QNotes Nov. 8-21, 2013

Nov. 8-21 . 2013

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inside

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news & features 5 Local gay movement over?

6 News Notes: Regional Briefs

a&e / life&style 9 Play tackles discovery

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10 Gift Guide: Local shopping 12 Gift Guide: Stocking stuffers

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arts. entertainment. views.

You cannews. change

the law to say or mandate that you have to treat people better, but that does not impact the culture and the systems that impact people … If you don’t have food, you don’t have a job or place to lay your head at night … what good is a non-discrimination policy? ❞ — Sarah Demarest in our feature, “Is the local gay rights movement over” on page 5.

15 Gift Guide: Tech gifts 15 Jane’s World 16 Gift Guide: Party tips 17 Gift Guide: Chanukah gifts 18 Playing the Field 20 Out in Print 21 Tell Trinity

The annual Christmas & Holiday Gift & Local Shopping Guide There’s nothing more important than finding that perfect gift for your friend or loved one. Combine your care for family and friends with a passion for shopping local by supporting small businesses right here in Charlotte! Check out a few of the selections in our local shopping guide on page 10.

22 Q Events Calendar 23 Our People: Blaze

opinions & views 4 Editor’s Note 4 TalkBack 4 QPoll

Nov. 8-21 . 2013

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qnotes connect Nov. 8-21, 2013 Vol 28 No 14

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

contributors this issue Paige Braddock, Matt Comer, Jon Hoppel, Lainey Millen, Terri Schlichenmeyer, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography/Styling by Gil Croy & Matt Comer 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 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 Editor: Matt Comer, x202 editor@goqnotes.com Copy Editor: Maria Dominguez Production: Lainey Millen, x205 production@goqnotes.com

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editor’s note

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

Mission accepted: Newspaper expands to social justice focus Change and progress. It’s always a good thing. Even here at qnotes. Since 1986, this newspaper has worked to chronicle the story of LGBT life in Charlotte and across the Carolinas. Through that coverage, the newspaper has been a source of education and awareness and, at times, even advocacy.

In those 27 years since its founding, much has changed. The LGBT community is making progress unheard of nearly 30 years ago. Then, the marriage equality movement was still a dream. Today, we await Hawaii’s decision on whether it will become the 15th state to recognize gay marriages. Then, many people waited to come out until they were in college or after they had graduated. Today, the number of out LGBT youth is soaring. Then, gay-straight alliances and other LGBT student clubs were nearly unheard of high schools. Today, such groups are even being founded by students in middle school.

The staff at qnotes is proud that we’ve had the privilege of documenting these changes and providing a voice for a community that at one time had close to none. But, today, our community has changed and along with it, so must the newspaper.

In late October, the qnotes staff sat down to review our mission statement. Most of it didn’t change. We’ll still chronicle the news, arts, entertainment and opinions of our LGBT community. We’ll document what LGBT life is like in Charlotte, across North Carolina and beyond. But, an important addition to our mission statement brings us firmly in line with our community today. Our history and future

qpoll

as an independent source of LGBT community journalism is secure, but starting now we’ll also begin to document and chronicle other important social justice issues.

Our revamped mission statement reads: “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.”

In my last Editor’s Note (goqnotes. com/25535/), I implored the local LGBT community to begin working on issues of intersectional oppression. It is only natural that the newspaper should do the same.

Issues like employment discrimination affect not only LGBT people for their sexuality and gender alone; LGBT people of color continue to face disproportionate job discrimination and unemployment. Healthcare reform and access to affordable, safe health care has been made a partisan issue between Republicans and Democrats, but it’s an important issue particularly for transgender people, low-income people and people of color. Controversial issues like immigration, too, have connections with the LGBT community, as LGBT youth are separated from their families and other LGBT immigrants are deported back to their hostile homelands or face a local community with little resources for them.

As a community, we are learning that to work for equality means to work for all. LGBT organizations — and, yes, even LGBT media — can begin

to broaden their work to include a wide range of issues and a diversity of people. It’s the only way our community becomes stronger.

On the opposing page, you’ll see our news feature, brought to in partnership with Creative Loafing. In it, we ask, “Is Charlotte’s gay rights movement over?” The response from advocates was an overwhelming, “No.” In the news feature, LGBTQ Law Center founding attorney Sarah Demarest asks, “If you don’t have food, you don’t have a job or place to lay your head at night, what good is a nondiscrimination policy?”

The work of changing culture and making progress for all people — LGBT and other oppressed communities, too — must continue. Such work raises difficult questions and challenges us to grapple with our own ideas and an awareness of our own individual privilege. But, such intersectional, inclusive work makes the LGBT community more diverse, stronger and more united.

I’m looking forward to the new ways the newspaper might cover some of these issues, explore how other social justice issues intersect with the movement for LGBT equality and chronicle the work people like Demarest are doing to make change in the community. It’ll be a healthy exercise and expansion for the newspaper’s staff. It’ll keep us on our toes, as we look for the facts in all the stories we publish and use them to speak truth to power — power that all too often still exists as a gatekeeper to the security of basic essentials like clothing, shelter and food many of us often take for granted and some of us still desperately lack. : :

See the options and vote: goqnotes.com/to/qpoll

Which social justice issues — like poverty, homelessness, education or healthcare — do you believe Charlotte’s LGBT community should address?

Printed on recycled paper.

Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2013 and may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of the editor or publisher. Advertisers assume full responsibility — and therefore, all liability — for securing reprint permission for copyrighted text, photographs and illustrations or trademarks published in their ads. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, cartoonists we publish is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or photographs does not indicate the subject’s sexual orientation. qnotes nor its publisher assumes liability for typographical error or omission, beyond offering to run a correction. Official editorial positions are expressed in staff editorials and editorial notations and are determined by editorial staff. The opinions of contributing writers and guest columnists do not necessarily represent the opinions of qnotes or its staff. qnotes accepts unsolicited editorial, but cannot take responsibility for its return. Editor reserves the right to accept and reject material as well as edit for clarity, brevity.

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

Web comments are not edited for grammar or punctuation.

Non-discrimination laws Readers respond to Mecklenburg County commissioners’ vote on transgender worker protections (goqnotes.com/25492/) I was surprised to see that this man thinks women have x-ray vision which would allow them to see the genitals of a person in the stall next to them! HA HA! It’s laughable, true, but that’s the kind of arguments I’ve seen over and over again from people who oppose the inclusion of gender identity in nondiscrimination laws. You have to wonder why the arguments are so silly. I’m pretty sure they are such nonsense because the opponents of such laws can’t come up with anything that makes real sense to oppose them. Hundreds of places, states, cities, counties, towns and villages have already passed nondiscrimination laws that include gender identity, the first in 1976! Not one of these places has ever seen any of the doomsday scenarios the opponents of this law like to spin. Kudos to Commissioner Kim Ratliff

and the other wise people who voted for this important issue. Thank you!

— Emelye, Oct. 18, goqnotes.com I think that it’s interesting that men always bring up the women’s restroom thing, when it’s obvious that they’ve never been in one.

Women’s restrooms, unlike men’s, do not have open stalls. I’ve been in restrooms KNOWING that there was a man (not a trans woman) in the next stall. There’s a door and a lock. What’s the problem? Can’t a man see a woman washing her hands?

— Becky, Oct. 16, goqnotes.com After digesting the words Bill James used referring to men in dresses and little Bo Peep using the women’s room at the meeting last night, I have a question. What does that have to do with equal employment protections? Is that the best he could come up with? Please. Isn’t the truth of the matter that he could sit there and say that transgender people don’t deserve

to work because deep down he is bigoted? Is it true that he feels that LGBT people should be eradicated out of existence because he feels they are an abomination? Does he know there are people out there that are so affected by the decisions he makes, it could cause them to be homeless? Does his Christian values and belief allow him to sit there to judge and control the destiny and the lives of transgender people who have a 1 in 15 suicide rate because of lack of acceptance and not being able to support themselves because they can’t find employment? I think because he is a Tar Heel he is a better person than that. I feel as a fellow Christian that he is better man than what was displayed. I hope he searches deep into his soul and realizes the responsibilities he has as a commissioner that will affect people lives for many years to come. I pray he steps up to represent all citizens in a Christian way. If no one else does, I love you.

— Janice Covington, Oct. 16, goqnotes.com

news

Is local gay rights movement over?

Policy reform would suggest so, but advocates say otherwise

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

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From left, District 2 Democratic City Council candidate Al Austin, Republican At-large candidate Mark Frietch and MeckPAC supporter Barry Brodsky at the MeckPAC meeting.

Photo Credit: Matt Comer

On a recent Tuesday evening, dozens of LGBT community members and leaders gathered at a private home to meet with elected officials and candidates running for City Council.

Over wine and hors d’oeuvres, leaders of the Mecklenburg LGBT Political Action Committee announced the results of their annual candidate questionnaire — which asks candidates to weigh in on topics like non-discrimination measures and their commitment to marriage equality — and released their endorsements.

MeckPAC hosted 12 candidates for office that night, including Mayor Patsy Kinsey and incumbent council members John Autry, Claire Fallon, Billy Maddalon and LaWana Mayfield. In all, 22 candidates — Democrats, Republicans, Libertarian and Independent — decided to return MeckPAC’s candidate questionnaire this year. It’s the most — and the most positive — feedback the group has ever received and the first time the group has endorsed candidates in each political party.

“It’s amazing just how far our community has come and how far our candidates have come in understanding our issues,” MeckPAC Chairman Scott Bishop told the crowd, saying that his group won’t issue warnings about any of the 22 candidates like it has in the past when it’s encountered politicians who don’t support the LGBT community.

Anti-gay organizations have long claimed LGBT people are not disadvantaged minorities, in part because of the political power and influence they have amassed. At the local level, that power is palpable. Both the city and county have advanced LGBT-inclusive measures, such as employment non-discrimination policies and domestic-partner benefits. City Council includes not one, but two openly gay and lesbian members.

Kinsey, in particular, has been a familiar face at LGBT community events throughout the year.

Those significant policy changes beg the question: Is Charlotte’s gay rights movement over?

“Absolutely not,” Sarah Demarest said with a quick and resounding tone. Demarest is a founding attorney at Charlotte’s new Freedom Center for Social Justice LGBTQ Law Center.

Demarest assists mostly low-income LGBT people facing evictions and other housing problems, transgender people seeking name changes, and others who have challenges accessing equitable healthcare options due to discrimination. Resources and easy solutions are few and far between, since policy reform at the city and county level doesn’t help nongovernment employees.

For Demarest and others, the struggle for equality within the LGBT community and other oppressed groups isn’t mutually exclusive. The LGBT justice movement will never be truly over as long as institutionalized systems of oppression exist and continue to affect everyone, not just gay people. LGBT students will still face higher-than-average disciplinary problems at school and people of color, including those who are LGBT, will still face a criminal justice system that too often unfairly targets them.

“You can change the law to say or mandate that you have to treat people better, but that does not impact the culture and the systems that impact people,” she said.

Demarest recently joined MeckPAC as one of its steering committee members. She said the group’s work on policy change alone won’t help LGBT people of color, those who are poor and the transgender community. “If you don’t have food, you don’t have a job or place to lay your head at night,” she said, “what good is a non-discrimination policy?”

Don’t miss the Guild’s Annual Gala!

Date: Friday, November 15 Time: Cocktails, 7 pm; Dinner, 8:15 pm; Dancing/Dessert, 9:15 pm Keynote Speaker: Former Commissioner Jennifer Roberts Place: Brief/Shu in South End, 1426 S. Tryon St. Tickets: Members/Students $25/Non-members $40 Special couple/group rates and Door Prizes Food: Catered by Your Custom Catering RSVP: Register online by November 8 Information: Visit charlottebusinessguild.org.

Also, email businessguild@yahoo.com, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CharlotteBusinessGuild, or call 704-750-5CBG (5224)

www.charlottebusinessguild.org

see Local on 8 Nov. 8-21 . 2013

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news notes:

Western

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

Delegation includes Carolinian WILMINGTON — Rev. John A. McLaughlin, senior pastor at St. Jude Metropolitan Community Church was selected to be part of a delegation that attended the World Council of Churches Assembly in Busan, South Korea, from Oct. 30-Nov. 8.

The visit was the fifth time MCC representatives attended openly.

McLaughlin served at chair of MCC’s ecumenical and Inter-religious team. He is no stranger to working for social and religious justice around the world. He is a member of the Ministerial Roundtable in Wilmington which focuses on race relations, is active with Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians, Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

The council welcomed 5,000 delegates from a variety of denominations. MCC was able to share its story with them. info: mccchurch.org. facebook.com/MCCchurch.

— L.M.

Charlotte Inclusion Shabbat upcoming

CHARLOTTE — Temple Beth El, 5101 Providence Rd., will hold its annual Inclusion Shabbat on Nov. 15-16.

This year’s focus evolves around being out as a straight ally in the Bible Belt and is sponsored by the congregation’s Keshet (rainbow) Committee, an LGBT advocacy group.

Every year Keshet holds these special services to bring awareness to marginalized communities. In the past they have focused on being an LGBT person within congregational life, disabilities and more.

On Nov. 15, 7 p.m., the sermon will be on the importance of allies in the fight for LGBT civil rights.

The following day from 9-10:30 a.m., a workshop will be held that will focus on issues as they relate to transgender education and inclusion. Presenter will be Marcia Rogers who will relate her personal story through “Being T[rans] or the World of Tall Women and Short Men.” Beth El says that the workshop provides a tour of the transgender experience, especially as it impacts individuals who are transgender, their families and their careers. Ir provides an overview of the status of transgender persons as currently defined by the psychiatric, medical and legal communities. During the workshop participants will be able to ask questions and there will be a discussion of Jewish resources with Rabbi Judy Schindler. Coffee and bagels will be served.

A contribution of $5 is encouraged. info: beth-el.com.

— L.M.

Protest planned at St. Matthew

CHARLOTTE — The North Carolina chapter of GetEqual will hold a peaceful protest on Sunday, Nov. 24 outside St. Matthew Catholic Church. The group says

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it is standing up against anti-LGBT discrimination after the church rescinded its offer to host an interfaith Thanksgiving service.

The service was to include a music director, Steav Bates-Congdon, who had been fired

by St. Gabriel Catholic Church last year, after he married his male partner.

“This kind of blanket bigotry is sad, and we’re going to call it out publicly in a peaceful protest,” the group said in an event announcement. “We’re going to be gathering outside of St. Matthews to stand up for Steav, but also to show every LGBTQ person in North Carolina that we stand with them, as well. If you’re looking for a place to give thanks and to stand up for LGBTQ equality on the Sunday of Thanksgiving, please join us!”

The interfaith service is a project of Mecklenburg Ministries, which found a new home for its 38th annual event at Covenant Presbyterian Church.

— M.C.

Triad It’s movie time!

WINSTON-SALEM — Out at the Movies will present “Southern Baptist Sissies” on Nov. 9, 7 p.m., at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, 1533 S. Main St. This staple was written and directed by Del Shores and garnered a GLAAD award.

Tickets are $7/adult, $6/seniors and students and go on sale in the ACE Theatre Complex lobby at 6:15 p.m. prior to the screening.

On Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Out at the Movies will screen “Scrooge & Marley.”

This queer classic is a modern-day variation on the Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

Tickets go on sale at 5:15 p.m. info: outatthemovies.org.

— L.M.

It’s party time in the hills

ASHEVILLE — Get out those dancing shoes and head on down to the November Women’s Dance on Nov. 16, 7:30-11:30 p.m., at Eleven on Grove (above Scandals), 11 Grove St. Hosted by the Dance Divas, this event is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food contributions for Loving Food Resources.

Loving Food for the basic needs of those living with HIV/AIDS or in home hospice care with food, health and personal care items.

Diva DJ Linda will spin. She is joined

by Betty who will provide snacks and filtered water. A cash bar will be available.

Attendees with a hand stamp from the bartender will be able bop up to Scandals with free admission after 10 p.m. info: 828-253-6746. etledder@charter.net.

— L.M.

Survey seeks contributors

ASHEVILLE — A steering committee of activists are conducting a survey about the needs and viability of establishing an LGBT community center in the High Country.

Participants are asked to rate the physical needs of the center (i.e., kitchen facilities, meeting rooms, performance space, etc.). They are also encouraged to consider becoming a volunteer, querying participants about what they would do to support the facility.

Visit docs.google.com/forms/d/18liVHItG NDtmXRkTya1RN7EfSCr6KDv5v-oYC8YDsd0/ viewform to fill out the online survey which will be available until the end of November.

“The figures and answers will be compiled to see how and where we can pursue funding assistance,” Gay Asheville NC’s Jerry Conner said.

Read goqnotes.com/24930/ to learn more

news

Biltmore Doubletree Hotel. A sold-out crowd of 260 people helped to make this year’s gala and auction a success.

Funds raised helps to support the work of WNCAP — HIV/AIDS prevention, case management and advocacy — across an 18-county region.

“We are grateful to be part of such a generous community. Our agency took in 135 new clients in the last year while facing federal funding cuts,” said Jeff Bachar, WNCAP executive director.

“Events like this are a crucial part of our ability to meet the needs of the community and grow our prevention interventions.”

Honorary chair was Laurey Masterton and auctioneer was Andrew Brunk.

In other news, Lenior-Rhyne University Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville, 36 Montford Ave., will hold a free screening of “Philadelphia” on Nov. 22, 7 p.m., in 2nd floor conference room, plus a narrative medicine workshop on Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in room 315.

Dr. Claire Hicks, M.D., Laura Hope-Gill, Michael Harney and Michelle Hudgins will serve as facilitators.

Hicks is an HIV specialist and physician with Four Seasons Compassion for Life. HopeGill is a professor and director of the graduate writing program at Lenior-Rhyne and N.C. Arts fellow. Harney is a prevention educator at WNCAP. Hudgins works with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. info: wncap.org.

— L.M.

Regional Poll depicts divide on gay marriage

about the initiative.

In other news, the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be showcased from Nov. 25-Dec. 2 at the Renaissance Hotel, 31 Woodfin St. The exhibit hours of operation are MondaySaturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. It will be closed on Thanksgiving.

Western North Carolina AIDS Project will be on hand to provide age-appropriate HIV/ AIDS education, in addition to advocacy activities for visitors.

Since its beginnings in June of 1987 in San Francisco, Calif., the quilt now has grown to incorporate 48,000 plus memorial panels. Each one was sewn by friends, family members of partners of someone who died from AIDS. More than 14 million people have had the opportunity to view the quilt worldwide.

Admission is free. info: aidsquilt.org. wncap.org.

— L.M.

Auction deemed a success

ASHEVILLE — The Raise Your Hand Auction for the Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) was held on Oct. 12 at the

ELON — An Elon University poll shows that there is a divide among its respondents on the issue of gay marriage.

It shares that 46.5 percent opposed it and 42.6 percent supported it.

Sixty-three percent of Catholics indicated that they supported gay marriage. Along political lines, 58 percent of Democrats, 47 percent of Independents and 21 percent of Republicans gave a nod in support of gay marriage.

Men (43 percent) and women (42 percent) show their support. For those who are 18-30 years-old, 68 percent were in agreement, but only 24 percent of those over 65 said yes.

Blacks (51 percent) and whites (40 percent) rallied around gay marriage.

Elon has also conducted polls on abortion, voter identification, early voting, Obamacare, and others. info: elon.edu.

— L.M.

Campus Scene Nominations requested

CHARLOTTE — Campus Pride has announced that it is accepting applications and nominations from LGBT and ally leaders for the National Voice & Action Award.

There are four categories that honor individuals who use their voice to speak up and take action to make a difference: Student

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news

National/Global

ENDA could get Senate vote before Thanksgiving

Leader, Advisor, Athlete and Fraternity/Sorority.

Deadline for the student, athlete and fraternity/sorority applications is Nov 26. Advisor’s nomination deadline is Dec. 3 and application deadline is Dec. 13.

The Voice & Action National Leadership Award program embodies Campus Pride’s mission, values and vision for inclusion and recognition of young adult leaders. The annual awards are an honorary national recognition program highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of LGBT and ally young adult leaders and those who work to support LGBT issues at colleges and universities across the United States. The recognition program is the only honor of its kind, focused on the work of undergraduate college students who are creating positive change for LGBT and ally issues within their campus communities, local communities and region of the country. info: campuspride.org.

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s office confirmed in late October that the Nevada Democrat will announce that he is bringing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) to the full Senate for consideration before its scheduled Thanksgiving recess.

ENDA, passed by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee with bipartisan support earlier this year, would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in employment.

A spokesperson for Reid told LGBTQ Nation that the exact scheduling of a floor vote has yet to be determined.

“It is long past time that Congress come together to protect LGBT people from discrimination and harassment in the workplace,

said Tico Almeida, founder and president of Freedom to Work, a national LGBT organization dedicated to passing ENDA. “After months of meeting with Republican Senators and their senior staff, we’re confident we have the 60 votes to defeat any attempted filibuster. We’re keeping the pressure up as the vote approaches,” said Almeida, in a statement to LGBTQ Nation.

“Now is the time for the Senate to act,” he said.

The legislation was first introduced two decades ago in 1994 and had its first vote in 1996, the same year the Defense of Marriage Act was signed by former President Bill Clinton.

This would be the first time ENDA has been voted on in the U.S. Senate in 17 years and the first time a transgender-inclusive ENDA has received a vote.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.).

Photo Credit: UNLV Photo Services/Geri Kodey

— LGBTQ Nation

QUICK HITS ————————————————————————————————————————————————— Two recent graduates of West Point became the first gay couple to wed at the federal military academy in a ceremony held on the campus on Nov. 2. West Point hosted two lesbian couples’ weddings in 2012. read more: bit.ly/1bNFh6s The United Nations has been criticized for hosting an event on HIV prevention and human rights in the Caribbean nation of

Trinidad, which bars entry to LGBT people. read more: bit.ly/17zIutL Legislators in the western Mexican state of Jalisco have passed a constitutional change allowing same-sex civil unions. read more: bit.ly/18O27YC Hallmark came under fire for removing the word “gay” from a holiday-themed

sweater containing the words “Don we now our fun apparel.” The greeting card giant later said it shouldn’t have changed the traditional “Deck the Halls” lyrics. read more: bit.ly/16WC1TI A lesbian couple has filed a lawsuit challenging Colorado’s anti-gay marriage ban. read more: bit.ly/1gjJCEe

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Local gay rights movement continued from page 5

❝ You can change the law to say or mandate that you have to treat people better, but that does not impact the culture and the systems that impact people … If you don’t have food, you don’t have a job or place to lay your head at night … what good is a non-discrimination policy? ❞ — Sarah Demarest, MecPAC and LGBTQ Law Center LGBT-inclusive policy progress in local government has largely been a result of goals and objectives of an already privileged few, said Lacey Williams, director of advocacy at the Latin American Coalition. For her and other activists, the local LGBT movement’s successes are laudable but need to focus more on the day-to-day issues faced by minorities within the LGBT community.

Marriage is an “important cultural touchstone,” she said, but advocates also need to pay attention to other issues affecting the poor, immigrants and people of color. Poverty and criminal justice issues, for example, disproportionately affect both gay and straight people. Job protections and health benefits for government employees won’t stem the tide of discrimination elsewhere.

“I think the thing in our city is that most of the LGBT organizing around policy has been led by white, middle-class, cisgender people, and so that really colors what the objectives are,” Williams said. “If those are the people leading, then, yeah, when you get that goal it is sort of over.”

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She said intersectional and cooperative advocacy — working with natural allies within non-LGBT communities of color, for example — is needed to expand the LGBT movement and bring new attention on issues not commonly discussed within the LGBT community, such as poverty. Williams is spearheading that advocacy work at the Latin American Coalition, where she helps organize young people and other community members to raise awareness on the broken immigration system, family separation and the economic challenges of immigrants, gay and straight. At work, she often meets young Latino LGBT people who face dangers both physical and economic.

Government-employee protections won’t benefit a gay or transgender youth attacked on the street or help them gain employment where non-discrimination measures do not exist.

“You can have incredible policies as a city and a county, but what happens on the day to day to LGBT people who are not employed by the city?” Williams asks. “There has to be this sort of ongoing conversation and cultural shift that can only happen if we have a strong, unified community that sees LGBT people of color as part of the LGBT community.”

Bishop hopes MeckPAC can begin to affect larger change for residents. His group wants a local human-rights ordinance adding sexual orientation and gender identity to protections in housing, employment and public accommodations and places, such as hotels and restaurants. The group is also starting to pay attention to suburban towns and cities in Mecklenburg County, none of which include protections for LGBT workers or residents. For the first time this year, the group endorsed a mayoral candidate outside of Charlotte: incumbent Huntersville Mayor Jill Swain.

But legally, the city and county may not be able to affect change through county-wide human rights ordinances. Other towns, like Carrboro and Chapel Hill, have had to request permission to do so through bills at the state

legislature. None have passed. Bishop is hoping to try anyway, and Williams thinks local LGBT advocates’ push for change can at least begin to raise awareness and include formerly excluded voices. She said the immigrant youth movement is producing “some feisty LGBT youth leaders who have been elevating Latino and particularly undocumented voices.” The old guard, she said, needs to work more with new, emerging leaders.

Bishop knows that the issues Williams fights for get overshadowed. He blames it partly on the news cycle. Big stories, like the summer’s marriage cases at the Supreme Court, blotted out any coverage of efforts to pass a federal employment non-discrimination bill. A version of that bill has been introduced in nearly every session of Congress since the 1990s, to no avail.

Additionally, Bishop said Charlotte’s LGBT community is missing a group focused on education, community building and “creating more welcoming environments for people who live here.”

Demarest said the Freedom Center is doing some of that ground-level education work. It works to inform community members of their rights. Demarest says other groups, such as the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte and the Charlotte Business Guild, have approached her with questions on how they can begin to tackle issues like poverty and inclusion of transgender people and LGBT people of color.

However, Williams thinks it will take much more outspoken, grassroots activism and commitment to diversity and social justice from all the city’s LGBT organizations. She said people have to “get your hands dirty and speak out.”

“We have the tools,” Williams said. “We just have to have the will.” : : — This article is provided in partnership with Creative Loafing and was originally published in Creative Loafing’s Oct. 31 print edition. Learn and read more at clclt.com. Creative Loafing is a qnotes news partner.

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‘Cock’ tackles personal discovery, exploration Play will be last time Queen City Theatre Company performs at Spirit Square

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com Now playing through Nov. 23, Queen City Theatre Company’s regional premiere of “Cock” will be the last time the non-profit theatre company performs at Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square.

“We’re looking for a permanent space, but that will take a year or so to settle,” says company co-founder and managing director Kristian Wedolowski.

The move, prompted in part by policy changes at the space, presents challenges, but also opportunities.

‘Cock’ takes the stage Queen City Theatre Company’s current production stays true to the company’s mission of exploring and grappling with real issues faced by real people.

“Cock,” by British playwright Mike Bartlett, explores what it means for a person when one is forced to go in search of self.

The play pits the main character, John – played by “Brideshead” actor Ben Winshaw when it premiered in London in 2009 – against his boyfriend and a girlfriend. John and his partner split, and he begins a relationship with a woman. Soon, John’s ex-boyfriend and girlfriend are fighting over him.

“The characters keep saying it’s not a fight over John, but that’s what it is,” says Griffin. “At one point, one character says, ‘This is the ultimate bitch fight.’”

For the main character, the battle is finding out who he really is.

“John is the only character named,” says Griffin. “The other guy is just ‘M,’ for male, and the other is ‘W,’ for woman. Here are these characters who aren’t named who kind of know who they are and yet you have John, who is named as the main character, and he has no clue who he is.”

Griffin adds, “It is this [conflict] of From left, Glenn Griffin as ‘M,’ Kristian Wedolowski as searching for yourself, especially later ‘John’ and Iesha Hoffman as ‘W,’ in Queen City Theatre on in your life when you are a little Company’s production of ‘Cock’ by Mike Bartlett. older and suddenly having to find out Photo Credit: QCTC who you are.”

The play itself may very well touch “They really wanted smaller shows, not upon concrete questions and issues, but it is bigger shows like ours,” Wedolowski says. the title that has caused the most stir among the “Our company has really grown a lot.” theatre-going public. At its debut in London, some During their growth, the theatre company, balked at the name, though reaction was more known for its productions of LGBT-themed negative in New York City. There, as well as in plays and musicals, has dusted up controversy.

Charlotte, producers have been forced to censor A recent production of “The Most Fabulous the name. [Ed. Note – qnotes has chosen to use Story Ever Told” garnered protests from local the play’s rightful name, as it was given by the Catholics who condemned the production’s playwright; this newspaper will not engage in portrayal of Mary as a lesbian. useless censorship against artistic expression.]

Wedolowski and fellow co-founder and Wedolowski says marketing has been a artistic director Glenn Griffin are hoping their nightmare. The company has had to produce move will open opportunities to take their art to two sets of posters, ads and other materials. a broader audience.

“I think it’s mostly just the name,” “There are a lot of different projects that Wedolowski says. “We’ve done controversial we want to focus on and not necessarily be stuff and we’ve never faced this problem.” tied to a space,” says Wedolowski. “We need Despite the marketing dilemmas, Griffin to take the next step.” says he’s glad the company is able to host the The duo are most excited about what they regional premiere of the play. call environmental theatre — taking the art “It’s written really, really well and the form directly to the public. playwright is young, in his 30s, and he’s an up “It will be interesting to do a lot of shows and coming playwright in Britain,” Griffin says. in a really specific place, like if it is a show that “When you listen to this play, it’s just amazing. takes place in a bar, then actually performing It’s funny and it’s dealing with issues that are the piece in a bar.” relevant today.”

Such performances are successful in Latin The characters, he says, are not stereoAmerica and in Europe, says Wedolowski. “It types. Griffin appreciates the playwright’s allows you to get up close and personal with ability to round out his characters without using the actors,” he says. offensive or ridiculous tropes.

“People do still think that theatre is this “This is a play that is new and is also dealelitist form of art,” says Griffin. “It really is ing with something interesting, that idea of for everybody. Theatre is just a great way of who you are,” Griffin says. “Can you be on the expressing yourself and seeing what is going Kinsey scale and say you can love everybody or on in the world.”

do have have to say you are gay or straight?”

“Cock,” currently on stage, plays through Nov. 23 at Duke Energy Theatre, 345 N. College St. For more information on performance times and for tickets, visit queencitytheatre.org. : :

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Bells are ringing for local shopping Local shops offer plethora of holiday gift-giving inspiration

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

T

he time has fallen back. The leaves are changing colors. Halloween has passed and Thanksgiving is on its way. Now is the time people start poking around trying to find the perfect gift for that friend or loved one on their winter holiday list. You can find quite the unique gift online or at your nearest, big-box retailer, but locally-owned and operated shops, too, offer great inspiration for gift giving this year. And, if your loved one absolutely adores their gift, they’ll know where to go back for more! Check out these local shops and, don’t forget to tell them qnotes sent you their way this season!

Green With Envy 1111 Central Ave. 704-344-8774 envycharlotte.com Like the best of local shops, Green With Envy has a slew of unique gifts. The store even carries local artists. You can find everything from full-scale gifting to smaller, stocking-stuffer items, including stationary, candles, garden supplies, hand-crafted picture frames, clothing and jewelry and home, bath and beauty supplies. The store knows how to do it up for holiday decorating, too — an added bonus if you need a bit of extra inspiration for your decorating at home.

Sleepy Poet Antique Mall 4450 South Blvd.

703-529-6369 sleepypoetstuff.com Sleepy Poet’s motto is, “No rhyme or reason, just cool stuff.” And, it shows. If you have a friend or loved one who is enchanted by antiques or retro-inspired items, Sleepy Poet is the place to go. The store stocks a variety of gift-worthy items from local dealers. Glasswares, portraits and landscapes, lighting, statuettes, jewelry, retro posters and signs and more. You could spend hours getting lost in the store searching for the right gift, but every minute spent is a delight — taking you back in time and, perhaps, even evoking some personal nostalgia. And, that, friends, can be a gift from you to you!

Pura Vida 3202-A N. Davidson St. 704-335-8587 puravidaart.com The winter holidays include more than just Christmas. There’s Chanukah, Kwanzaa and Winter Solstice. Odds are, there’s at least one friend or loved one you know who celebrates one of those.

Pura Vida has been livening up the local art scene for years. Once located in Plaza Midwood, they now find their home in NoDa. But, rest assured, they’re still stocked to the brim with unique, worldexploring gifts for even the most eclectic person on your list. The store includes treasures from around the globe, including Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Cool gifts include folk art and paintings, pottery, textiles and even religious gifts. We’re betting you can find a gift for just about anyone on your list, and, if you can’t, a stroll through the store will be worth every minute.

Slate Interiors 1401 Central Ave. 704-930-7890 shopslateinteriors.com Located in Plaza Midwood, Slate Interiors, like Pura Vida, offers potential gifts just about anyone on your list would enjoy. An upscale market of local artists and merchants, Slate Interiors boasts nearly 90 different local designers and craftspeople selling a diversity of wares, like furniture, accessories, home accents, fine art and more. Many of the merchants offer unique, whimsical takes on jewelry and art. And, what’s better is knowing you’re supporting local design and craft. For a list of local merchants in the store, visit Slate Interiors’ website.

Amelie’s French Bakery 2424 N. Davidson St., Suite 102 704-376-1781 ameliesfrenchbakery.com Perhaps a bakery isn’t a place you’d normally first think of when pondering where to shop for gifts this year. But, Amelie’s is a treat, literally! If your holiday social calendar is packed with parties and get-togethers this year, Amelie’s is the perfect place to find just about every unique, gourmet treat under the sun. A gift from Amelie’s to your holiday dinner host will leave even the most ardent foodie inspired and wanting more. Treats range from small tea cakes, macaroons and mini-tarts to larger tarts, cakes and more.

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Infinity’s End Three local locations See website for details: infinitysend.com Since 1969, the locally-owned Infinity’s End has been serving up unique and colorful gifts for Charlotte’s urban, hippie, music-loving culture. The store says it’s the only place in Charlotte “you can see an athlete and Hippie discussing the best disc golf courses in Charlotte.” The store stocks a variety of hip gifts, including music, movies, skateboards, hemp products, clothing, candles, novelty items, home decor and more. For the aforementioned disc golf lovers, the store has a wall full of frisbees and other accessories.

White Rabbit 920 Central Ave. 704-377-4067 whiterabbitbooks.com Still going strong after three decades, North Carolina’s only LGBToriented book, clothing and gift store holds plenty of potential for gift giving. For readers, there’s the store’s selection of LGBT-themed non-fiction and fiction. Rainbow-inspired clothing and Prideware may be a good fit for someone needing that extra lift in gay spirit. For men, the store has the area’s largest selection of designer underwear. For movie lovers, the store’s LGBT-themed documentaries, dramas and comedies will make great stocking stuffers.

Want more?

There’s more great local shopping around every corner in Charlotte. Shopping local means keeping your hard-earned money in your local neighborhood and city, supporting local small business owners and contributing the already-wonderful diversity of local business life and entreprenuership in the Queen City. Check out the directories of shops and other destinations provided by each of these neighborhood and business associations.

NoDa — noda.org South End — historicsouthend.org Plaza Midwood — plazamidwood.com Uptown — charlottecentercity.org

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life

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Stocked full of happy These affordable, unique and fun stocking stuffers will bring smiles all around on Christmas morning

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

You might dream of gifting or receiving that big, expensive gift that simply changes your or your giftee’s life forever.

But, such wonderful pleasures can come in bite-sized happiness. Smaller gifts and cheaper gifts found in a crammed stocking over the fireplace on Christmas morning can be just as thrilling — for the one receiving and for you, as you see your loved one’s face light up with smiles early on a bright Christmas morning.

We scoured the interwebs for some unique stocking-stuffer gifts this year. For just a few dollars (and, in one quite enjoyable case, a little more) you can give your loved one a Christmas morning surprise to last a lifetime.

Golden Girls Lego Ladies

Yes, my dears, it’s true. You can relive all your “Golden Girls” passions with these unique, handcrafted Lego Ladies. The creator, selling through Etsy.com, has taken the world of “Golden Girls” and shrunk them down to size in the form of your favorite childhood toy. The four characters will make the perfect surprise stocking stuffer for any “Golden Girls” lover in your life. This gift is the most expensive on our list; we bet it’s worth the price, though. But, hurry! These handmade items sell out fast. $99. etsy.com/shop/LegoLadies

Drinking on the Yellow Submarine Have a Beatles lover who also is a discerning tea connoisseur? Perfect match!

Get them this cute tea infuser in the shape of a yellow submarine. We found the unique item on Amazon.com. Head there and simply search for “Tea Sub.” $6-$18.

Mugs!

It’s gonna get cold outside! You’ve got your Yellow Submarine tea infuser, your grow-ityourself tea and coffee kit. Stock up on some unique mugs. We found an assortment of unique mugs online, ranging from a Shakespearean insult mug (“Thou art a boil, a plague sore!”) to a Scrabble mug and a cookie warmer!

Search around online or at your nearest, coolest gift shop and you’re bound to find more! Shakespeare, $12, alwaysfits.com. Scrabble, $11.50, vat19.com. Cookie warmer, $18, uncommongoods.com.

Personalized copper mugs

Grow your tea

Traditionally used for serving the once-popular Moscow Mule cocktail, these personalized copper mugs can be used for any occasion.

They’re timeless and classic. But, beware, keep them polished! $25-$30.

MarkandGraham.com.

Think your tea lover needs more? Get them this nifty kit and let them grow their own tea.

Just as unique as home-made craft brewing, your tea lover can take pride in serving their guests and loved ones tea made with heart and soul, from soil to teacup. Kit also contains coffee. Found on Amazon. $22.

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Old fashion cooking Have a cook in the family? Give them some old fashion inspiration with 80 classic recipes from the 1950 edition of “Betty Crocker’s Picture Book.” $6-10. Amazon.com.

Retro home ware

A designer had a good idea for turning old waste into new, useful items. If you’ve got a loved one who absolutely adores retro and classic music, then a set of these vinyl record coasters will add a bit of much-loved spice to their home. Designer Jeff Davis rescued actual vintage LPs, cut the center out complete with the original label. The coasters are protected by a clear coat, so drinks won’t destroy the labels. $18, ModernArtisans.com. $20, homewetbar.com.

Fit for a princess So, maybe it’s a bit too big for a stocking stuffer, but it’s still a perfect gift for that lovely lady or “queen” on your list.

The reversible polo features a crown on one side and flashy princess on the reverse! $49.

AllModern.com.

Conversation starters

Have a friend who likes hosting dinner parties or informal gatherings?

Get them a few gifts that will keep unique and fun conversations going at their next get-together. These cute cards provide all sorts of conversation starters. The ‘60s set includes questions on topics like the Civil Rights Movement, groovy pop culture and more. A mini-travel-sized set includes ques-

tions that spark conversations while you’re on your getaway. A “Girls Night Out” version includes “girls only” questions, though we’re sure quite a few gay men could answer questions like “What was your strangest date ever?” and “What was the worst hairstyle you ever had?” All found on Amazon.com. Other versions available as well. $10-$50.

Eco-friendly time-keeping This cool clock requires no electrical outlet and no batteries.

Instead, it runs on water! The clock extracts electrons from water molecules, providing a constant electric current without the wasteful byproduct of batteries or having to worry about finding the nearest outlet. Found via Amazon.com. $11.

Tech to go

Have a loved one who’s constantly forgetting things? Help them out with this handy, ready-to-travel 8 gigabyte USB flash drive wristband. They’ll never forget those important files on their home computer ever again! $20.

TheGrommet.com.

Dog-loving organizing goodness

These cute dog-shaped desktop organizers are the perfect gift for your organizing, neatfreak friend or loved one. Let them indulge in their organizing happy goodness with a splash of fun and frivolity! $20. uncommongoods.com.

Meet the Staff of Rosedale ID Making a Difference in Healthcare!

disease ever since. She currently lives in Davidson with her husband and dog named Zeke.

Candy Livingston is our Pharmacy Advocate at Rosedale ID. In addition to managing our pharmacy programs, she is an active member of our nursing staff and assists Linda with duties as needed. She received her LPN from Gaston College. Before coming to Rosedale to fulfill her dream of working in infectious disease, Candy worked as a rehabilitation nurse. She currently lives in Gastonia with her husband, three children, two dogs and pet hedgehog.

We are excited to bring you the most up-to-date information and share our experiences with you through our new “Meet the Staff” columns in QNotes, in addition to our already popular “Ask Dr. C” column.

Featured Team Members: Linda Strand, LPN & Candy Livingston, LPN Linda Strand is our Nurse Manager at Rosedale ID. She is one of the original staff members of Rosedale and has watched the practice grow and helped it to become what it is today. She has been practicing nursing since 1979. She began working with infectious diseases in 1989 at Nalle Clinic and has continued to work with infectious

Being an Advocate for the Patients Nurses play many vital roles in the care of their patients, including that of advocate: someone who acts or intercedes on behalf of another. Typically, the healthcare professional with the most interpersonal contact with the patient, the nurse may be in the best position to act as the liaison between patient and family and other team members and departments. To perform this function adequately, the nurse must be knowledgeable about and involved in all aspects of the patient’s care and have a positive working relationship with other team members.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines nursing as “the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations.”

Linda and Candy both believe that it is important to be advocates for the patients, not just a nurse. This means listening to patient concerns and going above and beyond to act as problem solvers to help when needed. When patients come to Rosedale, they become part of the Rosedale family and that means that we all care for one another.

Linda is always on the phone with patients fielding patient calls, questions, and concerns. She makes sure that every patient is given all of the information that they need for a healthy life. She makes sure that if a patient is sick, that they are seen right away. Linda always knows a patient’s name and their story. It is evident that her interest goes beyond just the ailments of the patient. She knows their stories and experiences through the past years living with HIV/AIDS. As our pharmacy advocate, Candy’s position was designed to use her medical expertise to help the patient find the best way to get their medications at an affordable cost. She works closely with Kerr Health, Walgreens, and Med Express to utilize all of the services of Rosedale’s 340B program. In addition, she works closely with our client services employees who manage patient drug assistance programs including ADAP and SPAP. She definitely goes the extra mile to enroll patients in the program that is the best for them. Adherence to medication is the most effective way to control HIV/AIDS, and at Rosedale we want to make sure you have those medications when you need them.

Call us today to become a new patient and have the opportunity to become part of the Rosedale family!

Don’t forget to visit our website at www.rosedaleid. com, friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for community and clinical updates! You can also email us at info@rosedaleid.com.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Powered up and gift-wrap-ready The coolest tech gifts this season

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

with characters like Sherlock Holmes, Romeo and Juliet and more. Plus, it comes with 50 classical music pieces. Found at QVC.com, search their site for Library of Classics to buy and to see lists of included literature and music. $84.

We’re 13 years into the 21st century, so there’s a fair bet that most people’s wish lists this year will include at least one, if not multiple, electronic gadgets. Here are a few of the finds we ran across while putting together our gift guide this year. They put a cool spin on traditional tech gift-giving.

Inspiring sounds This gift is perfect for a loved

one or friend who is an avid lover of classic literature and classical music. This MP3 player comes preloaded with 100 timeless tales

Retro techno Anyone over 20 (maybe we’re being generous) remembers the classic Polaroid. The instant film and the sound of the photo popping out of the magic camera is enough to inspire the strongest nostalgia.

Polaroid reboots its classic instant camera with a new, sleek style and touches of modern updates. In addition to your instant photo, the 10-megapixel camera saves digital copies and allows sharing over social media. $180.

Polaroid.com.

Upgrades be damned So, your friend had the original iPhone, upgraded to the 3GS, went to the 4 and then the 4S. And, all along the way, they stocked

up on every accompanying extra they could.

They had the iPhone home stereo, the alarm clock and more. And, well, now they’re out of luck. The newest iPhones changed up their adaptors and now that cool home stereo just isn’t as cool anymore. A handy bluetoothenabled music receiver will plug in to any stereo system, bypassing out-of-date physical adapters and bringing your friend’s internet radio stations and MP3s back into their living room. We found various versions from various brands, ranging from as little as $20 to more than $60. Belkin’s version plugs into any regular headphone jack and is easily affordable, coming in at about $35-$50 on sites like Overstock.com and Newegg.com.

Service-oriented smiles You think tech gifts and you might think physical gadgets, but tech gifting can come in so many different flavors. You can gift streaming subscriptions and services for just about anything and anyone imaginable. Friend likes movies?

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Powered up gifts continued from page 15 Give them a year of Netflix. Have a photographer friend? Give them a year of Flickr Pro service. Music?

There’s Spotify. Just can’t think of anything? Gift cards, honey, to the iTunes store, Google Play or any other online store or service your friend or loved one might enjoy.

Monopoly, for the present day A perfect gift for a family, this Monopoly ZAPPED brings the classic board game into the 21st century, with debit cards, realistic property prices and updated properties (the Water Works and Electric Company are now the Telecom and Solar Companies, for example). Found via Amazon, requires iPad (not included). $8-$30.

Memory hog Have a friend or loved one who goes bonkers over photos? They’re constantly taking photos at every meal, every family or friendly gathering and more. And, they’ve been doing it for 30 years.

Well, make their day with this cool smartphone film scanner. Take decades of old film strips and digitally safeguard them for the future. $59. uncommongoods.com.

Lights, camera, holiday party Simple expert tips for setting the right party mood Whether it’s a Halloween party for the kids, a Thanksgiving potluck, or an elegant Christmas dinner, entertaining pros know that “setting the scene” for a memorable event can make a significantly greater impact than debuting the next ambitious dessert recipe.

Ginny Bean, founder/ publisher of Ginny’s catalog and Ginnys.com, offers some tips: • Set the scene according to the season and theme of your event. If it’s a Halloween party and you’ve transformed your yard into a ghoulish garden of spooky spectacles, convene in a front room and open the curtains. On Thanksgiving, gather near the fireplace. If your home doesn’t have a fireplace, electric fireplaces provide surprisingly affordable ambiance and seasonlong enjoyment for your family.

• Set up the room the day before the party, so you have plenty of time to make last-minute changes. Arrange furniture so guests can move around easily, clearing out extra furniture if necessary. A general rule of thumb for mixers and cocktail parties is to have seating for 10 to 15 percent of your guests.

To browse hundreds of seasonal entertaining, home and kitchen ideas, or request a copy of Ginny’s fall/winter catalogs, visit Ginnys.com or call 800-693-0809. You can also find Ginny’s on Facebook. : :

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life

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Spin the dreidel and light the menorah Lots of eclectic and traditional offerings to suit any palette

by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com “Oh, Chanukah, oh, Chanukah, let’s light the menorah” … and so goes one of the most popular tunes sung during the Festival of Lights, which begins this year on the evening of Nov. 27 — yes, just in time for Thanksgiving day. This anomaly for Jews in America will be a oncein-a-forever moment, which leading Jewish authorities say will never happen again. The Jewish calendar runs off a lunar model and is slowly getting out of sync to the tune of four days in 1,000 years. So, for this to ever happen again, the Jewish calendar would have to be “reset” to correct what has been happening for millennia. So, everyone can enjoy sweet potato latkes (pancakes) this year with a dollop of whipped cream on top!

The holiday lasts for eight days, and will end on the evening of Dec. 5. Like all Jewish holidays and the Sabbath, Chanukah will begin at sundown and end at sundown.

In a quandary about what to give as a present this year? Don’t dismay! We’ve got a host of unusual gifts to share with your loved ones.

They can be homespun, domestically produced or hail from Israel.

Hand-crafted menorahs

One of the best gifts that people enjoy is getting a new menorah. This Judaic religious item is used when lighting the candles throughout the season. And, many of them are so lovely or eclectic that they can be seen adorning shelves throughout the home.

North Carolina artisan Sue Treuman from Chapel Hill has been crafting a series of menorahs for decades. These are handmade pottery pieces and are available in limited quantities.

I have one of her earlier womanmenorahs (great for lesbians) and love it. There is also a male version of it, the manorah (super for gays). Red Sky Gallery, 1523 Elizabeth Ave. #120 in Charlotte, has some of them on hand, along with some other varieties that will complement any decor. Shoppers may also find others online at a number of sites.

Of course, menorahs are available in both traditional and contemporary versions across a wide range from sterling silver, brass, wood, ceramic, cloisonné and more.

Toys

Another popular item is a dreidel. This spinning top is used to play a game, but can also be used as a decorative item. They come in plastic or wood for under a dollar up to several hundred for hand-

crafted pieces. Bed, Bath & Beyond has some for under $100 like the one shown here.

For children, why not try a cuddly teddy bear? Bed, Bath & Beyond has this adorable one for $20.

Local shops Many local synagogues have Judaica shops where they sell a plethora of religious items, jewelry and more. Temple Israel, 4901 Providence Rd., is open Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Temple Beth El’s Discovered Traditions Gift Shop, 5101 Providence Rd., is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday night before and after services and Sunday during religious school days.

Both offer a complete line of merchandise from elegant to contemporary.

No Chanukah is every complete without gelt (money) and the best way besides the kind that goes into the bank is to enjoy foil-covered chocolate treats made to look like coins.

They come in gift packs, in netted bags or loose.

Talking about treats, be sure to enjoy some donuts, holes or jam-filled delights, a customary tradition throughout the world. Pick up a dozen or more from your local Krispy Kreme.

The ingredients are Kosher certified through their mixing plant in Winston-Salem, N.C. There are a zillion other ideas for gifts, so be resourceful and creative. Something handmade is always appreciated if budget is a concern. For deeper pockets, purchase a prayer book, kippot (skull cap), tallit (prayer shaw), Star of David necklace or other religiouscentric jewelry, Kiddush (wine) cup, Shabbat candlesticks, etc. A clever gift could also be a requisite ugly Chanukah sweater available in a variety of styles. : : info: redskygallery.com. bedbathandbeyond.com. templeisraelnc.org. beth-el.com. judaica-mall.com. judaism.com.

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SPORTS

Playing the Field Match-ups from across the Carolinas: Bout, match, pitch, finé

by Jon Hoppel :: qnotes contributor As the leaves begin to change color and with the temperatures getting cooler, the local LGBT sports teams are starting to wind down their seasons. Let’s take a look at what happened this exciting and busy October and preview what is to come before the new year.

Roller Derby The Charlotte Roller Girls All-Stars (CLTRG for short) have had a stellar season. These ladies had not lost since May 11, a winning streak of seven straight bouts, when they met up against the Gainesville Roller Rebels down in Florida Oct. 19. This match would be one of their toughest of the season against a very good and seasoned team in the Rebels, but with their winning streak on the line, this end-of- the-year match-up had a lot on the line for the All-Stars.

Unfortunately for this talented group of women, their season would not end on a high, losing to the Roller Rebels 201-134. This was the third time this year that Charlotte was held under 135 points and all resulted in losses for the Queen City team. Despite the loss, the All-Stars ended up with a very respectable 9-3 record for the season, one of their best ever.

The team is in the planning stages for their next season and are having tryouts on Nov. 8. Those

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interested in joining the squad, should contact them at facebook.com/CharlotteRollerGirls.

The Charlotte Roller Girls All-Stars gave their all against the Florida Rebels.

Photo Credit: Helen James-Storey

Rugby On Oct. 12, the Charlotte Royals visited Atlanta to compete in the Ruck-A-Buck tournament. The event featured five rugby teams — Charlotte, the Atlanta Bucks, the St. Louis Crusaders, the Dallas Lost Souls and the Charleston Blockade. The Bucks had never lost their own tournament and on the 10th anniversary of the event, they were the team to beat. In the preliminary rounds, Charlotte easily handled Dallas and Charleston with two lopsided shutouts to earn the number one seed. Atlanta, who also won both of their games against Dallas and St. Louis, earned the second seed, setting up a much anticipated finals match up.

In the third place game, the Charleston Blockade ended up winning handily versus the Dallas Lost Souls, even after battling several injuries to key starters, to earn their first tournament placement of their team’s short existence. Frankie Brown from Charleston took home man of the match honors and a whole lot of team pride.

Atlanta and Charlotte both reached the finals for the second year in a row. Last year, the game ended in a tie and Atlanta claimed victory

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The Charlotte Royals were all smiles with their first tourney title in team history.

Photo Credit: Zechariah Sanders

on point differential from the earlier rounds.

This year, Charlotte looked to erase any cloud of doubt and win the game outright.

The game was sloppy early on, with both teams playing with too much adrenaline. But, after 20 minutes, the Royals had a 7-0 advantage going into the second half. After that, Charlotte’s youth and athleticism wore Atlanta down and they were able to put three more scores on the board, winning 26-0, their fourth shutout victory of the tournament, and earning their first tournament title in team history.

Two weekends later, the Royals followed up their historic title run with a Charlotte vs.

Charlotte match-up when they took on the University of North Carolina-Charlotte 49er’s B squad, a team that was also undefeated heading into the game. This team of young, aggressive and nimble college students would prove a tough bout for the Royals early on, managing only a small 10-0 lead going into halftime. But, as the game wore on, the Royals’ size and experience proved to be the difference as they extended their lead throughout the half, winning in convincing fashion, 37-7. The Charlotte Royals will finish out their season with a home match on Nov. 9 versus the Columbus Coyotes and then host a small three-team tournament against the Charleston Blockade and the Boston Ironsides on Nov. 23, with all games being played at Tuskaseegee Park.

To learn more, visit them online at charlotteroyals.org.

The Carolina Showtime are the regular season champs!

Photo Credit: Ron Tessner

exciting and fun-spirited softball that weekend and if you are interested in playing in the Spring, contact them through their website at carolinasoftball.org.

After a two-month-long season, here is how the teams stack up: Carolina Showtime...............................................8-0 (regular season champions) Kiss My Grits..........................................................5-3 Blue Ballers............................................................3-5 Carolina Blaze........................................................2-6 Carolina Bullies.....................................................2-6

Softball The Carolina Softball Alliance completed their regular season Oct. 27 at Revolution Park.

The tournament championship will be held at Revolution Park on Nov. 10.

Come check out some very

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the murder of Matthew Shepard.

Laramie residents

by Terri Schlichenmeyer :: qnotes contributor were friendly, he says, and it didn’t take long to Review: Controversial ‘Book of Matt’ is explosive find the prosecutor who won conviction of the “The Book of Matt� two men who murdered Shepard. He “hinted� to Jimenez that

by Stephen Jimenez there was more to the story than the news media had reported. c.2013, Steerforth Press Intrigued, Jimenez dug for information and consequently, he $26.00 U.S. and Canada says, discovered corruption, and odd loose ends in the Shepard 360 pages murder and others. He spoke with witnesses; people who knew Shepard and his killers; and some, he claims, who were Sometimes, you don’t know what overlooked or inadequately interviewed by officials during the to think. investigation. He believes that he was physically endangered You hear both sides of a story, both many times because someone, it seems, wanted him to stop conflicting. Rumors are whispered, asking questions. denials issued and you’re left to make The reason for that, perhaps, was that what he says he found up your own mind. was shocking and not what people have come to believe. It Right or wrong, there are some things you’ll never know for involved drugs, sex-for-hire and, at least, one man who Jimenez sure. And, that goes for what’s inside “The Book of Mattâ€? by indicates, can’t seem to tell the truth. And, because of what he Stephen Jimenez. learned, Jimenez asserts, “I will offer here what I believe to be a In early 2000, Stephen Jimenez went to Laramie, Wyo., to more accurate account of the violent events set in motion‌â€? on start work on a story for which he thought he had an “abundance that night in 1998. of detail.â€? He had, in fact, planned on writing a screenplay about

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At first blush, “The Book of Matt� seems like any other true crime book, albeit one that’s tedious, occasionally off-topic, and sometimes melodramatic. Author Stephen Jimenez obviously did abundant research for this book, and his extremely lengthy list of interviewees and often-anonymous “witnesses� proves that.

And, yet, if each page of this book was imbedded with nitroglycerine, it couldn’t be any more explosive. Jimenez makes a lot of allegations that seem to be based on rumor and leaps of conclusion and he’s not often very complimentary. I got the impression that there was a lot of putting-two-and-two-together here that, face-value, did add up, but that left uncomfortable questions niggling in the back of my mind.

Furthermore, Jimenez asserts that Matthew Shepard wasn’t killed because of a hate crime, but that he was murdered because he was involved in a drug “family� to whom he owed money. Indeed, several of Jimenez’s “witnesses� claim that Shepard was “friends� with his killers long before his death, which could alter Shepard’s legacy, but does not negate the fact that a crime was committed.

Overall, here’s the thing: only three people know what happened that night. One is dead, one gives “contradictory statements,� and one’s not talking. That fact leaves open a good bit of finality to this story, but you can read “The Book of Matt� if you want, and make up your own mind. : :

goqnotes.com/to/arts

tell trinity

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

What it really means to stand someone up Dear Trinity, I stood someone up, but apologized and now he won’t answer my calls. What’s the big deal? I called 24 hours later and I had a good excuse?

Ignored, Dallas, TX Dear Ignored, 24 hours! Have you ever stood, waiting 24

hours for anything, especially to hear someone’s lame excuse? The truth about standing someone up is that it makes them feel a) abandoned, b) like you had something better to do and c) that he or she better get used to being second on your list. When you care about someone, you run to them, not stand them up. Next time, honey, call 30 minutes to six hours before the date to cancel it. But, for now, try flowers and candy!

Dearest Trinity, Why does it seem like all the good men are taken?

The Single Blues, Elizabeth, NJ Dearest Single Blues, Not all the good men are taken, some of the bad ones are taken too. Happy couples argue, ignore each other and have many troubles that they don’t let you see publicly. So, pumpkin, enjoy being single because one day you’ll have someone to privately fight with! (The dilemma is spelled out, even in the dark, when you take cues from my cartoon.)

Hey Girl, I’m a fine looking lesbian and some nights I get hit on by every girl in the bar, but other nights I’m invisible. Why is that?

Hit Or Miss, Boston, MA Hey Hit Or Miss, Socializing is always hit or miss. It could be the crowd, the music, the moon, the lighting, where you sit or just the energy of the night.

There really are no rules for why you’re a woman magnet one night and the next night you’re the invisible woman! So, baby, on the nights that no stingrays are stingin’, go home and watch a good comedy. Sometimes it’s just best to stay home!

Hello Trinity, My boyfriend of six months just broke up with me. He’s so evil. Why do all breakups have to be evil?

Good vs. Evil, Prince Edward Island, CAN Hello Good vs. Evil, Many men who have fewer brains than a fish fossil can simply be evil and you just dated one. Listen, sweetie, sit down, sip a martini and email him this list: Trinity’s Timely Good & Evil Scenarios For Breaking It Off 1. First or Second Week — GOOD: Just say, “I’m not interested.” EVIL: Ignoring all calls and emails.

2. Two to Four Weeks — GOOD: Calling to say, “ It’s not what I’m looking for.” EVIL: Calling to say, “I’ve found someone else!”

a&e

3. Up to One Month — GOOD: Live or by phone breaking it off. EVIL: Sending an email or leaving a phone message breaking it off.

4. One to Two Months — GOOD: Full communication! They deserve it! EVIL: Disappearing without a trace.

5. Three Months — GOOD: Clearly, to his face while sitting with him explain, blah, blah, blah! EVIL: Continuously standing him up just to make him hate you.

6. F our to Six Months — GOOD: Speak lovingly, compassionately and understandingly while ruining her dreams. EVIL: Ending all sexual activities, thus forcing her to go to someone else.

7. Six to Eight Months — GOOD: Breaking it off at a nearby park or beach. EVIL: Breaking it off on some remote island with no easy way out for three days.

8. Eight to Ten Months — GOOD: Letting him catch you crying because, “You’re not in love anymore!” EVIL: Letting him catch you with someone else!

9. Ten to Twelve Months — GOOD: End it, then giving her a few weeks to ease out of it.

EVIL: It’ll all seem evil at this point, honey!

10. A fter a Year — GOOD: At a beautiful dinner and after some wine saying, “I want to be friends.” EVIL: At the same dinner saying, “I want to sleep with your friends!” : : info: With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org. Learn more at telltrinity.com.

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Q SEP NOV

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Thru Nov. 23 Cock’ Duke Energy Theatre 345 N. College St. Various dates/times

C A L E N DA R MONTH-MONTH 2013 To see more upcoming events, visit goqnotes.com/calendar/ Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/ Forum: Wellness of Mind SEP NOV LGBT Community Center of Charlotte 2508 N. Davidson St. 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Chi Psi Omega Fraternity hosts a community forum discussing mental illness and mental well-being with panelists Karen Worrell, Janine Muller, Jennifer Ratajczak and moderator Reia Chapman. chipsiomegafraternity.org

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SEP NOV

Holiday Charity Ride SEP NOV Convergence Riders The Flying Biscuit Cafe 4241 Park Rd., Charlotte 9:30 a.m. registration 11 a.m. kick stands up Help a child in need this Christmas by participating in this fundraiser.

Proceeds go toward purchase of toys for Toys for Tots. Everyone welcome, motorcycles and cars! Top prize, $100 cash; second, $50 jafrum.com certificate; third, $25 cash or certificate; and more. $20 per participant. Stops: Flying Biscuit, Dennis Vineyards ($8 tour/ tasting), Sidelines Sports Bar. convergenceriders.com

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CBG Gala Brief 1426 S. Tryon St. 7 p.m.

The Charlotte Business Guild hosts their second annual gala fundraiser, with a cocktail hour beginSEP NOV Barn Dance ning at 7 p.m., followed by dinner, annual Hartigan’s Irish Pub awards, dessert and dancing. $25-$350.

601 S. Cedar St. charlottebusinessguild.org 9 p.m.

Queen City Theatre Company brings Southern Country Charlotte –––––––––––––––––––– Mike Bartlett’s hysterical new comedy hosts its monthly barn dance. Free/SCC Royals After Dark of identity and sexuality to Charlotte for members. $5/non-members. its regional debut after a successful Off- Cathode Azure southerncountrycharlotte.com 1820 South Blvd.

Broadway run, and winning the Olivier 9 p.m.

Award in the UK. The award winning “COCK” (The Cockfight Play) comes to Evening of Hope and SEP NOV the Queen City starring Glenn T. Griffin, Inspiration Iesha Hoffman, Kristian Wedolowski McGlohon Theater and Hank West.

345 N. Tryon St. queencitytheatre.com 7-9 p.m.

Grammy award-winning Southern gospel singer Jason Crabb headlines SEP NOV ‘American Transgender’ the 4th Annual Evening of Hope and UNC-Charlotte Inspiration to benefit the Jeanne Student Union Theater White-Ginder Food Pantry at Different 6-8 p.m.

Roads Home, a Charlotte area nonprofit “American Transgender” is a docuserving the needs of individuals living mentary exploring the lives of Trans* with chronic illness. Award winning identified people in the U.S. Join in a Christian singer/songwriter Christy screening of this film and a discussion Sutherland also performs. Additionally, lead by Eli Strong, a Trans* activist from Jeanne White-Ginder will be featured D.C and a star of the film. Free and open The Charlotte Royals hold a dance party as a guest speaker and the Hope and fundraiser.

Proceeds from the door supto the public. port the Charlotte Royals Rugby Football Inspiration Awards will be presented to mrc.uncc.edu local advocates. $20-$50.

Club. $5. differentroadshome.org charlotteroyals.org

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Bowling for Equality SEP NOV Ten Park Lanes 1700 Montford Dr., Charlotte 2 p.m.

The Human Rights Campaign invites everyone to Bowling for Equality. Prizes, fun, games and more. Tickets are $15 for youth under 12, $15 for ages 12-21 and $35 singles. A $150 “Lane Captain” includes five single tickets. Purchase online. bit.ly/16iR9KN

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Jeannie White-Ginder

Submit your event to our calendar!

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Nov. 8-21 . 2013

Christy Sutherland

Jason Crabb

GetEQUAL protest SEP NOV St. Matthew Catholic Church 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The North Carolina chapter of GetEQUAL stages a peaceful protest of Charlotte’s St. Matthew Catholic Church. Read more about the event in our news notes on page 6.

More information at facebook.com/ events/242678979216235/.

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Thanksgiving Day Happy Thanksgiving!

The staff of qnotes wishes you and your family the happiest holiday. We hope you take the time to thank the loved ones and friends around you who make your life bright!

–––––––––––––––––––– For members of the transgender community who find themselves without a home to celebrate in this year, the LGBT Center of Raleigh is hosting a special TransGiving gathering. The main course is provided by the LGBT Center of Raleigh; guest are encouraged to bring sides. 5-9 p.m. LGBT Center of Raleigh, 411 Hillsborough St. For more information or to RSVP, call 919-832-4484 or visit lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

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Event Kitty Cabaret Petra’s 1919 Commonwealth Ave.

7-9:30 p.m.

A fundraising show with proceeds benefiting Charlotte-area animal care organization Cabarrus CARES. Performances

by She N She and Nathan Angelo.

Catered appetizers and drinks. $20. For more information call Cabarrus CARES Kitty City project at 704-907-5988. kittycityconcord.org Voices Project SEP DEC Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte 650 E. Stonewall St. 6 p.m.

The Regional AIDS Interfaith Network and the Mecklenburg County Department of Health holds their annual Voices Project, presented by Wells Fargo. Stories are shared from those living with HIV and remembering those that have passed, paving the road we currently walk along. With one voice it might be hard to hear but when we come together as a community those voices become louder and stronger. Donations accepted. carolinarain.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

goqnotes.com/to/life

life

OUR PEOPLE

Q&A with Blaze Owner, SugaWalls Entertainment

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

When did you move to Charlotte?

I moved here about three years ago.

Tell me a little about your company. What is it?

When did it start? What’s the purpose?

I started the company in 2004 in Greensboro. I loved following the DJs. I used to be one of the DJ’s homies. This was back in the day when they used to have crates of the hard vinyl. A lot of people don’t even know what that is anymore. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the energy a party could bring. I wanted to start doing that for the gay and lesbian community.

Blaze, 36, the owner and event coordinator at SugaWalls Entertainment, may be known for great parties and nightlife, but you won’t find this promoter hanging at the club on a night off. When not working, Blaze and her beloved fiancee love to just hang out at home, do dinner and watch movies. It’s much-deserved relaxation and calmness after nights out on the town. Blaze’s SugaWalls produces nightlife and social events for lesbian and gay Charlotteans.

It’s a business Blaze loves, and something the community needs.

Did you grow up in Charlotte?

I actually moved from Hickory. I grew up in Hickory and spent most of my time in Greensboro. I graduated from A&T.

How did you come up with the name SugaWalls?

You know, it’s weird. I don’t even really know.

I used to do a couple on the side of a building that used to be called SugaBears, a former strip club basically. It had a venue area you could rent out. I started oding parties there. People asked me what I wanted to call my parties and at first I thought SugaBears Entertainment, but I thought I couldn’t do that. So, I came up with SugaWalls.

How often do you host parties?

I started doing them once a month and from there went every other week and now, for the past 10 years, I’ve been doing every week. I’m getting older now and would like to slow down and do something like once or twice a month.

Who are you trying to reach out to and build your business around?

My business has always been catered to the 18-and-up lesbians and gay men. I really don’t have a boundary and that’s the way my parties have been for years. I do cater some of my parties to strictly just lesbians. I would love to tap into a more diverse audience, whether that’s the Latino community or the Caucasian community. I have gotten the chance to get a sprinkle of everybody, though. Charlotte is still one of those untapped areas. There’s still not that much going on for gays and lesbians here.

When you look at Charlotte’s gay nightlife and social scene, do you see a racial divide and is there room to bridge those divides?

Absolutely. When I first moved here, that was one of the biggest things I saw and I didn’t know how to tackle it. Especially here in the gay community, it’s strictly if you’re a gay white man you go here, if you’re a white lesbian you go to these parties and if you’re black you go there. It’s just crazy. The community is still so small and, yet, so divided. There’s already two different Prides here. I myself love Charlotte Pride itself. I had a phenomenal time. It’s so big and it has sponsors. I’ve worked with Charlotte Black Gay Pride, as well. They don’t get nearly as many sponsors. What’s the point? Why not just do one big Pride?

When you’re not holding your parties, what do you like to do? Do you go out to the clubs just for fun much?

I avoid the clubs when I’m not working (laughs).

My fiancee and I have been together for over seven years. When we are not in the club, we enjoy dinner dates, dinner and a movie, hanging out with friends, chilling at home and traveling.

Where have you traveled?

Puerto Rico. I love Puerto Rico. We go twice a year. If I could retire there I would.

Where would you like to travel but haven’t gone to yet?

I would love to go somewhere near Japan. The culture is so rich. I would just love to see how they live and the atmosphere and the view of the landscape. : :

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