language of HB2,” N.C. Rep. Grier Martin (D-Wake), also a veteran, told NC Policy Watch. “They could leave the base and go to a restaurant… and be denied service while they are serving their country.” The conflicts between North Carolina’s state government and the federal government are ongoing in federal court. In the meantime, citizens are nearing election day, and the need to fully understand the meaning of your ballot is ever more important. Many of the legislators responsible for passing HB2 are up for re-election. qnotes urges readers to research their candidates and make educated voting choices. : :
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Election 2016
qnotes endorsements Our picks on the ballot for the upcoming general election by qnotes staff
Hillary Clinton for president In this year’s presidential election there are two choices: a candidate with the experience, knowledge and temperament to handle complex issues facing our nation, or an egomaniacal, low-information buffoon who has bragged about committing sexual assault, disparaged groups along racial and religious lines and mocked a disabled reporter. There is good reason for Donald Trump failing to land a single major newspaper endorsement. He is dangerous and unfit. Hillary Clinton is not a perfect candidate, much like every single candidate that has come before her and every one that will follow. She has showed poor judgment at times, which she herself has admitted, but she has also shown the resolve and leadership abilities that Trump can’t touch even on his best days. Clinton can keep us moving forward as a country, whereas Trump would surely take us back, but not to a place of greatness as he claims. Clinton supports the Equality Act, which would provide protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity on a federal level. Trump supports the First Amendment Defense Act (FADA), which would legalize anti-LGBT discrimination across the board, including in employment, housing and health care. Furthermore, Trump’s running mate, Mike Pence, is rabidly antigay, having backed a Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) law that allowed for anti-LGBT discrimination. He has also stood in favor of conversion therapy and against the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. The choice could not be clearer. Roy Cooper for governor Another clear choice: Gov. Pat McCrory, the man who signed antiLGBTQ law HB2 into effect, or Attorney General Roy Cooper, who has consistently spoken out against it. HB2, which invalidated non-discrimination ordinances throughout the state, taking away protections for the LGBT community, has cost our state millions of dollars and thousands of jobs. It has put a target on the backs of LGBT people, especially transgender people. It has turned our state into a laughing stock. McCrory has campaigned on fear, claiming allowing transgender people to use the bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity will somehow put women and girls at risk. Meanwhile, he is supporting Trump for president, who has bragged of committing sexual assault and reportedly barged into the dressing rooms of beauty pageants he owned at the time, including one full of underage girls, to see them in various states of undress. Neither he nor McCrory are fit to hold office. McCrory is a stain on our state and the sooner he is out of office the better. Cooper can provide the leadership we desperately need to pull out of the tailspin that McCrory’s incompetence and arrogance have led us into. The time to replace him is now. Deborah Ross for senator Deborah Ross is hoping to unseat Republican incumbent Richard Burr in the U.S. Senate, who has served since 2005. Burr has taken some stances that have been decidedly less anti-LGBT than most of his GOP colleagues. He has spoken out against HB2, saying it should not remain
law in its current form. He also voted in favor of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010. However, he has said that he is not in favor of allowing transgender people to use the bathrooms matching their gender identity. He said he would like to see the Charlotte City Council “reverse themselves” on the LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance. He has also spoken out against same-sex marriage. Ross has said unequivocally that HB2 should be repealed. She spent a decade as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, where she voted against having a statewide vote to establish marriage between a man and a woman as the only domestic legal union that North Carolina would recognize. She will be a key ally if she can manage to thwart Burr’s reelection. Linda Coleman for lieutenant governor Coleman is hoping to unseat current Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest, one of the architects of HB2. Coleman was a vocal opponent of Amendment One, which defined marriage as between a woman and a man in the state constitution. “I vocally oppose Amendment 1: the attempt by the legislature and the carriers of prejudice to penalize couples in domestic unions who are not married,” she said. “This is an unprecedented, discriminatory and dangerous intrusion into the private lives of our citizens. Had I been elected to the General Assembly in 2011, nothing would have stopped me from standing on the floor of the legislature to vote against this attempt to write discrimination into the constitution. It is too important.” She served as chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, was elected three times to the North Carolina House of Representatives and served as the director of the Office of State Personnel from 2009 to 2012. Coleman would be another important ally and would unseat someone who is actively working against our rights. Joshua Stein for attorney general Former Sen. Joshua Stein hopes to unseat Eldon “Buck” Newton. You may remember Newton from the infamous “Keep our state straight” video that went viral. Newton was speaking in favor of HB2, which he said he was glad to have his opponent call “Buck’s bill.” Stein cosponsored legislation that would prohibit state and local governments from discriminating against gay and lesbian employees and has spoken out against placing discrimination into the state or federal constitution. It is time to keep North Carolina free from the poor leadership of Buck Newton. Elaine Marshall for secretary of state Elaine Marshall is seeking reelection against Republican challenger Michael LaPaglia. LaPaglia has voiced upset over boycotts to the state due to HB2. Marshall has been an advocate for LGBT rights. She has been against Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), as well as for enacting the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). She is a proven leader and friend to the LGBTQ community and should be reelected. : : — Jeff Taylor, qnotes staff writer contributed to this story. Photo Credits: Hillary Clinton, Gage Skidmore, CC license,; Roy Cooper, N.C. Government; Deborah Ross, Anacostia1311 via Wikipedia, CC license; Linda Coleman, N.C. Democratic Party; Joshua Stein, N.C. Government; and Elaine Marshall, N.C. Democratic Party.
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qnotes connect Oct. 21-Nov. 3, 2016 Vol 31 No 13
arts. entertainment. news. views. goqnotes.com twitter.com/qnotescarolinas facebook.com/qnotescarolinas
contributors this issue
Maria Dominguez, Buff Faye, Lainey Millen, Matthias Roberts, Jeff Taylor, Trinity
front page
Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography: Hillary Clinton, Gage
Skidmore via Flickr. CC license; White House, whitehouse.gov. Mission:
The focus of QNotes is to serve the LGBT and straight ally communities of the Charlotte region, North Carolina and beyond, by featuring arts, entertainment, news and views content in print and online that directly enlightens, informs and engages the readers about LGBT life and social justice issues. Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc., dba QNotes P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ph 704.531.9988 fx 704.531.1361 Publisher: Jim Yarbrough Sales: x201 adsales@goqnotes.com Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media, ph 212.242.6863 Managing Editor: Jim Yarbrough, editor@goqnotes.com Assoc. Editor: Lainey Millen, specialassignments@goqnotes.com Social Media Editor: Jeff Taylor, jeff@goqnotes.com Production: Lainey Millen, x205 production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper.
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upcoming issues: 11.04.16: Holiday Gifts/Trans Awareness Advertising Space Deadline: Oct. 26 11.18.16: Life, Positively! Advertising Space Deadline: Nov. 9
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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff
TOY to move, purchase property CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Time Out Youth Center (TOY) has announced that it will be moving from its current location at 2320 N. Davidson St. due to the sale of the property on Aug. 31. The new owners are not renewing leases and TOY will be required to move out of its 3,000 sq. ft. facility by the summer of 2017. As a result of the action, the Board of Directors has decided to purchase their own building in the near future, the organization said. “The Board had a crucial decision to make,” stated Board Chair Michael Condel, a senior vice president at Wells Fargo. It is his opinion that the decision is prudent to the future of TOY. “Like many other non-profit organizations, we face increasing rental rates if we continue to rent, or scaling back some of our necessary programming. This purchase will allow us to grow into more services that have been indentified that are needed in the LGBTQ youth community.” The center, founded in 1992, offers support, advocacy and opportunities for personal development and social interaction to LGBT, queer and questioning youth ages 11-20. It works closely with Gay Straight Alliances, provides trainings with schools and leads training for faculty and undergraduates, among others. As of this date, it has two satellite groups operating in Concord, N.C. and Gaston County. It’s executive director is Rodney Tucker who has been with the center for five years. The operating budget currently is $554,800 and it employes six full-time staff, three part-time staff and over 100 volunteers. HB2 has presented TOY with challenges, Tucker commented, adding that the center has much to do to protect youth and work on their community engagement. The board is putting a team together to handle legal and banking details along with the real estate transaction. Additionally, it will form a campaign cabinet and has already hired Dan Kirsch to lead the campaign’s staff. “Usually there is a ‘silent campaign’ before announcing the public part of capital campaign; unfortunately, with a move imminent, we don’t have that luxury,” Tucker shared. The capital campaign and cabinet will be announced at a later date. Kirsch is no stranger to the Charlotte community. He was instrumental in creating One Voice Chorus, the OutCharlotte cultural festival and was the first executive director of the now defunct LGBT Community Center of Charlotte when it was located on Central Ave. He returns after serving in artistic and cultural directorships in Virginia and California. Tucker has asked if anyone knows of a building that would be perfect for TOY’s new home to contact him at 704-334-8335 or via email at rtucker@timeoutyouth.org. The center would also graciously accept the contribution of a building if one was available, he commented. info: timeoutyouth.org.
Charlotte Sleep collections ongoing
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In observancee of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month during October, the Charlotte-Mecklenbug Police Department is sponsoring “Operation Sleep Safely” which is a contribution drive to benefit the Safe Alliance Domestic Violence Shelter. The department’s Domestic Violence Unit is serving as coordinators of the project. Needs for the shelter are: new twin-sized sheet sets (preferably bleachable, white), new twin-sized blankets and comforters, new pillows, new white bath towels and bleach by the gallons. Collection bins are located at each division team office (Central, 119 E. Seventh St., Suite 2B; Metro, 1118 Beatties Ford Rd.; Eastway, 3505 Central Ave.; North Tryon, 4045 N. Tryon St., Suite B; Providence, 715 N. Wendover Rd.; University City, 8401-120 University Executive Park Dr.; Independence, 9315-G Monroe Rd.; South, 8050 Corporate Center Dr., Suite 100; Hickory Grove, 5752-A N. Sharon Amity Rd.; North, 10430-R Harris Oaks Blvd.; Westover, 2550 West Blvd.; Freedom, 4150 Wilkinson Blvd.; Steele Creek, 2227 Westinghouse Blvd.), the Police Training Academy, 1770 Shopton Rd., as well as the headquarters building at 601 E. Trade St. The initiative ends on Oct. 31.
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, “On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.” The LGBT community is not immune to domestic violence and cases have been reported in that demographic. info: charlottenc.gov/cmpd. thehotline.org.
Season comes to end
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Roller Girls will engage in their last home bout of the season on Oct. 29, 5 p.m., at the Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Dr. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Tailgaiting begins at 3:30 p.m. in the center’s parking lot. The double header matches up the Charlotte All-Stars versus the Cape Fear AllStars. The second match between the Charlotte B-Dazzlers and the Cape Fear Black Harrts follows at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12/advance adult, $16/at the door and $7/advance child, $9/at the door. Children under 5 are admitted free. The Girls will cap off the evening at Pure Pizza, 1911 Central Ave., with an after party and celebration. info: charlotterollergirls.com.
It’s bingo time!
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Gay Bingo Charlotte will brings its light-hearted evening of fundraising to the Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Dr., on Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m. Proceeds go to support the work of the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network. Theme for this installation is “Star Bingo — The Force for Good Awakens.” Participants will be entertained throughout the evening by Barbara Burning Bush and her BVD (Bingo Verifying Divas). Since the first event in February 2000, bingo attendance has grown from the 100 person maximum at the Great Aunt Stella Center to sell out crowds of close to 2,000 people at Grady Cole Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m, and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35/single and $450/reserved tables or $400 for 10. Parking is $5 per car, cash only. info: gaybingocharlotte.org. carolinarain.org.
Rugby tourney welcomes teams
CHARLOTTE, N.C. —On Oct. 1, the Charlotte Royals Rugby Club hosted their second annual Queen City Crown tournament, welcoming over 200 players and supporters and seven teams from across the U.S. to the Rugby Athletic Center. Opening the three-day event was N.C. State Sen. Jeff Jackson. Tourney lead Craig Maxwell shared that they were “extremely excited” to host the tournament again with even more attendees than last year. Prior to the event, Maxwell also said, “With everything that’s put North Carolina, and Charlotte in particular, in the news this last year from HB2 to the recent protests, it means a lot to us that we can still be an example to players from all over that this is the welcoming city that we know it to be.” Teams represented were from Washington, D.C., Dallas, Texas, Baltimore, Md., Columbus, Ohio, Atlanta, Ga., Charleston, S.C., Nashville, Tenn., and Charlotte, N.C. Round robin scoring system was featured. The Crown welcomed its first ladies matches between the Charlotte Women’s Club and the Nashville Stone Lions. Charlotte’s team was victorious. The Nasville Grizzlies took the win in final play against the Royals. Atlanta’s Bucks netted third place. On the lighter side, participants were able to enjoy meet and greets, game play, socials, after parties and camaraderie. info: queencitycrown.com. Queen City Crown participants
Theatre group set to reopen
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte will open its new theatre location at 2219 Freedom Dr. on Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m., with the presentation of “The Toxic Avenger!” It will run through Nov. 12. The adult-content musical adaptation tells the story of Melvin Ferd the Third who wants to clean up Tromaville, the most polluted town in New Jersey (just off Exit 13B on the Turnpike). Foiled by the mayor’s bullies, Melvin is dumped into a vat of radioactive toxic waste, only to reemerge as The Toxic Avenger, New Jersey’s first superhero. Affectionately known as Toxie, the new hero is a “seven-foot mutant freak with super-human strength and a heart as big as Newark.” He’s out to save New Jersey, end global warming, and woo the blind librarian in town. The cast includes Dominique Atwater, Jeremy DeCarlos, Leslie Giles, Lisa Hugo, Matthew Johnson and Ryan Stamey. Director is Chip Decker, witih Dr. Bradley Fugate serving as musical director and Tod Kubo as choreographer. Books and lyrics are by Joe DiPietro and music and lyrics are by David Bryan. Performances are: Oct. 26-27, 30, Nov. 2-3, 9-10 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 28-29, Nov. 4-5, 11-12 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 29-30, Nov. 4-5 at 2:30 p.m. Tickes range from $27-$50 and are available online. Discounts are available for veterns, active duty military, students and teachers. info: atcharlotte.org.
Church offers grief workshops
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Wedgewood Church, located at 4800 Wedgewood Dr., will hold six, two-hour small group sessions that deal with grief recovery for the LGBT community, beginning on Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. The workshop is a tested action program for moving beyond death and other lossses, including those attached to work, health, relationships, pets and faith. Through reading, self-reflection and journaling assignments, participants are able to discover tools to overcoming loss. Each person will have the opportunity to share support and homework with another participant. Cost is $60. To register, call Mimi Ruth at 980-207-3435 by Nov. 1. info: wedgewoodchurch.com.
Band holds concert
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Pride Band will present its fall concert, “Quiet City,” on Nov. 12, 5 p.m., at Myers Park Baptist Church, Heaton Hall, 1900 Queens Rd.
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The program features a selection of music composed by LGBT composers such as Peter Tchaikovsky, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber and Jennifer Higdon. The band commissioned and will premiere a work written to honor the 49 people that died in the Pulse Nightclub shootings in Orlando. Tickets are $13 and are available online or at the door. info: charlotteprideband.org.
Chamber prez steps down
Melissa Morris
CHARLOTTE, N.C.— On Oct. 10, Melissa Morris resigned her position as president of the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “Heading up a volunteer board, full-time, has taken away from my personal consulting work, which is where I feel I can be most impactful,” Morris shared. “As a member of the LGBT Chamber and of the LGBT community, I will continue to educate individuals and businesses on the importance of equality and inclusion. This continued education will be through a training and development lens which has been my passion and work for decades,” she added. The chamber’s vice president, Ann Gonzales, has stepped in as interim president for the remainder of the year. In other news, the chamber will team up with three other local minority organizations — Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce, Latin-American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte, and Black Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte — for their “Friendships in Diversity: Charlotte Minority Chamber” soirée on Oct. 25, 6 p.m., at Legion Brewing, 1906 Commonwealth Ave. Attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate solidarity, friendship and goodwill, in addition to networking. Registration is available online at bit.ly/2ekoboo. The chamber is also searching for nominees for its board for 2017. Positions available
are president, vice president of external affairs, vice president of internal affairs, director of communications and treasurer. Members in good standing are invited to submit nominations. Visit the website for more details. info: clgbtcc.org.
LGBT community to raise Habitat house
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Gay & Lesbian Fund has announced the inaugural Charlotte Habitat for Humanity Rainbow Build on Nov. 3-4, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at 2201 Holly St. “We hope you will be able to join us in bringing Charlotte’s LGBTQ community together to build a new home, create a stronger community, and raise hope and awareness,” organizers shared. Volunteers will frame out and raise the walls of the new home. Shifts are scheduled throughout the twoday build. Visit bit.ly/2dudan2 to sign up using the group number 4580 when prompted. All volunteers must be 16-years-old and above. Those who are 16-17 must have a liability release for minors form completed by a parent or legal guardian and brought on the day of one’s shift. The build is a 2016-17 Project and Event Grants awarded by the fund. info: habitatcharlotte.org. fftc.org.
Triad ASO to benefit from project
GREENSBORO, N.C. — The 8th Annual Project Shimmy will be held on Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., at the Community Theatre of Greensboro’s Starr Theatre, 520 S. Elm St. Each year Project Shimmy helps to raise vital funding and awareness for Triad Health Project, the area’s HIV/AIDS service organization, in addition to providing the public with an opportunity to experience a variety of world dance styles, organizers said. Proceeds from the show will got to benefit the Triad Health Project. Tickets are $20/adult, $15/students with ID and $10/children under 12 and are available online. info: twisteddance.com. triadhealthproject.com.
Church hosts drag bingo
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Metropolitan Community Church Winston-Salem, 4105 Patsy Dr., will present its Drag Queen Bingo featuring Macaria Rage, a former Miss Gay NC USofA, on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Special guests include current Mr. Pride Winston-Salem Devonte Jackson and Bianca Lepore.
Seating is limited. It is recommended that tickets be purchased quickly. Cost is $25/player which includes 12 bingo cards and spaghetti dinner. Additional cards are available for sale at $1 each or $5 for six. info: dragbingomccws.eventbrite.com. mccwschurch.com.
Takeover fundraiser upcoming
GREENSBORO, N.C. — The All Hallows Takeover presented by the Guilford Green Foundation will take place on Oct. 29, 7 p.m., at GIA, 1941 New Garden Rd. Attendees can enjoy heavy hors d’ouevres, beer and wine and cocktails. Costumes are optional. Live music will be provided by Big Betty and the Punchbowl. Valet parking is available. Tickets are $75 online or at the door. The foundation will receive $35 of the total cost. info: ggfnc.org.
Fest features gay wireless network
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem Pride was held on Oct. 15 and during the festival it introduced the community to PRIDE Wireless, the first LGBT cellphone company that donates $10, plus up to five percent of service bills back to one’s favorite LGBT charity each month. PRIDE was created to strengthen the LGBT community and make a difference across the U.S. In North Carolina, the company is offering new subscribers in the state 25 percent off the regular price of monthly service, with half of the savings going directly to N.C. organizations leading the ongoing fight to repeal HB2. And Pride Wireless will continue the discounted service, donating half of each N.C. customer’s savings (that’s 12.5 percent of each month’s service) to Equality North Carolina until HB2 is repealed. This was PRIDE Wireless’s first foray in North Carolina at a Pride event, said Patrick Adams, the founder and president of the company based out of San Diego, Calif. The network shared that it was the first LGBT mobile services company advancing the health, safety and equality of the LGBT community through a giveback program that sends much-needed funding back into the community. Adams said that “PRIDE customers get the same phones and network experience as offered by the major suppliers, plus competitive pricing and fabulous customer service. But more importantly, a substantial portion of each subscriber’s monthly service bill is donated, on their behalf, to a LGBT non-profit for as long as they are PRIDE customers.”
news notes: u.s./world ‘Scholartrip’ program unveiled by Olivia Travel forward to the valuable insights and contributions of tomorrow’s leaders.” Applicants will be asked to write a 750word essay on defining the challenges and opportunities for a business or organization serving today’s lesbian community. The winning student will travel aboard Olivia’s Majestic Alaska Cruise in June 2017 and will benefit from mentorship opportunities as well as support for the publication of a relevant article in Curve. “I am very excited to partner with Olivia on this outstanding opportunity that can help bring the lesbian community together through
Adams moved to the state in late spring. info: pridewireless.com.
Triangle Musical hits Triangle
DURHAM, N.C. — “Fun Home,” the Tony award-winning musical, will have a stop on its cross-country tour at the Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., from Oct. 25-30. Written by former qnotes cartoonist Alison Bechdel, the production tells the story of her life — from her childhood and into her adulthood — and explores the life of her volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind father who dies unexpectedly. He possessed a temperament and secrets that defined her family and life. Bechdel traverses between past and present, sharing her sexuality, while seeking to find answers to questions left unanswered about her father. Tickets range from $47-$322 depending upon the date and time selected and are available online. The tour will also be visiting Charlotte, N.C. during the summer of 2017. More details will be made available at a later date. info: dpac.com.
Ally brunch slated
DURHAM, N.C. — INSIDEoUT will host its Adult Ally Appreciation Brunch for allies of LGBT youth in North Carolina on Nov. 6, 12 p.m., at 111 W. Parrish St. The brunch is an opportunity to celebrate the adults who make INSIDEoUT’s programming possible and to raise $2,500 to support weekly events like Queer Prom, camping trips, leadership training, campaigns and educational workshops. The organization is youthrun with all programming created by and for young people. It depends fully on donations from the community. “In the wake of so much bigotry, including HB2, young LGBTQ+ North Carolinans need more support from their adult allies than ever, so anyone who is passionate about making NC a safer place for youth is encouraged to attend,” organizers shared. They want to help queer youth save the world. Brunch will feature vegetarian-friendly food, a queer youth art auction, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including a teachers’ drink special, and local live music by Makin’ Ends Meet and Magnolia Still. Food will be provided by Elmo’s, The Bagel Bar, The Durham Coop Market and Joe Van Gogh. Admission is free, however, contributions are welcome. Those who are under 21 are prohibited from consuming alcohol. info: insideout180.org.
QUICK HITS ——————————
compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Olivia Travel has announced its ScholartripSM program for LBTQ university students. The program is designed to inspire, motivate and empower the next generation of LBTQ leaders. It is open to students attending a U.S.based four-year college or university. To qualify, applicants must identify as LBTQ and show an interest in and/or knowledge of the LBTQ community today. Olivia Founder and President Judy Dlugacz said,“We’re thrilled to offer this hands-on learning experience with luminaries who’ve made a difference in our community and look
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this leadership opportunity,” says Silke Bader, Curve publisher. Editor-in-Chief Merryn Johns said she enthusiastically anticipates judging the entries, “It’s very important to hear from our newest leading lesbian voices so that we can enrich our community and steer it forward in these rapidly changing times.” The application process is open through Nov. 20. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges, based on the quality of their essays and will be announced the first week of January 2017. info: olivia.com/scholartrip.
SeniorAdvice has released their best cities for gay-friendly retirement list. info: senioradvice.com. Anderson Cooper became the first out gay man to moderate a presidential debate. info: stevenpetrow.com. A new film entitled “Love Is All You Need?” will be released on iTunes on Nov. 24. It stars Briana Evigan, Tyler Blackburn, Emily Osment, Elisabeth Röhm, Jeremy Sisto and Kyla Kenedy. info: loveisallyouneedthemovie.com. The National Institutes of Health has designated the LGBT community as a health disparity population. info: nih.gov.
Oct. 21-Nov. 3 . 2016
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Election 2016
In highly contested races, organizations release endorsements Progressive candidates are campaigning hard for equality, many get press nods by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff
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his year, by far, has shaped up to be one of the most contested campaign seasons in decades. With Hillary Clinton battling Donald Trump and Attorney General Roy Cooper duking it out with Gov. Pat McCrory, there has not been a day that has gone by without some sort of front page splash. Newspapers across the nation have been throwing their endorsements to Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton. The National Gay Media Association has also followed suit. In what is probably one of the most noteworthy in North Carolina is that The Charlotte Observer, for the first time in 25 years, has not come out to endorse Pat McCrory for re-election and has shifted to his opponent Attorney General Roy Cooper. McCrory’s election campaigns had been strongly supported by the Observer over the years. McCrory has made news as of late as he continues to stand alongside Donald Trump in his bid for president, even in the aftermath of the release of a disparaging video tape that swept the press, social media and the world. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) has also taken a similar posture. Nationally, The Victory Fund has upgraded the North Carolina campaign of Jane Campebell for the House of Representatives (D-98) to one as an essential race to take back control of the Republican-dominated chamber. Across the Carolinas, a number of organizations have been releasing their endorsements and qnotes has the latest that was available at press time. Check out the website for more as they are made known. In Charlotte, N.C., the Mecklenburg LGBT Political Action Committee (MeckPAC) has announced that it is endorsing Mecklenburg County Commission At-Large Democratic candidates Pat Cotham, Trevor Fuller and Ella Scarborough. For Commission district races, it has thrown its support to Democrats Vilma Leake (D-2), George Dunlap (D-3) and Marc
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Friedland (D-5). It has issued warnings for Jim Puckett (D-1) and Bill James (D-6). At press time, MeckPAC had not announced their endorsements for statewide races. In the Triad area (Guilford, Alamance, Randolph and Rockingham Counties), the Replacements, Ltd. Political Action Committee has outlined its support for the following:
Hillary Clinton (D), president; Deborah Ross (D), U.S. Senate; Roy Cooper (D), governor; Linda Coleman (D), lieutenant governor; Josh Stein (D), attorney general; Beth Wood (D), auditor; Walter Smith (D), commissioner of agriculture; Wayne Goodwin (D), commissioner of insurance; Charles Meeker (D), commissioner
Oct. 21-Nov. 3 . 2016
of labor; Elaine Marshall (D), secretary of state; June Atkinson (D), superintendent of public instruction; Dan Blue III (D), treasurer; Michael Morgan (D), N.C. Supreme Court (Stephens seat); Linda Stephens (D), N.C. Court of Appeals (Geer seat); Abe Jones (D), N.C. Court of Appeals (Hunter seat); Vince Rozier (D), N.C. Court of Appeals (Dietz seat); and Ricky McKoy-Mitchell (D), N.C. Court of Appeals (Zachary seat).
Local endorsements are: Guilford County — U.S. House: Pete Glidewell (D) (D-6) and Bruce Davis (D) (D-13); N.C. Senate: Michael Garrett (D) (D-27), Gladys Robinson (D) (D-28), Pricey Harrison (D) (D57), Amos Quick (D) (D-58), Scott Jones (D) (D-59) and Cecil Brockman (D) (D-60); County Commissioner: Kirk Perkins (D) (D-4), Rick Forrester (D) (D-6) and Ray Trapp (D) (D-8); Board of Education: Alan Duncan (D) at-large,
T. Dianne Bellamy-Small (D) (D-1), Jeff Bolton (D) (D-2), Angelo Kidd (D) (D-3), Linda Welborn (R) (D-4), Darlene Garrett (D) (D-5), Khem Denise Irby (D) (D-6), Byron Gladden (D) (D-7) and Denna Hayes (D) (D-8); Jeff Thigpen (D), register of deeds; N.C. District Court District 18: Betty Brown (R) (Brown seat), Susan Burch (D) (Burch seat), Avery Michelle Crump (D) (Crump seat), Michelle Fletchergary (D) (Fletcher seat), John Stone (D) (Foster seat), Angie Fox (D) (Fox seat), Tabatha Holliday (R) (Holliday seat), Tonia Cutchin (D) (Jones seat), Bill Davis (D) (Krieder seat), Marc Tyrey (D) (Samet seat), Lora Cubbage (D) (Sherrill seat) and Teresa Vincent (D) (Vincent seat). Alamance County — U.S. House: Pete Glidewell (D) (D-6); N.C. Senate: John Thorpe (D) (D-24); Board of Commissioners: Amy Scott Galey (R); and Patsy Simpson (D). Randolph County — U.S. House: Pete Glidewell (D) (D-6); N.C. Senate: John Thorpe (D) (D-24); and N.C. House: William Neal McCaskill (D). Rockingham County — U.S. House: Pete Glidewell (D) (D-6); and N.C. House: Eugene Russell (D) (D-91). Equality NC Action Fund has endorsed the following: Statewide — Roy Cooper, governor; Linda Coleman, lieutenant governor; Josh Stein, attorney general; Elaine Marshall, secretary of state; Wayne Goodwin, insurance commissioner; Charles Meeker, labor commissioner; Dan Blue III, treasurer; June Atkinson, N.C. superintendent of public instruction; and Beth Wood, state auditor. N.C. House of Representatives — Joe Parish (H-2), Bobbie Richardson (H-7), Brian Farkas (H-9), Duane Hall (H-11), Dan Whitten (H-15), Charles Warren (H-17), Susi Hamilton (H-18), Larry Hall (H-29), Paul Luebke (H-30), Rosa Gill (H-33), Grier Martin (H-34), Terence Everitt (H35), Jennifer Ferrell (H-36), Randy Barrow (H-37), Yvonnne Lewis Holley (H-38), Darren Johnson
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(H-39), Joe John (H-40), Gale Adcock (H-41), William “Billy” Richardson (H-44), Cynthia Ball (H-49), Graig Meyer (H-50), Jon Blum (H-53), Robert T. Reives, II (H-54), Kim Hargett (H-55), Verla Insko (H-56), Pricey Harrison (H-57), Cecil Brockman (H-60), Marilynn Baker (H74), Tim Barnsback (H-86), Mary Belk (H-88), Chaz Beasley (H-92), Sue Counts (H-93), Jane Campbell (H-98), John Autry (H-100), Beverly Earle (H-101), Becky Carney (H-102), Rochelle Rivas (H-103), Peter Noris (H-104), Connie Green-Johnson (H-105), Kelly Alexander (H-107), Susan Maxon (H-109), Maureen Mahan Copelof (H-113), Susan Fisher (H-114), John Ager (H-115) and Brian Turner (H-116). N.C. Senate — NC Senate 2: Dorothea White (S-2), Erica Smith-Ingram (S-3), Angela Bryant (S-4), Andrew Barnhill (S-9), Jane Smith (S-13), Dan Blue, Jr. (S-14), Laurel Deegan-Fricke (S15), Jay Chaudhuri (S-16), Susan Evans (S-17), Toni Morris (S-19), Floyd Mckissick (S-20), Mike Woodard (S-22), Valerie Foushee (S-23), John Thorpe (S-24), Michael Garrett (S-27), Rev. Paul Lowe (S-32), Robert Brown (S-36), Jeff Jackson (S-37), Lloyd Scher (S-39), Joyce Waddell (S-40), Art Sherwood (S-45), Norman Bossert (S-48) and Terry Van Duyn (H-49). Judicial — N.C. Supreme Court: Michael Morgan; N.C. Court of Appeals: Vince Rozier, Jr. (Dietz seat), Abe Jones (Hunter seat), Linda Stephens (Stephens seat) and Judge Rickye McKoy-Mitchell (Zachary seat). Other — Wendy May, Johnston County Commission and Greg Ford, Wake County Commission. SC Equality has endorsed a record number of candidates. They were early supporters of Hillary Clinton’s bid for the presidency and have formally endorsed her. U.S. House of Representatives — Dimitri Cherny (D) (D-1), Arik Bjorn (D) (D-2), Chris Fedalei (D) (D-4), Fran Person (D) (D-5) and incumbant Rep. Jim Clyburn (D) (D-6). U.S. Senate — Thomas Dixon (D). S.C. House of Representatives — Barbara Jo Wrobleski-Mullis (D) (H-8), Mary Geren (D) (H-9), Anna Brown (D) (H-10), Anne Parks (D) (H-12), Michael Gaskin (D) (H-13), Michael “K.J.” Kerney, Jr. (D) (H-15), Leola Robinson-
Simpson (D) (H-25), Jim Thompson (D) (H-26), Harold Mitchell (D) (H-31), Luke Quillen (D) (H-34), Michael Pratt (D) (H-37), Carlton Kinard (D) (H-40), Tyler Mitchell (D) (H-45), Victor Li (D) (H-53), Patricia Henegan (D) (H-54), John Ward (D) (H-58), Tyler Gregg (D) (H-75), Ivory Thigpen (D) (H-79), Justin Bamberg (D) (H-90), Katie Arrington (R) (H-94), Alice Wakefield (D) (H-110), Bob Aubin (D) (H-114), Robert Brown (D) (H-116), Leon Stavrinakis (D) (H-119), James Broderick (R) (H-121) and Bobby Green (D) (H-124). S.C. Senate — Floyd Nicholson (D) (S-10), Greg Gregory (R) (S-16), Mike Fanning (D) (S-17), Mia McLeod (D) (S-22), John Scott (D) (S-19), Chandra Dillard (D) (S-23), Vincent Sheheen (D) (S-27), Greg Hembree (R) (S-28), Ronnie Sabb (D) (S-32), Luke Rankin (R) (S-33), Thomas McElveen (D) (S-35), Kevin Johnson (D) (S-36), John Matthews (D) (S-39), Brad Hutto (D) (S40), Marlon Kimpson (D) (S-42), Mandy Norrell (D) and Paul Campbell (R) (S-44), Margie Bright Matthews (D) (S-45), Tom Davis (R) (S-46), John King (D) (S-49), David Weeks (D) (S-51), Laurie Funderburk (D) (S-52), Terry Alexander (D) (S-59), Roger Kirby (D) (S-61), Robert Williams (D) (S-62), Gilda Cobb-Hunter (D) (S-66), Joe Neal (D) (S-70), James Smith (D) (S-72), Chris Hart (D) (S-73), Todd Rutherford (D) (S-74), Beth Bernstein (D) (S-78), Bil Clyburn (D) (S-82), Cezar McKnight (D) (S-101), Joseph Jefferson (D) (S-102), Carl Anderson (D) (S-103), David Mack (D) (S-109) and Seth Whipper (D) (S-113). The Human Rights Campaign has issued a list of its endorsees for this election season. They are: Hillary Clinton, president; Deborah Ross, U.S. Senate; Roy Cooper, governor; Linda Coleman, lieutenant governor; and Josh Stein, attorney general. N.C. House of Representatives — Rep. John Ager (D), Cynthia Ball (D), Chaz Beasley (D), Mary Belk (D), Jane Campbell (UNA), Sue Counts (D), Terence Everitt (D), Jennifer Ferrell (D), Judge Joe John (D), Rochelle Rivas (D) and Rep. Brian Turner (D). N.C. Senate — Sen. Jay Chaudhuri (D), Sen. Jeff Jackson (D), Sen. Joyce Waddell (D) and Susan Evans (D). HRC may release more endorsements, but this was the list at press time. : :
Get out the vote!
Be sure to vote early, vote absentee or go to the polls on election day on Nov. 8. Help elect progressive candidates to serve you and to work for full equality. Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. in North Carolina. In South Carolina, polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
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Election 2016
Out hoops star stumps for Clinton Jason Collins has a long-term relationship with Hillary Clinton and the family by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff
Jason Collins (left) met with leaders of the LGBT community on Oct. 11 in Charlotte, N.C. Seated to the right is Scott Bishop, who serves on the Human Rights Campaign’s Board of Directors.
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n Oct. 11-12, Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player, visited the Tar Heel State to campaign for his longtime friend and presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton. Collins attended a conversation with student leaders at Johnson C. Smith University and also participated in a National Coming Out Day celebration at Advent Coworking on Oct. 11. Collins also visited Raleigh, N.C. on Oct. 12 and was part of a roundtable discussion on HB2’s effect on North Carolina and the sports community at the Raleigh LGBT Community Center. Additionally, he was on hand at three voter registration events in the Triangle. qnotes was able to catch up with Collins when he was in Charlotte, N.C. and he shared his views on the election, his candidate and more. Collins, who attended Stanford University, was a classmate of Chelsea Clinton and was invited on several occassions to spend time with the family. In doing so, he had a rare opportunity to see the Clintons up-close. He was able to have a seat in her world in which he was able to witness the many ways in which Clinton championed education and families and more throughout her career, as well as First Lady while seeing more privately her life as a mother and grandmother. Additionally, the Clintons came to his graduation party in 2001. Before Collins came out publically, he was able to come out privately to the Clintons. He said that because of their words of support and their love and friendship, he would “forever be grateful” to them. And, because of that, he has seen first-hand how Clinton would be as a president — poised, steady and calm — the consumate stateswoman. Collins shared that Clinton uses language of inclusion and equality. In contrast, he said that Donald Trump does not, is bigoted and plays on people’s fears. “There’s no way I want to see him in the White House because he does not represent what is the best in us
and what is great about America.” He added that Clinton wants to continue the work that President Barack Obama has achieved over the last eight years with regard to inclusive initiatives and legislation for the LGBT community. She has a clear agenda on achieving goals that are cited on her website, especially working to strike down disriminatory laws across the U.S., such as legislation like HB2 in North Carolina. He remarked that leadership mattered and is important from the person who sits in the White House down to those who serve on the local level. That is why he feels so strongly that Clinton is the only choice for president. She has demonstrated that she can stay calm in the face of adversity (as depicted in the recent debates) and has the right temperament that will prevent her from getting “rattled.” Collins said that Clinton is a thoughtful leader and one that “makes us proud to be Americans.” And, even though this would be a Hillary Clinton administration and she would be the boss, Collins added that she has the support of a husband who has inside knowledge on the pressures and experience as the leader of the country. He said that he could not envision Trump having those types of difficult conversations with his wife Melania that as president would present themselves, but could certainly see a more constructive and thorough one between Clinton and her husband Bill. With more to be done to obtain true equality, Collins expressed that over the next few years a couple of seats on the Supreme Court would have to filled. Legislation like the Equality Act has yet to be passed, people can still be fired and housing can be denied for being an LGBT individual. And, having a progressive president at the helm would help keep the inclusive agenda trajectory on track with fair judges being appointed to serve on the Supreme Court. Clinton would be able to keep the momentum going. : :
Oct. 21-Nov. 3 . 2016
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Lifestyle
Jason and deMarco: Partners in life and song The duo will perform Nov. 12 in Charlotte by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff
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ince arriving on the scene, Jason and deMarco, full names Jason Warner and deMarco DeCiccio, have occupied a unique niche. As a gay couple performing contemporary Christian music, they haven’t always had the easiest path to walk within the industry. Yet their talent shown through and they found their audience. A documentary called “We’re All Angels” came out in 2007 and gave fans an inside look into their relationship, their faith and their passion for music. They are now proud fathers and spend most of their time off the road, but still manage to tour from time to time thanks to help from family. They will appear in Charlotte, N.C. for Different Roads Home’s “7th Annual Evening of Hope and Inspiration” concert on Nov. 12 at the McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. They will be joined by Teresa Giudice, from “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” and country music star Louise Mandrell. The duo took time out of their busy schedules to answer some questions via email. Answers not attributed to one or the other come from both. Were you familiar with Different Roads Home before being booked for this show? We were not. We received an email several months ago asking if we were available, and when we looked up the organization, we immediately knew we wanted to be a part. Supporting organizations such as Different Roads Home has been something we’ve always tried to clear our schedule for. What does it mean to you to be able to be a part of this benefit concert? We’ve been touring a long time and any chance we have to partner with an organization doing good work is a special opportunity. There is so much work to be done, and so many people out there doing good work. We’re always honored when we get to join in and make our voices heard. Your schedule shows several shows throughout the rest of the year. How often do you tour now? Do you wish you were still able to tour more? Jason: We toured for over 10 years living on the road, living out of suitcases and averaged five days a month off the road in LA. When we decided to have children we made a conscious choice to leave the road full time. We honestly somewhat thought we were “done.” But thanks to my parents, who offered to tour with us, we are still able to go out several times a year. We usually do two extended tours per year where our twin sons and parents go with us on a bus. We then do several weekend gigs where our sons stay back with my parents who live four miles from us. We definitely don’t miss the road and the flights, but we miss seeing our fans as much as we used to. We have a lot going on at home now, as well that makes it difficult to travel as much.
Jason Warner (left) and deMarco DeCiccio Photo Credit: Yanka Van Der Kolk
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Is it nice having a more consistent home life now that you are touring less frequently? Has it offered you the chance to explore different aspects of life more thoroughly? deMarco: Great question! And yes, the stability and consistency was much needed and welcomed. We have a six-acre ranch in Franklin, Tenn. and have 15 farm pets. We run a B&B and do weddings, kids’ birthday parties and other special events on the ranch. Other than music, my passion has always been in the hospitality business, particularly cooking. So, I’ve had the chance to put on my chef hat preparing meals for our B&B guests and hosting a monthly farm-to-table dinner that has become very successful.
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As I oversee and manage the events and activities on the ranch, Jason is a Realtor. He has always invested and enjoyed real estate, so it was a no brainer for him to explore this as a career. He is also the executive director of the non-profit he founded in 2011 called S.A.F.E. (Safe, Affirming, Family Environment). S.A.F.E. operates on the ranch and serves area foster families and foster children, as well as other children in need. All of our farm pets on the ranch are therapeutic for the children that visit. The best way to learn more about it is to visit safehouseforall.org. We launched as a drop-in center for homeless youth serving 60-70 homeless youth per day. The majority of these youth attributed being homeless to aging out of foster care, so when moving to Tennessee we chose to focus on being a resource to foster youth and foster families, educating the community on the need of foster homes,
deMarco DeCiccio and Jason Warner with their children. Photo Credit: Donat Barbe
particularly LGBT-friendly foster homes. We also are developing a program to help prepare youth for the aging out process by offering a summer camp. Our ultimate goal is to provide transitional housing to youth aging out of care, helping them transition to independent living. So, as you can tell, we are extremely busy when we’re not performing.
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shelves and songs from Christian radio. It all comes down to money. No label is willing to take the risk. It amazes me in this day and age people could judge someone for whom they love when so many of these “Christian” artists are drug addicts, fornicating, gambling, and the list goes on and on of activities that are considered “sinful.” Yet, being gay is still “worse.” There is good news, however. Although the industry isn’t shifting, churches are. There are more and more churches opening their doors and theology to the LGBT community. So, although the industry is still fighting us, many churches are opening their doors. What has parenthood taught you so far about yourselves and your relationship? deMarco: Parenthood teaches you so much. I think it mostly shows you how unprepared you were for it. It’s the biggest gift and the biggest challenge in many ways. Our boys are our life and we can’t imagine our lives without them. The journey has been absolutely life changing and amazing and exhausting all in one. Our boys are five now and just started kindergarten so we finally feel like we have somewhat “made it.” They’re amazing young boys and teach us so much every day. I think personally, it’s also made us fall in love with one another in different ways. We both respect one another as fathers and have watched the other grow into a role that we were able to create together. It’s pretty magical.
It has been awhile since we’ve gotten a Jason and deMarco album. Might we get a new one soon? We released a new Christmas CD last year called “Christmas Reflections” after years of people requesting. We’ve been so busy with the ranch that we are just now starting to discuss what direction our next CD will take. We’ve done a lot of different styles over the years and our harmonies tend to be our signature, so the next CD will hopefully be something different. We just need to agree what that “something different” is.
Jason, you wrote a book about same-sex surrogacy, tell us about it. Jason: I chronicled our journey and released the book after the boys were born. When we started to explore surrogacy I felt there was such limited info. My book not only shares our journey, but also the journey of five other couples. Our doctor writes the forward for the book and our attorney writes a chapter helping to navigate some of the legal elements. I’m really proud of the book and I think it’s helping a lot of couples who are considering surrogacy. I originally named the book “The Journey of Same-Sex Surrogacy,” but changed the name to “Anything is Possible — The Journey of Surrogacy” in the second edition because I didn’t want to limit it to same-sex couples after learning how many heterosexual couples are also having or choosing to explore this route.
The band Everyday Sunday was recently kicked off a Christian music festival because most members of the production team objected to their having an openly gay singer. Does it feel like very little progress has been made when it comes to acceptance of LGBT musicians in the Christian music world, or do you think those things are more the exception? Jason: It’s so frustrating that this is still happening. As much as I’d like to say the Christian industry has shifted or evolved, it hasn’t. We’ve been told by labels for years that they would love to sign us but can’t. They’re afraid. Their music would be pulled from Christian bookstore
What can those who come to the show expect to see? Will you be performing with a band or to tracks? Will it be a mix of old and new songs? We will be performing to tracks our LA based-band recorded. We will be doing a mixture of songs, primarily our secular and inspirational set, considering this is a mainstream event. Our harmonies have always been our signature sound, so folks can expect a lot of that along with a few special surprises. One of those surprises will be Jason’s mother joining us onstage to sing “The Prayer,” which is always a special moment. : :
Oct. 21-Nov. 3 . 2016
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spiritual reflections by Matthias Roberts :: guest contributor
The fear “So, what do you actually believe about Jesus?” I stared into his warm brown eyes, eyes I were learning to let myself get lost in, and felt a lurch of panic in my gut. “Do you pray? Talk to him?” I began to stumble, “Yeah. Like, I talk to him every day. But. I don’t believe in that substitutionary atonement stuff. He came to subvert violence…” My words poured out as I thought “shit, this is making no sense at all.” And it hit
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Oct. 21-Nov. 3 . 2016
me. I’m scared of talking about my faith. I’m scared of talking about Jesus. About what I believe. So much so that I haven’t verbalized a simplified theology in years. I grasped and pulled and the high level language of academia saved the day. As I cut off the conversation with a kiss, I found myself wondering “what happened to my ability to talk about this comfortably?” What happened to my ability to step outside of the classroom, outside of the literal Master’s degree I’m getting in Theology, and actually talk about my faith? In the weeks since, this question has been following me around. In a visit to my old stomping grounds in Wisconsin, I found myself freezing again when the Jesussaturated language of Christian subculture made its way to my ears. I felt uncomfortable. Fear even. I tried to enter in, to use the same language, but a part of me pulled back, inward, and I heard another voice: this is not for you. This is not for you. Because I’m not supposed to be a Christian. I’m not supposed to be a person of faith. I’m not supposed to talk about Jesus and his work in my life because of that one other word that also defines my life: gay. My sexuality excludes me from this conversation. And as much as I don’t believe this to be true, as much as I’ve worked to integrate these two parts of myself, I’ve internalized a message that tells me I don’t get to talk about my faith. I don’t get to talk about Jesus. Because I’m the worst of all the sinners. I’m a poser, a heretic, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Blasphemous. I feel that. The subtle messages behind the exuberant smiles: here’s the one who has backslidden. The one who has prioritized sin in his life instead of trusting Jesus. Here is the disappointment who came from such a strong foundation. Shame voices. Fear voices. Voices that whisper lies into my ear. That tell me I’m unworthy to talk about the Jesus who is at work in my life. The Jesus I cling to, who I see working in my life daily. The Jesus I talk to, whisper to, cry to. Shhhhhhhhhh.
I’m wanting to change this. Not change it in a way that I return to fluency in sickening Christianese: “dude, how’s your devo life?” But, change it in a way where I talk about my faith. Change it in a way where I actively talk about my spiritual life with other Christians. To challenge the idea that my faith is somehow less because of my sexuality. Because it’s not. I think, as LGBT Christians, it’s important for us especially to use faith-language in our conversations with other believers. Because it causes pause. It’s an interruption to the norm. Theological conversations are over-dominated by cis straight voices. For us to speak about our faith comfortably is to challenge the system, to subvert, to enter in from the margins. For us to speak about our faith is to do Kingdom work. It’s a way to show that Christ is our Lord too. It’s a way to give explanation for the hope we have in Christ. This is something I’m hoping to practice. To be aware of as I walk around in the world. I feel so unqualified to talk about theology, faith, etc. But, the reality is: I’m not. None of us are unqualified. We’ve just been told so many times that we are. Jesus is doing a good work in us, through us, and it’s time we talk about it. Will you join me? : : — Matthias Roberts is a Seattle, Wash.-based blogger, speaker and graduate student. He writes at matthiasroberts.com.
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Providing Pharmacogenetic Testing and Precision Medicine Welcome to the pharmacy! That is Rx Clinic Pharmacy. Now we are able to serve our customers through a satellite location at Ballantyne Family Medicine at their W.T. Harris Blvd. facility. We’ve partnered with them so you can experience pharmacy in a whole new way! Discover how we can help you optimize your medication outcome. Come and see our friendly staff, compare our prices, and receive better personalized care. We accept MEDICAID, MEDICARE, and all major insurances. For the uninsured, stop by and see how we can help you get the best prices in town. We understand that many of you live alone, or simply do not have reliable transportation to come to our pharmacy. That is why we are proud to offer free delivery to your home or office. We offer education on diabetes, HIV/AIDS care management, using medical devices, proper techniques for using inhalers, managing chronic illnesses, asthma counseling, and smoking cessations. And, as a part of providing excellence in care, we are providing current healthcare information, as well as pharmaceutical and treatment options through this ongoing sponsored content. We hope
that you will find it both informative and helpful as you traverse your healthcare journey. Our first installment is about pharmacogenetic testing and precision medicine. Read below to learn more. The top five causes of emergency hospitalizations due to adverse drug events are warfarin, insulin, oral antiplatelets, diabetes medications, and opioid pain medications. Did you know that your genetic makeup can influence the safety and efficacy of all these medications? Millions of adverse drug reactions and hospitalizations could be prevented if patients were consistently put on the right drug and the right dose based upon their genetic makeup, and, importantly, avoid medications that were ineffective or put them at increased risk of an adverse drug event. As medication treatment becomes more proactive and personalized, the clinical team at Ballantyne
Family Medicine offers a unique opportunity to apply genetic information in patient care. A simple cheek swab will tell us how you metabolize over 200 different medications. We use a certified team of clinical pharmacists as our pharmacogenetics experts to provide personalized consultations for our patients. Traditionally, pharmacists have been used for their knowledge with drug-drug interactions. With this new tool, our pharmacists are now counseling our patients through drug-gene interactions. By showing patients the potential impact of their genetic profile, we can avoid adverse drug reactions, reduce trial-anderror prescribing, and reduce avoidable health care costs. If you or a loved one has ever struggled with finding the right medication for them, they may be a candidate for pharmacogenetics testing. Ask our pharmacy or medical staff about pharmacogenetics testing to get started with precision medicine for your health.
Oct. 21-Nov. 3 . 2016
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What exactly is PrEP? PrEP means Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, and it’s the use of anti-HIV medication that keeps HIV negative people from becoming infected. PrEP is approved by the FDA and has been shown to be safe and effective. With a single pill taken once daily, it is highly effective against HIV when taken every day. The medication interferes with HIV’s ability to copy itself in your body after you’ve been exposed. This prevents it from establishing an infection and making you sick. Even though PrEP has been around in the U.S. for over a year, not a lot of people know about it. And, even fewer people feel like they know enough about it to be able to make an informed decision about whether or not to use it. For those who do use it, the information they have might be more focused on practical issues, like where to get it, rather than on what PrEP does in the body to prevent HIV infection. With the numbers of HIV new infections still on the rise among many groups in the US, this is a great opportunity to have a conversation about how we can lower the infection rates and start reducing the number of new cases. Different Roads Home is lucky to have a strong clinical provider as a core partner in their medical efforts, in Rosedale Medical. Rosedale Medical, formerly called Rosedale Infectious Diseases, is located in Huntersville at 103 Commerce Center Drive, Suite 103. They are open Monday through Thursday from 8 am till 5 pm and Fridays from 8 am till noon. You can also visit them on Facebook or at their website at www.rosedaleid.com In addition to providing the community’s highest level of quality HIV and general medical care, they are also working with PrEP. In fact they are
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one of only a few sites in the U.S. that has a current study on PrEP, and you can call and see if you qualify to enroll. Dr. Frederick Cruikshank, owner and medical director of Rosedale, believes that PrEP is an important part of the safe sex toolbox for non-positives having risk behavior sexual encounters. PrEP alone is not the answer, you still need to ask your partner about their past sexual encounters and current state of infections, and always wear a condom. While PrEP is a barrier to new HIV infection, it does not protect you from other STIs (sexually transmitted infections). With PrEP as a part of the safer sex program, you can remain healthy and not infect yourselves or others. Statistics show that PrEP, when taken as prescribed and regularly every day, has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by more than 90%. PrEP is much less effective if it is not taken consistently. PrEP can be even more effective if it is combined with other methods of pre-
venting new HIV infections — like condom use, drug abuse treatment, and treatment for people living with HIV — to reduce the chance of passing the virus to others. There are also questions around to whether it is safe to take. Some people in clinical studies of PrEP had early side effects, such as an upset stomach or loss of appetite, but these were mild and usually went away within the first month. Some people also had a mild headache. No serious side effects were observed. If you are on PrEP, you should tell your healthcare provider if these or other symptoms become severe or do not go away. You can learn more about PrEP by calling Rosedale Medical at 704-948-8582 and scheduling an appointment with one of the healthcare providers there at the site. With regular laboratory monitoring and counseling, which they offer, as well as an onsite Walgreen’s Pharmacy, you should be able to get all the support to know if PrEP is right for you and how to effectively use it, and even pick up your prescription while visiting the clinic. Remember, safe sex involves many tools in the toolbox and it also involves an honest and open dialogue with your partners and yourself. We can stop the rise of new infections if all the pieces of the puzzle work together for a greater end. It is necessary that you as a patient, become informed and knowledgeable about what to do to protect yourselves and others.
Oct. 21-Nov. 3 . 2016
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tell trinity by Trinity :: qnotes contributor :: trinity@telltrinity.com
When to keep your mouth open and when to keep it shut Dear Trinity, I know you’re going to tell me to mind my own business, but one of my friends is a stripper and is now escorting. I’m worried about him. Should I speak to his parents? Righting A Wrong, Orange County, CA Dear Wronging A Right, Yes, if he’s jumping off a bridge, about to harm someone or if he’s abusing drugs or alcohol, then please tell someone who can help him. But escorting? Really? That’s a far cry from those examples, especially if he’s doing it through magazines, websites or respectable nightclubs. Pumpkin, loving someone or being someone’s friend means letting him have his own adventures and experiences and talking to him directly about your safety concerns, not squealing on him. Seriously, if he’s doing something as deeply challenging and transforming as escorting and stripping, then let him practice his art. Oh, and get him the book, “Hustling” by John Preston! It’s a favorite of mine. Hello Trinity, I’m confused about my bisexuality and don’t understand how to find someone special that is bisexual as well. How do I privately find someone like me? Calling All BIs, Eugene, OR
Hello Calling All BIs, It’s time to go public with your private life. Start with Meet Up type websites, in local areas and nearby cities, for finding others like yourself. The internet has an infinite supply of bisexuals locally and globally. Yet, if you’re confused about your bisexuality, then that’s something you’ll have to figure out through trial and error. And, sweetie, while straights and gays date their own kind, bisexuals don’t have to. But you do, however, have to find someone understanding. Hey, but don’t we all! Good luck! Hey Trinity, I know you have a Masters of Divinity degree, so I have a holy question for you. In the Bible, Levitcus 18:22, it says, “A man shall not lie with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination!” What’s your take on it? Biblically Troubled, Tampa, FL Dear Bible Troubles, Did you know that passages about abominations like getting tattooed or eating shellfish really have nothing to do with biblical sins? They are ancient traditions, rules and regulations, that’s it. Damn, I wish religious and political nutjobs could get that right. I also think that passage was translated too many times by too many dictators, into too many languages to
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really be understood correctly. You know, honey, I think it’s time Trinity rewrote it as well. P.S. Google, “Proposition 8 The Musical.” (My cartoon sure shows you how I approach this dilemma. Just saying!) Dearest Trinity, Is there anything I can do to keep the flame alive in my marriage? The stress of life and work has made my relationship robotic. There must be something we haven’t tried? Robotics, Houston, Texas Dearest Robotics, Marriage troubles? I almost forgot what that was like while enjoying singlehood. But that’s another martini! For right now, darling, you have a real problem and I have some real solutions with… Trinity’s Survival Tips For Maintaining A Marriage 1. Go on a far away, romantic, expensive second honeymoon. (You deserve it!) 2. Just for the hell of it, send your spouse sexy notes, flowers, texts or emails. 3. Don’t fight over cleaning! Hire someone to do it! 4. R ead Virginia Satir’s “People Making.” She saved many of my marriages. 5. D inner together on the beach at sunset is not just for enlightened seagulls. 6. T ry unimaginable types of intimate activities. Think big and frilly!
7. V isit people you both like. It helps remind you that you’re a couple. 8. Stop complaining about every little thing that bugs you! That’s what girlfriends and drinking buddies are for! 9. Be open to getting couples counseling. It’s fun and very helpful. 10. Lastly, never try to be like the perfect couple next door. They’re in the middle of a divorce! 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.
Oct. 21-Nov. 3 . 2016
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dishing with buff faye by Buff Faye :: qnotes contributor :: info@bufffaye.com
Time to dish “Dishing with Buff Faye” is partly named after my favorite restaurant “Dish” in PlazaMidwood. This quaint place makes everyone feel like you’re eating at home with family. I love the chicken dumplings, potato poppers and key lime pie. And yes, as a size queen, or queen of size named Buff Faye — of course, I love all kinds of food. So for this column, I want to share my 10 favorite eats in the Queen City. These places are fit for a drag queen or any lady who likes to brunch. Pinky’s Westside Grill 1600 W. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28208 All I can say is Ding Dong Chicken. Yes. I live for it. A chicken sandwich with peanut butter. By far one of the best things I have ever tasted. In addition, they have some of the best fried pickles and crab puppies. Hot Taco 200 E. Bland St., Charlotte, NC 28203 Ultra-hip, ultra-cool Mexican restaurant situated right beside the light rail in Southend. I fell in love with this place and their menu is out of this world serving a large variety of tacos – Korean Beef, Baja Fish, Seared Tuna, Bang-Bang Fish and more. Grab a shot of tequilla and tacos for you and your special someone.
Pure Pizza 1911 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205 I am a big fan. Its an ultra-hip pizza joint that had gender neutral bathrooms long before the HB2 controversy. This hot spot hosts Buff Faye’s Drag Brunch and they use home-grown, fresh ingredients. Guaranteed it’s some of the best pizza in the Queen City — and you can even dip your pizza crust in honey. Yummy! Phat Burrito 1537 Camden Rd., Charlotte, NC 28203 Long before there was Chipotle or Qdoba, there was Phat Burrito. And there is nothing like this original classic. The location is full of character and a rich history since 1998 when the doors opened. I love to drop by for lunch. The salsa is the best and you can’t beat the freshness of the ingredients. Service is always top notch too. Tupelo Honey Café 1820 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203 Nothing could be more scrumptious than a biscuit and honey. Tupelo Honey is the classic brunch place. Their menu boasts of Southern goodness and flair. My favorite is the Fried Chicken & Biscuits and the classic Fried Green Tomatoes. Nom. Nom. Nom. Plus the management has a track record supporting transgender employees — allowing staff to wear clothing that they self-identify in waiting tables. Dish 1220 Thomas Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205 Like I said, Dish makes you feel at home like you’re eating with family. So much of their food reminds you of what your Mom or Grandma might cook. My favorites are pretty much anything on the menu — but you have to try the potato poppers. Carpe Diem 1535 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204 Occasionally I like to get all dressy and go somewhere for a nice glass of wine and a lovely evening of dining. Carpe Diem is my special spot to go. The food is exquisite and the restaurant is gorgeous. Located off Elizabeth, the food is always fabulous. If you want my menu pick, I suggest the pork chops. Definitely a must go.
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McKoy’s Smokehouse and Saloon 4630 Old Pineville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217 I know it sounds a bit rough. But put on your cowboy hat, biker boots or leather gear and drop in to experience McKoy’s Smokehouse and Saloon. The big furry guy who runs the place is so kind — and so are all the servers. Plus, the pot roast is better than any I have ever had. The wings aren’t bad either. 300 East 300 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 You’re not queer if you have not heard of 300 East. It has been around for over 25 years off East Boulevard inside an old historic home. I recall it as one of the first places where I felt comfortable dining out with my husband. Great for a business lunch or a special occasion. Toast Café Dilworth 2400 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28203
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Who doesn’t love sausage, French toast and hash browns?! I know I do. Toast Café is a great breakfast and brunch locale. Always busy and hopping these days, the service is quick and the food is delightful. Give it a try once and you will be back for more. Yeah. I could probably come up with another 10 favorite eats — pretty easily. But for now, this will give you some new places to go with friends and family. Tell them that Buff Faye sent you — who knows, you might get a discount or at least a big smile. Oh yeah, if you’re buying, you can call me for lunch or dinner too! : : DRAG TIP: Always tip your server. Karma is a bitch! — Buff Faye calls the Queen City her home and loves men who cook dessert (plus she loves to raise money for charities). Find her at your favorite bars and hot spots. And don’t forget her monthly Saturday night shows, Sunday drag brunch and regular Friday night party bus. Learn more at AllBuff.com. Follow on Twitter @BuffFaye
SHOUT OUTS: Don’t forget Halloween is around the corner. So much going on… be sure to reserve your space for Buff Faye’s Halloween Drag Brunch on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Pure Pizza. Limited space.
Oct. 21-Nov. 3 . 2016
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EVENTS
Submit your event to our calendar!
October-November 2016 Continues through 22 NC Trans Pride in Action Bennett College 521 Gorrell St., Greensboro The 3rd Annual NC Trans Pride in Action is a two-day event focusing on the past, the present and the future for the trans community. On Oct. 21, from 6-8 p.m. there will be a showing of “MAJOR!,” a documentary telling the story of trans rights activist Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, in the Global Learning Center Auditorium. On the following day, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., also in the Global Learning Center Auditorium, there will be gathering for a day of community building and healing with trans and gender non-conforming artists, organizers, workshops, and vendors. A talent show and after party follows. For more information email transpridenc@ gmail.com.
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Miss Dia de Los Muertos SEP OCT MO Chasers 3217 The Plaza, Charlotte 9 p.m. Charlotte Latin Pride will crown the first Miss Dia de Los Muertos in celebration of The Day of the Dead. The pageant begins at 10:30 p.m. and contestants will compete on theme and talent. For more information email charlottelatinpride@gmail.com.
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Halloween on the SEP OCT MO Harbor Cruise 40 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 8-10:30 p.m. Charleston Pride hosts its second annual Halloween on the Harbor Cruise. Participants can enjoy an open bar, hors d’ouevres, hookah and entertainment by DJ Beck Danger while cruising around the city. Pride Partners and Friends with Benefits receive free admission to the event and should email info@charleston pride.org with name to confirm a spot on the cruise. Tickets are $40. All proceeds will benefit Charleston Pride and Pride 2017. More information is available online. charlestonpride.org.
You can submit your event to our comprehensive community calendar presented by qnotes, the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Visit Gay Charlotte. Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/ and get a threefor-one entry. All Charlotte-area events will appear on each of the three calendars at qnotes (goqnotes.com), Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce (clgbtcc.org) and Visit Gay Charlotte (visitgaycharlotte.com).
Different Roads Home: SEP NOV MO 7th Annual Evening of Hope and Inspiration McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square 345 N. College St., Charlotte 7:30 p.m. Join Different Roads Home as they present their 7th Annual Evening of Hope and Inspiration, helping to raise funds for the HIV/AIDS services work they do year round. The night’s entertainment will include a conversation with “Real Housewives of New Jersey” The second year back after a hiatus, star Teresa Giudice, country musician Gay Bingo returns with a “Star Wars” and Humanitarian of the Year Award theme and host drag queen Barbara recipient Louise Mandress and pop duo Burning Bush. Bingo Verifying Divas, Jason and deMarco. Tickets range from or BVDs, will walk the room, song and dance will carry on throughout the night $30-$150. More information and tickets are available online. and money will be raised for RAIN, March to the Polls SEP OCT MO differentroadshome.org. so they can continue their work for UNC Asheville main quad HIV/AIDS services. The event is best 1 University Hts., Asheville Safe Schools NC 2016 enjoyed by adults, or older children with SEP NOV MO 1 a.m.-2 p.m. Charlotte Transgender Day LGBTQ+ Conference for SEP NOV parental approval. General admission MO ACLU of NC – UNC Asheville Educators of Remembrance tickets cost $35. More information and Chapter and Democracy North Carolina Smith Middle School Charlotte Mecklenburg tickets are available online. team up for a march to the polls that Government Center 9201 Seawell School Rd., gaybingocharlotte.org. will begin at UNC Asheville’s main quad, Chapel Hill 600 E 4th St., Charlotte where 7-10 p.m. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. speakers Rainbow Readings: LGBTQ A gathering to honor the lives and SEP NOV MO will discuss Storytime memories of those lost this year to antiimportant Glenwood Branch Library trans violence for issues before mobilizing to cast a vote. 1901 W. Florida St., Transgender Day Free food will be provided at the end Greensboro of Remembrance. of the march for those with an “I Voted 3:30 p.m. This year has Early” sticker. Donations will be collect- A conference to help ensure more All are welcome for an afternoon of already seen a ed to support the Standing Rock Sioux LGBTQ specific literature for school record number safe and inclusive schools for LGBTQ Tribe, protesting the Dakota Access aged children as of transgender students by Safe Schools NC open to Pipeline (DAPL). A sign making party will teachers, school administrators, nurses, well as a craft. people murdered. take place the night before the march at guidance counselors, and all other The event will Vigils will be held 6 p.m. in the same location. The march also be a time of across the country to remember those school faculty. After the passage of HB2 is non-partisan and candidates and togetherness and lost, and those held in North Carolina this conference is especially vital. To elected officials are welcome to attend. attend, register at bit.ly/2dYChRT. More community. More will have the added significance of the More information is available online. information is available online. community continuing to suffer under information is available online. tinyurl.com/BulldogMarch. queerpoccollective.com. the weight of the anti-LGBT bill HB2. bit.ly/2dGDBDG.
SEP NOV MO
Stonewall Sports Charity Drag Show Scorpio 2301 Freedom Dr., Charlotte 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Join Stonewall Sports, MC Aaron Malachi, DJ Little Beauty and drag king and queens for a night of fun for a good cause: raising money for Time Out Youth. The door charge goes to Time Out Youth for anyone arriving before 10 p.m. and the tips collected by the drag kings and queens will as well. There is a $5 cover charge at the door. More information is available online. bit.ly/2dDxlwc.
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Gay Bingo Grady Cole Center 310 N. Kings Dr., Charlotte 6:30 p.m.
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Oct. 21-Nov. 3 . 2016
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