QNotes, Nov. 18-Dec. 1, 2016

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

1

2

qnotes

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

inside

Q

qnotes news & features

arts. entertainment. news. views.

4 Observer forum on HB2

4 ‘Patient Zero’ found innocent 5 Trans Lives Matter 5 Transgender inmates in N.C. 6 News Notes: Regional Briefs

Headline!

The Dark Side of Life

In a continuation of our feature on intersex issues, guest contributor Joney Harper shares more about her life and her experience in the military.

copy.

page 31

a&e / life&style 31 The Dark Side of Life 32 Tell Trinity 33 Dishing with Buff Faye

Our People: Dale Pierce

Behind Bars

34 Q Events Calendar 35 Our People: Dale Pierce

opinions & views

more news & features

30 Spiritual Reflections

Transgender inmates in North Carolina’s prison system have unique challenges, especially in light of HB2. page 5

Saddle up and head over to the corral for the inside of Different Roads Home head honcho. page 35

life,

positively

Thank you to these organizations for sponsoring our Special World AIDS Day coverage.

Living a healthy lifestyle

9 Sponsor Bios 13 Is AIDS Still Sexy?

14 Carolinians make POZ Top 100

Testing sites & ASOs

16 Living healthy with HIV/AIDS 17 Testing Locations 18 ASO Resources 22 HIV Effect on the Body 29 HIV History/Timeline

Is AIDS Still Sexy?

Carolinians made the list Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

3

Q

qnotes connect Nov. 18-Dec. 1, 2016 Vol 31 No 15

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

contributors this issue

Christina Adeleke, Buff Faye, Maria Dominguez, Joney Harper, Lainey Millen, Ann Pietrangelo, Rev. Robin Tanner, Jeff Taylor, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography: RAIN, Darrin K. Johnson 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.

Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2016 and may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of the editor or publisher. Advertisers assume full responsibility — and therefore, all liability — for securing reprint permission for copyrighted text, photographs and illustrations or trademarks published in their ads. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, cartoonists we publish is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or photographs does not indicate the subject’s sexual orientation. qnotes nor its publisher assumes liability for typographical error or omission, beyond offering to run a correction. Official editorial positions are expressed in staff editorials and editorial notations and are determined by editorial staff. The opinions of contributing writers and guest columnists do not necessarily represent the opinions of qnotes or its staff. qnotes accepts unsolicited editorial, but cannot take responsibility for its return. Editor reserves the right to accept and reject material as well as edit for clarity, brevity.

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

upcoming issues: 12.02.16: Holiday Religious Events/Leaders Advertising Space Deadline: Nov. 23 12.16.18: LGBT Rights-Fight Continues Advertising Space Deadline: Dec. 7

4

qnotes

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

goqnotes.com/to/news

news

HB2 Update

Observer hosts informational HB2 forum NC Republicans attempt to shut it down

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes contributor The panel moved forward despite opposition, and certainly did include CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Political tensions ran high as the Charlotte Observer arguments from both sides of the HB2 debate. announced its plan to host a forum discussing House Bill 2 (HB2), the bill known Vinroot, in particular, followed the McCrory standard argument by blamto its defenders as the Private Facilities Privacy and Security Act. The controing Charlotte’s City Council for the law. The council passed a non-discriminaversial law, passed in an emergency legislative session in March and signed tion ordinance that included LGBTQ citizens in its protections, a move widely that night by Gov. Pat McCrory, has become a hot topic in North Carolina acknowledged as the trigger for state legislators’ elections. For this reason, the governor rapid genesis of HB2. and company were strongly opposed to Vinroot blamed the Council for “making the forum, claiming that it was a biased Charlotte a guinea pig,” noting that in the fight event meant to sway voters. for transgender rights, “we’re not there yet.”

The forum, titled “the Truth Though much of the panel’s discussion About HB2: What’s Fact? What’s centered on the old defense of bathroom Fiction?” was held on Nov. 2 at the safety, panel member Fletcher Page, a 24-yearMcGlohon Theatre in Spirit Square. old transgender man from South Carolina, The Observer’s announcement of redirected the discussion. Page recently lost a the event showed no sign of bias, transgender friend to suicide. naming panel members from both “This is about more than bathrooms,” Page sides of the controversy. Among the event’s contributors were figures The Charlotte Observer HB2 panel (left to right) are: Jim Morrill, said. “This is about lives.”

Though the majority of the forum was civil, one well-known to qnotes readers, political reporter for the Charlotte Observer; David Chadwick, incident arose while Charlotte transgender woman namely Chris Sgro, who functions as senior pastor at Forest Hill Church; Connie Vetter, Charlotte, N.C. both an N.C. House Representative, attorney; Molly Grantham, WBTV anchor, moderator; Richard Erica Lachowitz spoke. A conservative Christian as well as executive director of Vinroot, a former Charlotte mayor; Fletcher Page, a 24-year-old minister in the audience, Flip Benham, waved a Equality NC. transgender man from Piedmont, S.C.; Mitch Kokai, senior politi- Bible with a shout of “Abomination!” Then turning Other panel members helped to cal analyst for the John Locke Foundation. towards Chadwick, Benham insisted, “David, is sodomy a sin? Answer the questions!” balance the talks around the law.

Chadwick’s response to this incident was a decisive moment.

Among those present was former Republican Charlotte Mayor Richard According to the Observer, Chadwick replied that “his was a God of love, Vinroot, senior pastor David Chadwick, and Mitch Kokai, a political analyst not hate, and that the love might offer the promise of compromise.” for the John Locke Foundation.

A compromise may not be decided at the state level. Vinroot claimed Despite the balanced nature of the forum, North Carolina Republicans there was “zero chance” of the legislature rescinding the law. Resolution of feared that it was an effort to sway the upcoming election. State Republicans the HB2 debate is likely to be found in the federal courts. The Supreme Court contacted the elections board to lodge a formal complaint on Nov. 1, requestannounced on Nov. 1 that it would hear the case of Gavin Grimm, a transgening that the next day’s forum be canceled. The request was denied. der high school boy who wants to use his school’s boys’ bathrooms.

“We’ve made every effort possible to make this a forum that represents all Federal court cases on HB2 itself remain in limbo. The Supreme views,” wrote Observer executive editor Rick Thames in a published response.

Court’s decision may be the real solution. : : “It’s ludicrous to suggest that this is anything other than a forum to help voters.”

HIV/AIDS History

‘Patient Zero’ found innocent New study exonerates Gaetan Dugas, a martyred hero, who was blamed for triggering pandemic

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes contributor TUCSON, AZ—A new study by scientists at the University of Arizona has made a significant find regarding the advent of the United States HIV/AIDS epidemic. The infection came to the States a decade earlier than previously reported, and began in New York City, not California. This new information clears the name of Gaetan Dugas, infamously known as “Patient Zero.”

Dr. Michael Worobey, an evolutionary biologist, led the study that found that the original American cases of HIV/AIDS originated in New York around 1970 or 1971 — much earlier than known — and that Dugas was not, in fact, the first American case. “[HIV] was really under the radar for a decade or so,” Worobey told NPR. Dugas has been vilified in the media for a considerable time, blamed as the trigger of the U.S. pandemic. He was first characterized as “Patient Zero” in ”And the Band Played On,” a book about the early days of the epidemic by San Francisco reporter Randy Shilts. The New York Post even ran a story about Dugas titled “The Man Who Gave Us AIDS.” Phil Tiemeyer, Kansas State University historian, explains the mischaracterization.

“He’s gay and unashamed about it. He’s beautiful. He’s even a foreigner who speaks with this seductive accent. He’s the perfect villain,” Tiemeyer said in an NPR interview.

The sad fact of the matter is that Dugas was entirely mischaracterized.

He was not a villain, knowingly spreading a deadly virus. Once his positive status was confirmed, Dugas did everything in his power to help the CDC trace and fight the virus, flying cross-country to give blood samples and

providing names of potentially positive people. Even while seriously ill, Dugas volunteered at a non-profit helping other people with HIV. “You could place Dugas at the center of the cluster because I’m quite certain he shared more names of people… than any other person in that study,” Worobey explains. “There’s a kind of ascertainment bias… He has been blamed for things that no one should be blamed for.”

The misconception of Dugas as “Patient Zero” derives from a simple typographical error; in the original CDC study in California, begun in 1981, behavioral scientist William Darrow labeled Dugas “Patient O” — the letter O. “I never labeled him as Patient Zero,” Darrow told NPR. Instead, “O” was used because Dugas was the only subject in the original study who came from Outside California.

Despite decades of misinformation about Dugas, Worobey’s study has finally exonerated the scapegoat of the American HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Dugas’ blood samples reveal that his version of the virus is no different than many other secondary cases.

“There’s something nice about going back and correcting the record,” Worobey said.

Gaetan Dugas was no trigger; he was an innocent victim, vilified. Now, his life spent fighting HIV/AIDS both personally and in cooperation with scientists shows him to be something entirely different from a scapegoat or villain.

Gaetan Dugas was a martyr. : :

goqnotes.com/to/news

news

Transgender Awareness

Trans Lives Matter: violent deaths in 2016 Acknowledging victims of transphobic violence

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes contributor

T

he year 2015 set a morbid record: the highest recorded number yet of transgender people lost to violence. There were 21 reported cases of transgender deaths from violence in that year. Unfortunately, 10 months into 2016, the record has been broken: 24 transgender deaths from violence have occurred so far this year.

Victims of violence against transgender people are often Photo Credit: mislabeled in terms of gender, and Fotomay via so it is notoriously difficult to keep Adobe Stock accurate records. However, as the Human Rights Campaign reports, “it is clear that fatal violence disproportionately affects transgender women of color, and that the intersections of racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia conspire to deprive them of employment, housing, healthcare and other necessities, barriers that make them vulnerable.”

It is vitally important in the face of such violence that the victims are remembered. Their deaths prove that there is still a great distance to go in working towards LGBTQ equality and acceptance. As the Nov. 20 international Transgender Day of Remembrance grows near, qnotes wishes to honor those lost to violence in 2016: Jan. 22: Monica Loera, 43, fatally shot outside her Austin, Texas home. Jon Casey Rowell has been charged with her murder.

Jan. 22: Jasmine Sierra found dead in Bakersfield, Calif.

Feb. 4: Kayden Clarke, 24, died in Mesa, Az.

Feb. 19: Veronica Banks Cano died in Philadelphia, Pa. Feb. 20: Maya Young, 25, fatally stabbed in Pennslyvania. Arrests are forthcoming.

Feb. 27: Demarkis Stansberry, 30, shot in Baton Rouge, La. Nicholas Matthews has been charged with his murder.

March 2: Kendarie/Kandicee Johnson, 16, fatally shot in Burlington, Iowa.

March 23: Quartney Davia Dawsonn-Yochum, 32, shot by her former boyfriend outside her Los Angeles, Calif. apartment.

April 10-11: Shante Isaac or Shante Thompson, 34, and a man walking with her, were beaten and shot in Houston, Texas. Tyriq Lackings has been charged with capital murder.

April 16: Keyonna Blakeney, 22, died violently in Rockville, Md. May 1: Reecey Walker, 32, stabbed to death in Wichita, Kansas.

Police charged a 16-year-old boy with second-degree murder.

May 15: Mercedes Successful, 32, fatally shot in Haines City, Fla. May 25: Amos Beede, 38, died after an attack at his homeless encampment in Burlington, Vt. June 5: Goddess Diamond, 20, found dead in New Orleans, La. as a result of blunt force trauma.

July 13: Deeniquia Dodds, 22, died after 10 days on life support resulting from a July 4 shooting in Washington, D.C.

July 23: Dee Whigham, 25, a registered nurse, was stabbed 119 times in St. Martin, Miss.

July 30: Skye Mockabee, 26, of Cleveland, Ohio.

Aug. 8: Erykah Tijerina, 36, found dead in her El Paso, Texas home. Anthony Bowden was charged with her murder.

Aug. 10: Rae’Lynn Thomas, 28, of Columbus, Ohio, was murdered in front of her family by her mother’s ex-boyfriend, James Allen Byrd.

Sept. 11: T.T., 26 or 27, described by friends as a “happy, cheerful” person full of laughter, was found murdered in Garfield Park of Chicago, Ill. Sept. 16: Crystal Edmonds, 32, was shot and died as a result of her injuries.

Sept. 23: Jazz Alford, 30, found shot to death in a Birmingham, Ala. motel.

Oct. 8: Brandi Bledsoe, 32, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio, a result of foul play.

Nov. 6: Noony Norwood, 30, found shot on Richmond, Va.’s south side on Nov. 5 and died the next morning.

Though it’s far too easy in reading this list to be depressed to the point of desensitization, it is the responsibility of every informed person not to ignore the danger that transgender people face every day of their lives. Members and allies of the LGBTQ community must take action when they witness transphobia and threatening behavior. Educate yourself; read up on the AntiViolence Project and raise awareness. Take part in organizations like Transcend Charlotte that lend support to the transgender and queer communities. The reality is that transgender people, and disproportionately transgender women of color, live at risk of extreme violence. Do your part to protect the people who fight every day for their right to be themselves. : :

Behind bars

Transgender inmates in N.C. face review board, not simply ‘separated and segregated’ Gov. McCrory’s debate claim concerning transgender inmates misleading

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

P

ublic accommodations for transgender citizens has been at the forefront of North Carolina state politics with the passage of HB2, as well as a nationwide issue with the U.S. Department of Justice filing suit and the Obama administration issuing a directive to public schools requiring them to recognize transgender students by the gender with which they identify.

The Supreme Court will hear transgender student Gavin Grimm’s case claiming his high school’s policy preventing him to use the boy’s restrooms and locker rooms is unconstitutional.

The issue is most often framed in the context of schools, government buildings, such as courthouses, and the private businesses that choose to limit transgender bathroom use. It is also a concern in the prison system, which is discussed less often, but did get a mention during the third North Carolina gubernatorial debate.

“The governor of North Carolina runs the state prison system. I’ve got prisoners now, after this radical agenda has come to North Carolina, I’ve got male prisoners who want to be transferred to the female prison,” Gov. McCrory said in his final debate with opponents Attorney General Roy Cooper and Libertarian candidate Lon Cecil.

At press time, the outcome of the contested election was still pending. Based upon the

results, HB2 may either continue its current path or it could be overturned.

The U.S. Justice Department issued new regulations in May 2016 to clarify guidelines it established in 2012, saying policies determining where inmates are housed based only on external genitals are a violation of federal guidelines.

Those guidelines, however, are not legally binding, and policies vary from state to state.

“Schools and the prison system, when someone has an individual situation regarding their gender and identity, we’ve segregated and separated those individuals and made special arrangements,” McCrory said. “That’s what principals have been doing for years in North Carolina.”

McCrory stated, as he has done in the past, that he is opposed to discrimination, a strange claim to make alongside arguing for segregation. Either way, his summation of what happens with transgender inmates in the North Carolina prison system is misleading.

North Carolina evaluates each prisoner on a case-by-case basis, with a panel representing psychiatry, social work, primary care medicine, nursing and prison administration, the News & Observer reports. The review policy was put in place in 2014, replacing a policy that determined housing based on genitalia.

Inmates who say they are transgender are given a physical and mental evaluation, which includes questions about their history both before and during incarceration, with questions concerning their mental health and life experiences.

It is then determined whether they should be housed with male or female inmates, taking into consideration their safety.

According to federal statistics, over a third of transgender inmates report being victimized by sexual assault, compared to just four percent of the total prison population.

Transgender inmates who are already on hormone therapy when they are sent to prison are allowed to continue using it once approved.

Last year, California became the first state in the nation to agree to pay for the surgery for a transgender inmate, Shiloh Quine, after determining that her gender dysphoria could only be cured through the procedure.

Earlier in the year, the Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal to a case in which

a transgender inmate, Michelle Kosilek, lost her attempt to have the Massachusetts Department of Corrections pay for the surgery.

In September of this year, it was announced that Chelsea Manning, convicted for leaking national security secrets to WikiLeaks, would be permitted to have sex reassignment surgery. The Pentagon repealed its ban on allowing transgender troops to serve in July and announced that it would begin allowing medical treatment for transgender troops, including sex reassignment surgery. : :

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

5

news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff

Interfaith service planned CHARLOTTE, N.C. — MeckMin’s 41st Annual Citywide Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held on Nov. 22, 7 p.m., at Providence Baptist Church, 4921 Randolph Rd. The service, which begins at 6:45 p.m. with a musical prelude, welcomes people of “all faiths and backgrounds…as we come together in a spirit of understanding to celebrate diversity and pray for unity.”

Speakers will include James Ford (North Carolina Teacher of the Year, 2014-15), Toussaint Romain (Mecklenburg County public defender and a voice for peaceful protest during the September demonstrations) and Rose Hamid (Muslim mother who has long advocated for reconciliation).

The service will feature interfaith adult and children’s choirs plus an interfaith orchestra and congregational readings led by teens. This year’s theme is inspired by the familiar anthem that closes each gathering: “Let there be peace on earth/and let it begin with me.”

Faith leaders are encouraged to attend the service to make a statement of unity in support of peace building and to be part of the processional, wearing garments traditional to one’s affiliation. Participants will gather in the fellowship hall at 6:30 p.m. for a group photograph. Email dfoust@sjcharlotte.org for more information.

Registration for the interfaith adult choir, children’s choir or instrumental ensemble is available online. Join other musicians from other faiths and all corners of the city to create meaningful worship for the community. Singers and instrumentalists of all ages, abilities and faith backgrounds are encouraged to participate. Consider bringing an optional cash donation of $5 to help cover the cost of music to rehearsals. The adult choir and ensemble will practice on Nov. 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and will reconvene the next day at the same time. The children’s choir will rehearse on Nov. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. Location is Providence Baptist Church. Email Temple Beth El’s Cantor Mary Rebecca Thomas at cantormary@templebethel.org to learn more.

In partnership with Crisis Assistance Ministry and Loaves & Fishes, canned goods will be collected.

A reception will follow the service. info/registration: meckmin.org/thanksgiving-interfaith-service/.

6

qnotes

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

Charlotte

gmail.com to learn more. info: bit.ly/1pCFVBq.

Youth host trans week celebration

WAD luncheon upcoming

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Time Out Youth Center, 2320 N. Davidson St., will continue to observe Transgender Remembrance Week with a clothing exchange and free market for LGBT youth on Nov. 18, 3-6 p.m.

The exchange will help transgender youth build a wardrobe without the fear of asking their parents to purchase items for them. The initiative began on Nov. 14.

On Nov. 15, a community Transgender 101 workshop was held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1900 The Plaza, with Youth Outreach Worker Park Smith serving as presenter.

Attendees learned transgender-inclusive language and received a primer on gender and pronoun usage. They also received information on social issues that affect transgender individuals in today’s world. The session ended with an open question and answer period. The workshop was open to community members and service providers. info: timeoutyouth.org.

PFLAG seeks members

CONCORD/KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — The Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Concord/Kannapolis has issued a call for new members for their organization.

Dues for those renewing members, as well as new ones, are due by Dec.13. Cost is $35/individual and $50/couple or family. Checks made payable to CKPFLAG and cash are accepted for payment.

Email President Joan Gale at ckpflag@

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — RAIN has announced that its World AIDS Day luncheon will be held on Dec. 1, 12 p.m., at the Charlotte Marriott City Center, 100 W. Trade St. The annual event is held to bring awareness to the impact of HIV/AIDS. Currently, Mecklenburg County and several surrounding areas are “severely and disproportionately affected by the disease as defined by the federal government.”

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for networking, with the luncheon and awards following.

But not all is dire. There have been victories won in the fight against HIV/AIDS, such as individuals living longer, healthier lives. Those and others are celebrated during the luncheon.

Tickets are $40 and must be purchased in advance. Visit RAIN’s website to secure a seat. info: carolinarain.org.

Trans group names new prez

CHARLOTTE, N.C.— Transcend Charlotte has announced the selection of a new board of directors president, Cole Monroe, to lead its efforts.

Monroe was voted in at the organization’s Oct. 30 meeting.

Most recently serving as Transcend’s support group facilitator and board member, Monroe has assisted founders Trey Greene and Che Busiak with events and led meetings.

“Cole is passionate about our vision, of where we are going with the organization,” Greene shared. Busiak will remain on the

goqnotes.com/to/news

board, but is stepping down as an officer.

A New York native, Monroe studied music business at Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. Monroe identifies as transmasculine, using both he and she pronouns, and “queer lover of females,” as Monroe’s sexual orientation. He/ She has a long history of passionately wanting to help others dating back to age 11 when he/ she approached a local animal shelter to fill out a volunteer application. Monroe now owns a small record label and music publishing company, where a percentage of profits from album sales are donated to small non-profit organizations. When not working or playing music, Monroe spends time hiking, cooking, and driving with the radio “turned up.” info: transcendcharlotte.org.

Home tour dates set

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 39th The Friends of Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour will be celebrated in the Uptown district from Dec. 2-3, 5-9 p.m., and Dec. 5, 1-5 p.m.

The three-day event showcases elegant Victorians, urban condominiums, cultural institutions and historic places for which Fourth Ward is famous — all fully decorated for the holiday season. The public may view these private residences and historic locations through a walkable, self-guided tour. Eight homes, some of which are owned by LGBTQ individuals or couples, will be available where tour participants can enjoy free food, beer and craft cocktail samples (while they last), plus special holiday surprises at the McColl Center for Art + Innovation.

On Sunday only, guests may also tour the historic McNinch House restaurant and Victorian home, including additional, neverbefore-seen rooms in the renovated private residence upstairs. Throughout the weekend, choirs and hand bell ensembles will perform seasonal music on the porches of neighborhood homes and tour-goers will enjoy free horse and carriage rides throughout the neighborhood, along with complimentary appetizers at participating center city restaurants.

All tour stops are within walking distance

of one another. Limited free on-street parking is available throughout the neighborhood.

At press time, vendors providing complimentary refreshments and tastings within homes, at official stops along the tour route, or at their restaurants include: Rock Bottom Brewery, Muddy River Distillery, The Asbury, Sea Level NC, Potts Chocolate, Doc Porter’s Distillery, Good Eats & Meets, and Allen Tate Realtors. Additional hospitality partners will be announced at a later date.

Tickets are $30 and are good for the three-day event and are available online or at Alexander Michael’s, 401 W. 9th St., and Park Road Books, 4139 Park Rd. During tour hours, ticket-holders must redeem their tickets for tour guidebooks at the tour ticket booth at the corner of 9th & N. Poplar Sts. in Fourth Ward.

The ticket booth will be the only location for ticket purchases during the tour weekend. info: fofw.org.

Eastern Trans homecoming queen crowned

SPRING LAKE, N.C. — LGBTQ Nation has reported that senior Selena Milian was crowned homecoming queen at Overhills High School during late October.

Milian, a Native American, won the popular vote. The news source said that she might be the first transgender homecoming queen in the state known for its anti-transgender HB2.

She has spent time since coming out in the 9th grade educating her school community. In her freshman year, she was not allowed to wear girls’ clothes and had to stand strong every day. Her “social butterfly” modality gave her the confidence to engage in activities such as acting and modeling. info: lgbtqnation.com.

Triad Step right up to bingo!

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Guilford Green Foundation’s Big Top Bingo will be held on Nov. 18, 7 p.m., at the Elm Street Center, 203 S. Elm St. The Green Queen Bingo’s “Girlz and Boyz” will bring their entertaining charm to the event which raises funds for the foundation’s work.

At 6 p.m., join the Queens for cocktails.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the game show beginning at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $15/advance, $20/at the door and $12/student with ID, advance or at the door.

More information is available online. info: ggfnc.org.

Triangle Divers bond at NCSU

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina State University (NCSU) dive and swim team athletes bonded, not only as teammates, but also as members of the LGBTQ community during their competition years that ranged from 2006-2014.

“With the negative reputation North Carolina has gotten since the passage of House Bill 2 this year, you might not expect one of the country’s queerest teams in recent years would be in the Tar Heel State,” Outsports SB Nation reported.

SB Nation added that of the five they interviewed for their news story, only four would allow their names to be used. Those individuals were Derek Ernst (swimmer 2006-09), Jimmy Ross (swimmer 2008-12), Hudson Rains (diver 2009-13), and Chris Arcara (diver 2009-14).

Texas native Rains shared that when he was being recruited, he had visited the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but declined that option due to a “threatening, violent comment about the LGBT community” by one of its swimmers. Instead he chose NCSU. During his collegiate career he finished in the top 10 in diving Atlantic Coast Conference championships. He also was involved in the university’s GLBT Center activities.

Arcara shared the he felt supported at NCSU. Not everyone had a positive experience, however. Ernst hoped that the words shared with the team in a speech he gave to them during his departure, helped to make a difference in how the team accepted its gay athletes. “I’m leaving. I’m not happy on this team anymore, and I wish you guys all the best luck but I’m just done.” At the end, several applauded. Ernst’s decision to leave the team was based upon an injury, coupled with his discomfort with being bullied, innuendo and lies spread about his sexual encounters.

Ross joined the team in his freshman year when Ernst was a junior. Even though he began to come out in high school, he was reticent in telling his teammates after witnessing how they treated Ernst. Eventually, Ernst invited Ross to accompany him to a local gay bar and it was there that Ross shared his sexual orientation with Ernst. Ross told his teammates the next year when he felt comfortable to do so and even dated the fifth gay man during this time period.

The only one left of the four to still live in Raleigh, Acara felt that the recent move by the conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association to relocate their events outside North Carolina because of HB2 to be “bittersweet.”

He told SB Nation, “I’m so proud that the ACC and the NCAA recognize the injustice aimed towards a large number of their athletes whom are affected and victimized by hate and prejudice. … On one hand, this is a huge step towards acceptance and equality. On the other hand, it’s too bad that we had to retreat to go forward.”

Even with the conference’s steps, it still remains that none of its schools are on any of the top LGBTQ-friendly lists from the 2017 Princeton Review or the 2016 Top 25 Best College rankings. Louisville, incidentally, made Campus Pride’s 2016 Top 30.

In a related story, the University of South Carolina’s director of baseball operations, Tyson Lusk, came out on National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11. Since then, he has received nothing but support from the school’s baseball coaches and players. He said that it had been great and that his fear and anxiety of sharing he

news

was gay to the team has been put to rest. There has been no change in the way in which he is treated. In fact, he has received encouragement from administrators and staff.

Coincidently, Lusk’s previous post was at Chapel Hill. info: outsports.com.

Western ASO hosts winter gala

HICKORY, N.C. — ALFA will hold its 19th Winter Gala on Dec. 4, 6 p.m., at Cafe Rule & Wine, 242 11th Ave. NE. The event features a pre-dinner cash bar cocktails, holiday music and a four-course dinner prepared by executive chef David Robbins and chef Rick Doherr. Guests will receive a special gift from Robert Abbey Lighting.

During the festivities, the Mitchell Gold+ Bob Williams Legacy Award will be presented to Dr. Wheaton J. Williams and Terry Dettling.

Williams is an infectious disease specialist with Catawba Valley Infectious Disease Consultants.

Dettling is a medical science liaison at Romark Laboratories, L.C. Tickets are $100 and are available online or by check via snailmail to ALFA, 1120 Fairgrove Church Rd., Suite 28, Hickory, NC 28602. info: alfainfo.org.

Media source has anniversary

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Gay Asheville NC has announced its fourth anniversary as Western North Carolina’s online connection resource for the LGBTQ community.

To mark the milestone, it has begun giving away sponsored prizes to a number of events, services and more. Visitors can enter to win: one month membership to Beer City Crossfit, dinner for two at Mellow Mushroom, VIP tickets to Cantaria Holiday Favorites concert, fees for the Asheville Friends cruise to Mexico, pet food by Fromm or Green Earth from Canine Shear Heaven, movie tickets, T-shirts and more. info: gayashevillenc.com.

Youth get new home

HICKORY, N.C.— OUTright Youth Center has obtained new space at 748 4th St. SW. Centrally located to interstates and highways, the center’s new home will make it easier for Catawba Valley youth to attend meetings and events there.

“With our own space, we are even more committed to removing barriers, building bridges, educating and cultivating awareness in the community and creating a safe and nonjudgmental space for LGBTQ young people and their allies,” the organization shared.

The center is undergoing remodeling and will furnish the space to empower youth so they can feel safe and accepted.

In other news, the center was featured in the North Carolina Community Foundation’s 2106 annual report, saying “…one nonprofit meeting a vital need in our state stands out as our unsung hero.”

To that end, the youth organization recently hosted The One Voice Project Anti-Bullying Tour at schools throughout the area, reaching over 4,500 students, educators and community leaders.

Additionally, OUTright Youth, along with Mitchell Gold of Faith in America, and Robert Hoffman, managing partner of Piedmont Counseling and Development Group are working to ensure mental health providers are

see News Notes on 8 Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016 qnotes 7

goqnotes.com/to/news

news

News Notes continued from page 7 following the code of ethics to which they are obligated when working with LGBTQ youth. info: outrightyouthcv.org.

South Carolina Port city hosts WAD observance

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Charleston Area World AIDS Day committee — composed of volunteers from Lowcountry AIDS Services and the Ryan White Wellness Center at Roper St. Francis Healthcare, and other local organizations — is planning several community events to encourage HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, education and overall awareness.

The public is invited to the Charleston Area World AIDS Day Community Awareness Candlelight Vigil on Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m., at the Unitarian Church, 4 Archdale St. A short reception, including refreshments and musical performances, will immediately follow the event.

Other events include HIV/AIDS testing at various sites, a film screening, presentations, art exhibits and more. info: bit.ly/2ewnPQ3. aids-services.com. rsfh. com/ryan-white-program.

Org changes name

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Takeover Grand Strand announced a name change to its organization in order to encompass all of the work and initiatives that have become part of its operation.

Grand Strand PRIDE celebrated it’s name change with a rainbow cake for desert.

Photo Credit: AtlasBear Photography.

Co-founders Terry Livingston and Steve Gamble shared the reasoning to this shift.

“The focus of our group has changed from a primarily social group to an organization that has many layers, including but not limited to social, business promotion and LGBT advocacy. Our previous name carried an air of negativity for some and we spent a good deal of time explaining that our name wasn’t meant to be negative, so rather than it continue to be a dividing factor, we have changed our name to reflect the true makeup of our group — Grand Strand PRIDE. Our tagline for PRIDE is

“People Respecting Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality.”

To usher in the name change, nearly 100 individuals attended a happy hour on Nov. 4 where rainbow cake and other refreshments were served.

On Nov. 8, the organization held a lunch and learn which covered the topic of facts company leaders need to know regarding transgender issues.

Grand Strand Pride will hold its holiday dinner party on Dec. 2 at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront at Surfside Beach, 1601 N. Ocean Blvd., in Surfside Beach, S.C. Advance reservations tickets are $30 which are required and are available online. Seating is limited, therefore only the first 100 to reserve a seat will be able to attend.

More information and upcoming events are available online. info: grandstrandpride.com.

Regional Non-profit center releases CEO report RALEIGH, N.C.— The North Carolina Center for Nonprofits released their new report, “Countdown to the Inevitable: North Carolina Nonprofit CEOs in Transition,” part of a multi-year, statewide initiative on executive succession and leadership development, to help non-profits and their leaders navigate executive transitions successfully.

High profile leaders across the state have retired, resigned or have had unplanned exits.

This has an impact on communities and the report and research was gathered to reflect accurate data of what the future holds for executive transitions and how non-profits are planning for them, the organization said.

During 2015, the center conducted confidential, statewide surveys of over 640 CEOs to learn about their career paths, their plans for their own executive transitions (whenever they occur), and their jobs and boards of directors.

Some key findings included: need for boards to embrace their governance responsibilities around succession planning and execute them in partnership with the CEO as a component of “sound risk management and effective planning;” importance of strong and engaged boards who work collaboratively with the CEO; and a non-profit’s staff to carry out its mission. Additionally, funders are essential to a non-profits’ success and ability to meet the needs of those they serve.

“This report shows us how critical it is that funders stay the course with non-profits that they’ve funded through periods of executive transition. Nonprofits are particularly vulnerable during this time. Everyone’s waiting to see who the new leader will be, but the work of the organization can’t be put on hold. This ‘wait-and-see’ attitude until a new leader is appointed puts funders’ investments at risk and can cause an unnecessary loss of momentum,” said Trisha Lester, the center’s acting president.

In addition, the study shows the need for North Carolina non-profits to reach out to a more diverse pool of individuals specifically around race, ethnicity and age to provide greater opportunities for executive leadership to grow and strengthen the state’s non-profit sector, the center remarked.

“The demographics in our state have changed greatly in the past few years, and non-profits need to reflect those changes in their executive leadership. The more diversity we have in our leaders, the healthier and more sustainable the sector will be over the long term,” said Barbara JessieBlack, center board chair. info: ncnonprofits.org.

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

8

qnotes

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

life, positively

Living Healthy with our annual

life, positively

issue

Presenting Sponsors

At Ballantyne Family Medicine, we are your family. Here you’ll find compassion for families and individuals in primary care, HIV, and behavioral health. Our mission is to provide complete patient care to ensure long-term treatment success for individuals and communities impacted by HIV. We are committed to providing a “safe place” for our clients. Our providers support, counsel and provide medical services for people transitioning genders. We offer pharmacogenetic testing for over 200 medications. With a simple cheek swab, we can determine how to break down medications so we know which medications you may or may not tolerate. We have same-day urgent care appointments available through our Rx Quick Care clinic for the flu, strep throat, urinary tract or bladder infections, and ear infections. We bring together a variety of patient care resources all under one roof. Medical care outcomes are enhanced by these collaborative partnerships. The philosophy behind our proposal is to provide outstanding medical care in a “one-stop shop” model to meet or even exceed the needs of the community.

Providing an integrated approach to patient care is the best way to ensure we meet all of our patient’s needs. We believe it’s the best way to care for people with complex health care needs.

We provide personalized, quality healthcare at two locations in the Charlotte area. Our primary building is located on East WT Harris Blvd. with easy access to public transportation with a bus stop in front of the building. Our second location is in the South Charlotte area off Johnston Rd. Our medical service providers include Richard Wynn, MD and J. Wesley Thompson PA-C, who

In the early 1990s RAIN volunteers brought end-of-life companionship and practical support to people dying with AIDS. They also worked to increase compassion during a time of fear and misunderstanding.

Fast forward to today where RAIN has emerged as a leading provider of medical case management, treatment adherence support and advocacy for early testing and the adoption of PrEP. RAIN staff members are widely known for their quality, personalized care in a nurturing environment. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Ford Foundation, Search for Common Ground and North Carolina HIV/STD Care Branch all honored RAIN’s achievements. Additionally, the organization’s work has been featured on the “CBS Evening News,” NC public television and in national HIV/AIDS magazines, HIV Plus, A and U and POZ. Access to mental health services is an unmet need for many people who live in the Charlotte area; access to mental health services by a practitioner with expertise in HIV is practically non-existent. To help alleviate this need, RAIN recently launched a counseling program that provides individual, couples, family and group therapy.

The counseling program augments the extraordinary care that is already provided by RAIN medical case management and youth staff, enhancing the potential that clients will successfully fulfill their personal goals. Led by Sarah Yum, our resident psychotherapist, the program has been enthusiastically embraced by participants. A Charlotte native, Sarah has a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and is a Licensed Marriage and Family

Ten years ago this past October, in 2006, Rosedale Infectious Diseases was formed out of necessity. The former Jemsek clinic was going in a new direction in infectious diseases and treating Lyme disease. Dr. Frederick Cruickshank had just come from Florida where he thought he was going to be an on-staff ID provider for HIV services at Jemsek. When the clinic took a different turn, many employees, including Dr. Cruickshank were finding themselves having to make some tough choices. How do they continue to work in the field they love and treat the patients that they had a passion to help?

Dr. Cruickshank reached out to two nurses, Linda Strand and Nancy Sutton, along with Dale Pierce and also a PA, Amy Kerchner and asked that if he could get the funding together would they like to open a new clinic and continue the mission.

At the time, many patients didn’t know the struggles behind the scenes it took in order to make Rosedale Infectious Diseases a reality. The group of five, along with a sixth employee (a research coordinator) sought out a modest building that had low rent and they went to work. Borrowed and used equipment and furniture filled the first office at Commerce Centre Dr. The patients knew that something was up, but they trusted in the knowledge and compassion of the team and followed them to their new home. “Many early days we wondered how to pay all the bills and still serve the patients,” said Pierce, then Practice manager. Pierce adds that one thing that never wavered was “Dr. Cruickshank’s level of care and compassion and fighting spirit to serve the HIV community in Charlotte.”

continued on page 20

continued on page 20

continued on page 20

Red Ribbon Sponsor When Different Roads Home started in a small office in Huntersville, N.C. in 2013 as a compliment to Rosedale Infectious Diseases, we never knew the path it would take. They say a lot is in a name, and for Different Roads Home that is so true. Dale Pierce, former practice manager at Rosedale Infectious Diseases, with the generous and unwavering support of Dr. Frederick Cruickshank, set out to start a non-profit that wasn’t duplicating services, but creating new opportunities to serve the HIV community of the greater Charlotte area.

The name Different Roads Home came from a book by Christian singer and author Janet Paschal. She wrote an award-winning book called “The Good Road.” In the book, she describes that we all take a different road home, places that can be all uphill or downhill, with twists and turns we may not expect. But there comes an impasse of the roads that is the same impasse of human condition where people just need help.

Different Roads Home sets out to do just that. Now in a new location in Charlotte, we offer a variety of supportive care services including an HIV support group called Positive Impact, a buddy and mentoring program, a Safe Space training ground for people of color, housing assistance, diversity training and disease prevention and education. Different Roads Home also houses the Jeanne White Ginder Food Pantry, where anyone with a chronic illness and a need can get assistance. The latest venture will be the opening over the holidays of an onsite computer lab for clients with access to printing and basic job skills training and resume building.

Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and on our website at differentroads home.org or call the office at 704-237-8793 for more information.

Supporting Sponsors

The North Carolina AIDS Action Network (NCAAN) improves the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS and affected communities through outreach and public education, policy advocacy, and community-building to increase visibility and mutual support of people living with HIV/AIDS throughout our state.

Since our founding in 2010, NCAAN has made a substantial contribution to the HIV/AIDS advocacy community in NC. One of our most significant achievements was the elimination of the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) waiting list and the restoration of a full formulary of covered medications in 2013.

As part of a coalition of advocacy groups we’ve twice (2013 and 2015) prevented a bill from passing the General Assembly that would have banned minors from receiving confidential sexual and mental health care. In 2016, we led a successful legislative campaign to secure premium assistance for ADAP, which will expand access to health insurance for thousands of low-income HIV+ individuals in North Carolina.

The PowerHouse Project is the health promotion and education component of Quality Home Care Services.

The program was created to address health disparities and inequities within communities of color who are marginalized due to race and sexual orientation.

PowerHouse offers a drop-in safe space to engage the community for social support, HIV prevention, linkage to HIV care and other supportive services.

The program is primarily funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement Mpowerment, an evidence-based behavioral intervention for gay and bisexual men and Sister-to-Sister for African-American women.

PowerHouse offers social support services created for and led by transgender women, and a program for heterosexual men through our community partnerships.

The PowerHouse Project also offers free and confidential HIV screening daily.

Feel free to visit the PowerHouse Project located 1420 Beatties Ford Road or visit PowerHouse Project on Facebook.

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

9

Pages 10-12 Omitted Intentionally

10

qnotes

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

Pages 10-12 Omitted Intentionally

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

11

Pages 10-12 Omitted Intentionally

12

qnotes

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

life, positively HIV/AIDS

Is AIDS Still Sexy?

Looking at the issues surrounding the importance of continued progress

by Christina Adeleke :: guest contributor Photo Credit: Nicholas Piccillo

S

ince 1988, December 1st has been designated World AIDS Day as an opportunity for people all over the world to be a part of the fight against HIV, provide support to those who are living with HIV and to honor and remember the people who have died as a result. Some people may decide to wear a red ribbon and change their social media profile for the day, but after December 1st, AIDS loses its novelty and the conversation switches to the next trending topic. Why is that? Why is AIDS “not sexy” all year round?

It is generally foreseeable for the media conversation to shift regularly among a range of issues that appeal to a variety of people. News outlets should definitely be mindful to cover a wide range of topics that vary in areas of interest that are of the utmost importance to society as a whole, which begs the question: Is AIDS not important?

To be elevated to a “level of importance,” a topic should reasonably affect a substantial amount of people and have the ability to make a serious impact on your life. If you were to browse the news for “important issues” lately, what would you find? The next Iphone release date? Beyoncé’ sneezed? Yet globally, it is estimated that 34 million people have HIV and AIDS. Despite the virus being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS since then, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. How is that fact alone NOT important?

With HIV/AIDS still being an important issue that affects many people, why isn’t there consistent conversation all year round? While the education surrounding HIV/AIDS has expanded by leaps and bounds, the work cannot end there. Keeping the conversation going is a crucial part of ending the HIV/ AIDS pandemic once and for all. People know that HIV is a serious disease that can lead to death if not treated, but what most people do not know is that being HIV-positive is not a death sentence, which is often the assumption.

see Is AIDS on 28

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

13

life, positively HIV/AIDS in the South

Six from Charlotte make top 100 list POZ magazine also names 17 others from across the Carolinas compiled by qnotes staff and guest contributors

T

he award-winning online and print resource, POZ magazine — for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, has published “The POZ 100 List” for this year. The list celebrates people who work within the HIV/ AIDS community.

The list recognizes six people from Charlotte, 11 from other areas of North Carolina and six people from South Carolina. This year’s list focused on the South. The 16 states and the District of Columbia comprise 44 percent of Americans living with HIV with only 37 percent of the U.S. population. Charlotte and Greensboro are on a CDC list for areas with the highest rates of new HIV infection.

The full “POZ 100” list can be found online at POZ.com and in their December print magazine.

In celebration, Charlotte mayor Jennifer Roberts proclaimed Nov. 14 as POZ 100 Day and announced the names from the city who were included on the list. They are…

Rev. Debbie Warren More than any other individual, Debbie Warren has shaped the Charlotte

14

qnotes

community’s response to the challenges of HIV. Her vision for RAIN struck a chord in the region as she helped people with HIV receive practical, emotional and spiritual support. RAIN has emerged as a leading provider of medical case management, treatment-adherence support and advocacy for early testing and the adoption of PrEP. Through AIDS Walk Charlotte, Gay Bingo and other public activities RAIN has sustained community awareness of HIV, provided practical means for support, and increased acceptance of the LGBTQ community. Her success in Charlotte has made her a powerful advocate in North Carolina. She is a founding member of the North Carolina AIDS Action Network — ncaan.org — and has spoken at numerous regional and national conferences.

Through all the changes in the world of HIV, Warren has been a constant presence. Starting as a one-woman agency, Debbie educated congregations, recruited, trained and managed volunteers, did client intake, provided spiritual counseling, and performed funerals.

All of these activities changed the community’s conversation around HIV — replacing fear and distrust with understanding and acceptance.

She led the development of an effective board of directors, secured resources to support professional staff to meet client needs and

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

shepherded RAIN through difficult times. As treatment increased and life expectancy grew, Warren has helped clients and volunteers to successfully navigate the changing needs, adopting new models of care and forming new partnerships. In all this, she has sustained a well-earned reputation for the quality of RAIN’s services and the competency and compassion of the staff.

The work of Warren, RAIN, its staff and volunteers have been recognized by the Ford Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Bank of America and the Search for Common Ground as well as numerous local and North Carolina awards.

Visit carolinarain.org to learn more.

Chelsea Gulden White White’s ability to influence others is rooted in her personal experience of being HIVpositive, diagnosed

while a college student. Achieving her goals of managing her own health, White wanted to share her talents with other young people facing the same challenges. She created the Empowering Positive Youth (EPY) program at Metrolina AIDS Project (MAP) for clients ages 13-24, building the first youth-centric program in North Carolina. Responsive to their needs, White provided counseling, led support groups and helped clients take their own leadership roles in the community.

When MAP closed in 2009, White faced a huge challenge — how to save the only youth program in the state, with no funding, in the midst of the recession. RAIN’s CEO Debbie Warren recognized the value of EPY and offered office space, IT, assistance with food and

life, positively other services. EPY clients began to make their way to RAIN, and Chelsea worked without pay until funding could be secured.

Today the program is stronger than ever, has a loyal following and serves 90 or more HIV-positive youth each year. Many young adults call RAIN their second home for helping them overcome significant traumas, set goals, achieve and sustain their health.

Chelsea estimates the program has served 800 teens and young adults, many of whom have overcome an addiction, earn diplomas and degrees, and transition into a fulfilling adult life.

In recent years, her leadership role enlarged as she became the Director of Programs at RAIN. Alarmed by the rates of HIV among young men of color, she worked with several local physicians to create a comprehensive PrEP program, ensuring that low income North Carolinians have access to PrEP. Jaysen ForemanMcMaster As a peer navigator and Affordable Care Act (ACA) counselor ForemanMcMaster works with 90-100 HIVpositive young men and women between the ages of 13 and 25 who face many challenges, including trauma, homelessness and stigma.

After the passage of ACA, ForemanMcMaster took the initiative to research and become an expert on health exchanges and insurance plans that best serve people living with HIV. Every year, he contacts HIV specialists in our region to understand what plans they accept so he can best advise people living with HIV in need of health insurance. He has become the unofficial “ACA Expert” for ASOs in the entire region. He understands how complicated and confusing accessing insurance is for many people living with HIV and compassionately helps each one with a calm and caring demeanor.

Last year he personally enrolled 103 people living with HIV! Robert Olmo Roberto Olmo began his work at RAIN as an Outreach and Prevention Specialist. Olmo targeted underserved communities in Charlotte (Black, Latino, LGBTQ+, women) and provided education on: HIV/STI prevention; healthy living with HIV; eligibility for Medicare/Medicaid/Affordable Care Act. Olmo began receiving calls from individuals needing emergency access to PEP, post-exposure prophylaxis, and was able to help people who may have been exposed to HIV access PEP — helping them remain HIV-negative.

When TRUVADA became available on the market for use as PrEP, pre-exposure prophylaxis, Olmo started linking individuals at high risk for HIV to PrEP. He fought and searched for providers willing to see uninsured patients for free or at reasonable costs.

Roberto also serves as an EPY Peer Navigator where he provides psycho-social support services for youth living with HIV ages 12 to 24.

J. Wesley Thompson J. Wesley Thompson, PA-C, AAHIVS, DFAAPA, is the visionary medical director and co-owner of Ballantyne Family Medicine, known as “BFM”, in Charlotte, N.C. He has practiced medicine for almost 30 years and has provided both primary and specialized care to the HIV/AIDS population.

Thompson has long-held the goal of creating a one-stop-shop for HIV/AIDS care in Charlotte, the largest U.S. city without one.

BFM has only been in place since December 2015, but the groundwork for a one-stop-shop has been in the making for nearly 20 years!

This one-stop-shop offers, under the same roof, comprehensive medical care and supportive services for persons living with HIV/AIDS. These services include comprehensive HIV care, an on-site pharmacy with clinical pharmacists, general healthcare, case management, substance abuse, mental health services and help with other fundamental human needs such as food, housing, and transportation.

Thompson was the first PA to be a certified HIV Specialist in N.C. and one of the first to be certified in the U.S. He has co-investigated in more than 60 clinical trials for the treatment of HIV. He is an adjunct professor at Wingate University and has served as preceptor for the PA Programs at Duke University, Wake Forest University and Wingate University. Additionally, he has served as preceptor for nurse practitioner programs at Winston-Salem State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and others. Thompson also serves with the new Duke University HIV/AIDS Specialty Program for Nurse Practitioners as a clinical site. As is surely clear, Thompson is committed to ongoing HIV education of students. Many of his students have gone on to pursue careers in HIV/AIDS. Formal education is not the only way Thompson is committed to serving and educating both students and the community at large.

He currently serves on the provider committee of the North Carolina AIDS Drug Assistance Program, sits on the board of CarolinasCare ASO, and is on the national board of directors of the American Academy of HIV Medicine and is co-chair of the Southeast Chapter. He is also on the board of directors for the North Carolina AIDS Action Network and is a member of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health and a member of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association. He has recently become involved with the NC AIDS Training and Education Center in establishing the PreExposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Provider Network which connects patients throughout North Carolina with PrEP prescribers. Previously, Wesley has served many other organizations.

To learn more, visit jwesleythompson.com and ballantynefamilymedicine.com.

Darrin K. Johnson Darrin K. Johnson is from Charlotte, N.C. He is currently the project director for The Online Safe Space Initiative, a

see POZ on 26 Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

15

life, positively HIV/AIDS Healthcare

Living a long, healthy life as an HIV+ person has never been more possible than now HIV prevention efforts also take a giant leap forward, in the Carolinas and worldwide

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

L

iving a long, healthy life as an HIV-positive person, once a fairytale, is now a reality, and one that continues to draw strength as advancements in medicine and awareness grow.

Antiretroviral therapy and making the correct lifestyle choices are the two main factors in prolonging one’s life and living well.

“The key to living healthy is understanding and accepting your diagnosis,” says Dale Pierce, president of Different Roads Home, a Charlotte-based non-profit working with those suffering from chronic illnesses. “HIV is not a death sentence anymore. You need to get into a good infectious disease specialist and work together to gain a regimen of medication that works best for your lifestyle together with your physician. Not everything works for everyone, but there are choices today so understand them and pick what will work best for your lifestyle.”

“The largest impact is having hope and a sense of relief to know that HIV is not going to be what kills an individual living with HIV as long as the choice is made to be adherent to antiretroviral therapy,” says Roberto Olmo Bermudez, a youth peer navigator and PrEP

16

qnotes

counselor with RAIN, a Charlotte-based HIV non-profit.

According to a study presented earlier this year at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections comparing life expectancies of HIV-positive and HIV-negative people, while life expectancy in HIV-positive people has improved, there remains a 13-year gap between those infected and not infected with the virus.

Lifestyle choices were the largest determining factor in closing the gap.

Starting antiretroviral therapy early, not having hepatitis B or C, and not abusing drugs and alcohol all raised life expectancy. Smoking was the biggest difference, meaning those with HIV can improve their situation dramatically simply by quitting the habit. HIV-positive people who had never smoked had a life expectancy of just over five years lower than HIV-negative people.

“People with HIV are living longer, so they need to take better overall care of their health,” Pierce advises. “Get into an exercise ritual, Healthy eating has been shown to improve one’s well being, especially those with HIV/AIDS Photo Credit: nyul via Adobe Stock

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

see Healthy on 24

life, positively Wellness Watch

Knowing one’s status now made easier Free HIV testing locations dot the Carolinas

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

O

nly around half of all Americans have ever been tested for HIV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a survey by The Washington Post and The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.

The CDC believes that around 13 percent of those infected with HIV are unaware of their status and that of the thousands of new cases each year, many are likely transmitted by those who do not know they are HIV-positive.

In addition to preventing transmission, testing is important so that those who test positive can begin seeking treatment as soon as possible.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services expanded HIV testing coverage in April of last year, approving a once-a year voluntary screening for those aged 15-65, as well as those under 15 and over 65 if they are deemed at increased risk for contracting HIV. HIV testing can also be obtained free of charge in many locations. Some also offer testing for other STDs as well as vaccines for hepatitis and HPV. Call for information on days, times and for information on all the services they offer. You can also visit gettested.cdc.gov to search for more testing sites in your area.

Quality Home Care Services Inc. 3552 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte 704-394-8968 qhcsnc.org.

122 N. Elm St., Ste. 1000, Greensboro 336-617-7722 niacacinc.org.

Urban Ministry Center 945 N. College St., Charlotte 704-347-0278 urbanministrycenter.org.

Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency 1102 E.Market St., Greensboro 336-274-1507 piedmonthealthservices.org.

North Carolina

Chapel Hill

Gateway Campus, Hargett 554 E. Hargett St., Raleigh 919-250-3950 gatewaycampus.org.

Charlotte

Orange County Health Department 2501 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill 919-968-2022 orangecountync.gov/health.

Gateway Campus, Hillsborough 1306 Hillsborough St., Raleigh 919-250-3950 gatewaycampus.org.

Durham

Gateway Campus, Idlewood 3300 Idlewood Village Dr., Raleigh 919-250-3950 gatewaycampus.org.

Carolinas Care Partnership 7510 E. Independence Blvd., Ste. 105, Charlotte 704-531-2467 carolinascare.org.

Asheville Buncombe County Department of Health 40 Coxe Ave., Asheville 828-250-5000 buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/health.

Western North Carolina AIDS Project 554 Fairview Rd., Asheville 828-252-7489 wncap.org.

Carrboro Student Health Action Coalition 301 Lloyd St., Carrboro 919-843-6841 med.unc.edu/shac.

CMC-NorthPark Family Medicine 251 Eastway Dr., Charlotte 704-446-991 carolinashealthcare.org.

CAARE Incorporated 214 Broadway St., Durham 919-683-5300 caareinc.org.

Lake Norman Free Clinic 14230 Hunters Rd., Huntersville 704-316-6611 lnchc.org.

Durham County Health Department 414 E. Main St., Durham 919-560-7600 dconc.gov/publichealth.

Mecklenburg County Health Department Southeast Campus 249 Billingsley Rd., Charlotte 704-336-4700 charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ HealthDepartment/ClinicServices.

Samaritan Health Clinic 507 E. Knox St., Durham 919-407-8223 samaritanhealthcenter.org.

Triangle Empowerment Center Incorporated 800 N. Magnum St., Ste. 204 A and B, Durham 919-423-8902 std-clinics.healthgrove.com/l/17642/TriangleEmpowerment-Center.

Mecklenburg County Health Department Northwest Campus 2845 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte 704-336-4700 charmeck.org/ mecklenburg/county/HealthDepartment/ ClinicServices.

Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) 601 E. 5th St., Ste. 470, Charlotte 704-372-7246 carolinarain.org.

Rosedale Medical 103 Commerce Centre Dr., #103, Huntersville 704-948-8582 rosedaleid.com.

Greensboro Alcohol and Drug Services 301 E. Washington St., Ste. 101, Greensboro 336-333-6860 adyes.org/locations.

Guilford County Health Department 1100 E. Wendover Ave., Greensboro 336-641-3245 myguilford.com/humanservices/health.

Nia Community Action Center Self Help Building

Triad Health Project 801 Summit Ave., Greensboro 336-275-1654 triadhealthproject.com.

Raleigh Alliance of AIDS Services Carolina 1637 Old Louisberg Rd., Raleigh 919-834-2437 aas-c.org.

LGBT Center of Raleigh 324 S. Harrington St., Raleigh 919-832-4484 lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

My Goal Our Mission 208 Forrest Hills Dr., Garner 888-592-0229 Urban Ministries of Wake County Open Door Clinic 1390 Capital Blvd., Raleigh 919-832-0820 urbanmin.org.

Wake County Human Services Division of Public Health and Clinics 10 Sunnybrook Rd., Clinic A and Clinic E, Raleigh 919-250-4510 wakegov.com/humanservices.

Photo Credit: Sherry Young via Adobe Stock

Your Choice Pregnancy 1701 Jones Franklin Rd., Raleigh 919-250-3950 yourchoicepregnancyclinic.com.

Winston-Salem Forsyth County Department of Public Health 799 N. Highland Ave., Winston-Salem 336-703-3213 co.forsyth.nc.us/publichealth.

Nia Community Action Center Incorporated 1001 S. Marshall St., Ste. 238A, Winston-Salem 336-293-8408 niacacinc.org.

South Carolina Charleston Lowcounty AIDS Services 3547 Meeting Street Rd., Charleston 843-747-2273 aids-services.com.

Columbia Acercamiento Hispano de Carolina del Sur 87 Wild Wood Ave., Columbia 803-419-5112 schispanicoutreach.org.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation AHF Columbia Grace Medical Group 3052 Farrow Rd., Columbia 803-933-0288 aidshealth.org.

Eau Claire Cooperative Health Center 1228 Harden St., Columbia 803-705-3168 ecchc.org.

Wake County Human Services Millbrook Human Services Center 2809 E. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh 919-250-3950

Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services of South Carolina 2638 Two Notch Rd., Ste. 108, Columbia 803-779-7257 palss.org.

Womens Center of Wake County Incorporated 112 Cox Ave., Raleigh 919-829-3711 wcw.org.

South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council 1518 Pickens St., Columbia 803-254-6644 schivaidscouncil.org.

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

17

life, positively HIV/AIDS Resources

AIDS service organizations and agencies throughout the Carolinas Assistance provides a lifeline to increase quality of life for those affected by HIV/AIDS

by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff [Ed. Note: qnotes has prepared this comprehensive list of ASOs, etc., for our readers. To that extent, organizations and agencies may have been omitted. If readers will email editor@goqnotes. com with other listings (must have full name, address, phone number and website), qnotes will be happy to add them to the compilation. List accuracy and integrity is vital. Please report any errors or changes that need to be made.]

The Carolinas has a variety of community organizations, resources and services for those living with HIV/AIDS or those seeking to get involved in HIV/AIDS prevention, education and advocacy.

Asheville Western North Carolina AIDS Project 554 Fairview Rd., Asheville, NC 28803 828-252-7489 wncap.org.

Established in 1986.

WNCAP provides case management, prevention and education programs, outreach, HIV testing and other services throughout Western North Carolina. In addition to its main office in Asheville, the group also has offices and a presence in Hendersonville, Shelby and Sylva.

Charlotte Ballantyne Family Medicine 6010 East W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28215 16147 Lancaster Hwy., Suite 140, Charlotte, NC 28277 704-208-4134 ballantynefamilymedicine.com.

Established in 2015.

18

qnotes

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

Ballantyne Family Medicine provides fullservice, primary care medical treatment, as well as HIV/AIDS managed care under the direction of Dr. Richard Wynn, J. Wesley Thompson, MHS, PA, AAHIVS, DFAAPA and Kristi Dougan, nurse practitioner. The practice also has an onsite pharmacy operating under the umbrella of Rx Clinic Pharmacy with Oliva Bently, PharmD, CFts, AAHIVP as the director of clinical pharmacy services, provides free/confidential HIV testing, case management and prescribes HIV/AIDS medications. Its offices are open to the community as a part of their collaborative efforts to provide care and access to agencies and services outside their doors.

Carolinas Care Partnership 5855 Executive Center Dr., Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28212 704-531-2467 carolinascare.org.

Established in 1990 as Regional HIV/AIDS Consortium.

Carolinas CARE Partnership provides free HIV/STD testing and counseling, housing assistance, peer training, case management and other services, prevention and education. Carolinas CARE Partnership also houses the popular D-UP program, a peer education outreach effort among young men of color who have sex with men.

Different Roads Home 2320 N. Davidson St., Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28205 704-237-8793 differentroadshome.org.

Established in 2012.

Different Roads Home is a non-profit organiza-

tion serving individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer and children’s chronic illnesses. Services include support and social programs, a food pantry, testing initiatives and more.

House of Mercy P.O. Box 808 (304 McAuley Cir.), Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-4711 (administration) 704-825-3000 (residence) thehouseofmercy.org.

Established in 1991.

House of Mercy provides housing and compassionate care for persons living with AIDS. In addition to room and board, House of Mercy coordinates medical care and therapies plus a variety of supplemental services to enhance the physical, emotional and spiritual lives of their residents.

Mecklenburg County Department of Health 249 Billingsley Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211 704-336-6500 704-432-TEST (8378) charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ HealthDepartment/CDControl/ HIVSTDSurveillance/Pages/HIVSTD%20 Services.aspx Provides testing, case management, awareness, education and other services at various locations, events and times throughout the county and year.

The PowerHouse Project 1420 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte, NC 28216 704-626-6680 powerhousecharlotte.org. facebook.com/ThePowerhouseProject/.

Established in 2005 under Quality Home Care Services umbrella.

The Power House Project is a drop-in center and safe space for Black and Latino gay or bisexual men or men who have sex with men. The group offers a computer lab, weekly empowerment programs and workshops, retreats for men over 25 years old, social events, monthly discussion groups for men 18-29 years old and free and confidential HIV testing, which is always available during hours of operation.

The PowerHouse Project is a program of Quality Home Care Services.

life, positively Quality Home Care Services 3552 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte, NC 28216 704-394-8968 qhcsnc.org.

Established in 1992.

Quality Home Care Services provides a variety of services for those living with HIV including case management, HIV/AIDS prevention programs and testing, substance abuse treatment, community-based rehabilitation services for those with mental development disabilities and other services.

Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 601 E. 5th Street, Suite 470, Charlotte, NC 28202 704-372-7246 carolinarain.org.

Established in 1992.

RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network), founded in 1992, engages the community to transform lives and promote respect and dignity for all people touched by HIV through compassionate care, education and leadership development. Services include CARE Management, Peer2Peer support and outreach, support groups for youth, faith-based training, chaplain services and caring volunteers who provide practical support to persons living with HIV and AIDS. RAIN also provides HIV awareness and prevention education programs to thousands of people each year and is the only HIV non-profit in the Charlotte metropolitan area providing direct client services.

Rosedale Medical 103 Commerce Centre Dr., Suite 103, Huntersville, NC 28078 704-948-8582 rosedaleid.com.

Established in 2006.

Rosedale Medical, formerly Rosedale Infectious Diseases, is a full-service HIV/infectious diseases clinic that offers a variety of medical services. Staff, under the direction of Dr. Frederick Cruickshank, work closely with medical case management organizations, engages in clinical trials, among other services. It houses an in-house Walgreen’s Specialty Pharmacy to support the needs of its clients and patients.

Eastern PiCASO (Pitt County AIDS Service Organization) 1528 S. Evans St., Suite C-2, Greenville, NC 27834 252-830-1660 picaso.org.

Established in 1991.

Starting as a grassroots organization focused on supporting those living with HIV/AIDS, providing buddy programs, nutritional support and healthcare advocacy, the agency changed over the years to a case-management-focused agency working with long-term client support.

Currently, the group provides HIV testing, education and advocacy and emergency funding for those living with HIV/AIDS. Triad Positive Wellness Alliance 400 E. Center St., Lexington, NC 27292 336-248-4646 1001 Marshall St. SW, #L7, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336-722-0976 positivewellnessalliance.org.

Established in 1992.

Positive Wellness Alliance is a communitybased organization that provides medical case management, financial assistance, life skills management classes, support groups and housing assistance. It serves Davidson, Forsyth, Yadkin, Rowan, Iredell and Davie Counties.

AIDS Care Service 995 W. Northwest Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336-777-0208 aidscareservice.org.

Established in 1991.

AIDS Care Service provides housing, food pantry services, client services, Ryan White HIV case management and a variety of support services for Latino and people of color clients.

Triad Health Project 801 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27406 336-275-1654 620 W. English Rd., High Point, NC 27261 336-884-4116 triadhealthproject.com.

Established in 1986.

Triad Health Project provides case management and other client support services, HIV testing and prevention outreach, medical, social service and legal referrals, food pantry and nutritional resources and education, support groups and education, art and exercise programs.

Triangle Alliance of AIDS Services – Carolina 1637 Old Louisburg Rd., Raleigh, NC 27604 919-834-2437 aas-c.org.

Established in 1999.

Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina provides case management, HIV/STD testing and counseling, emergency assistance for rent and utilities, transportation assistance, housing information and referrals, mental health, substance abuse or support group resources, referrals and programs.

CAARE (Case Management of AIDS and Addiction Through Resources and Education) 214 Broadway St., Durham, NC, 27701 919-683-5300 caare-inc.org.

Established in 1995.

CAARE is a grassroots non-profit organization that promotes a holistic and community approach to health. CAARE provides a wide variety of services that help treat not only the medical roots of chronic diseases, but also the social and human factors that contribute to these health deficits. CAARE seeks to address disparities in health care access, and over the past 17 years has created a community devoted to helping people make all parts of their lives healthier.

Coastal New Hanover Regional Medical Center 2131 S. 17th St., Wilmington, NC 28401 910-662-9300 nhrmc.org/services/hiv-aids.

Estab lished in 1967.

New Hanover Regional Medical Center provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages and throughout each stage of HIV, from acute HIV to latency to AIDS. Satellite clinics are in Whiteville, N.C., Jacksonville, N.C. and Burgaw, N.C. Western ALFA 1120 Fairgrove Church Rd. S.E., Suite 28, Hickory, NC 28602 828-322-1447 alfainfo.org.

Established in 1987.

ALFA, formerly known as AIDS Leadership Foothills Area-Alliance, has provided supportive services to those infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS since 1987. ALFA currently provides

see ASOs on 20 Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

19

life, positively Presenting sponsors continued from page 9 Ballantyne Family Medicine have provided more than 50 years of primary care and 30 years of HIV care. They are both recognized as providing excellent primary care and HIV care in the community.

Our medical services are provided with collaborative partners to provide a “One-Stop Shop” that has an onsite pharmacy with home delivery and mail order options, onsite lab services, housing assistance, case management, peer support services, patient education ses-

sions, and mental health/substance abuse services. We have providers and staff that speak multiple languages such as English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and American Sign Language.

Our onsite-pharmacy accepts all insurance and provides competitive cash pricing. Ballantyne Family Medicine has scholarship programs which will cover your copays for medications used for smoking cessation, weight loss, and more programs are coming soon.

RAIN Therapist (LMFT). She specializes in treating HIV, trauma related mental health disorders such as PTSD, and substance abuse issues.

RAIN is one of five organizations in the U.S. providing a comprehensive PrEP program.

Navigators conduct risk assessments, financial screening, and link individuals to providers identified as PrEP prescribers. Referrals are made to assist with the costs of the medication.

Empowering Positive Youth (EPY) is a comprehensive approach to serving HIV positive adolescents and young adults (ages 13-24) in the Charlotte area. Youth and young adults enrolled in the program have access to Peer Navigators, who work to decrease the youth’s isolation and stigma through healthy relationships and extended peer networks. Peer Navigation also includes monitoring of medical treatment, compliance, peer counseling and training on how to access

services directly related to medical outcomes.

Clients may choose to access additional program services such as: support groups; empowerment conferences; educational trainings; drop-in individual counseling; nutritional education; and community involvement.

RAIN is a key partner with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Enlaces Por La Salud, a SPNS (Special Project of National Significance) funded through HRSA to link and re-engage Latino men and transgendered women in medical care.

RAIN will recognize World AIDS Day with a luncheon at Marriot City Center on Dec. 1.

Planning is underway for 25th anniversary celebrations in 2017. If you need services or if you’d like to be involved in any events, including the 2017 AIDS Walk or Gay Bingo, please visit RAIN’s website carolinarain.org or call 704-372-7246.

Rosedale Medical Fast forward 10 years and Rosedale Infectious Diseases is now Rosedale Medical.

The practice has grown tenfold in physical space and now has over 25 full time employees.

Not only still serving the HIV community, they now reach across the aisles to serve general medicine care to the entire LGBTQ community and the public as a whole. Research studies are conducted here on a national and international level, there is an on-site laboratory, nutritional services, mental health counseling, benefit advocates, and a skilled and compassionate medical staff. In addition, this summer, the site opened its doors to house an on-site Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy, one of the only models of its kind in the nation.

The level of commitment doesn’t stop there. In 2012, Dr. Cruickshank helped Dale Pierce form Different Roads Home, a nonprofit

that offers supportive care services to those suffering from chronic illness. The nonprofit, now at its own location in Charlotte, compliments the work Cruickshank has prided himself on with the level of compassionate care they offer. Together, and with great help and support from Cruickshank and Rosedale, Different Roads Home is now thriving in its own right. Currently with two other medical providers on staff, it is allowing Dr. Cruickshank to travel back and forth to Grenada where he is helping the minister of health develop a more robust HIV/AIDS program, in terms of care and prevention.

We don’t know what the future holds, but we know that with the passion and commitment of Dr. Frederick Cruickshank and his staff, we do know that the future is bright! Visit them on Facebook or at rosedaleid.com.

ASOs continued from page19 supportive and medical case management, prevention education, and outreach to an eight county service area. ALFA’s service area consists of Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Watauga, and Wilkes counties.

abuse services, housing stabilization and sustainability and advocacy, plus education.

The ACCESS Network serves Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. It has a satellite office in Hampton, S.C.

South Carolina

Affinity Health Care 500 Lakeshore Pky., Rock Hill, SC 29730 803-909-6363 affinityhealthcenter.org.

Affinity Health Care, formerly known as Catawba Health Care, provides primary care and specialist referrals, nutritional counseling, counseling and mental health, dental care, case

ACCESS 5710 N. Okatie Hwy.,Suite B, Ridgeland, SC 29936 843-379-5600 theaccess-network.org.

Established in 1987.

ACCESS focuses on providing assistive services including long-term medical care and treatment, supportive mental health, substance

20

qnotes

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

see ASOs on 30

++++++++ Sponsored Content ++++++++

from the Rx pad……

by Rx Clinic Pharmacy, a comprehensive onsite service of Ballantyne Family Medicine

Shots? Vaccines? Vaccinations? Immunizations?

What are they and what do I need?

Understanding the difference between vaccines, vaccinations, and immunizations can be tricky. Below is an easy guide that explains how these terms are used: A vaccine is a product that produces immunity from a disease and can be administered through needle injections, by mouth, or by aerosol.

A vaccination is the injection of a killed or weakened organism that produces immunity in the body against that organism.

An immunization is the process by which a person or animal becomes protected from a disease. Vaccines cause immunization, and there are also some diseases that cause immunization after an individual recovers from the disease.

Vaccines are safe and have saved many lives. Many diseases have all but been eliminated through childhood and adult vaccines. Most childhood vaccines are regulated and required for school attendance, so here is a list of those recommended for 19-years-old and up.

Adult recommendation for the general population: • Influenza — annually.

• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis — once and then switch to tetanus and diphtheria every 10 years.

• Human papilloma virus — 3 doses over a 6-month period.

• Measles, mumps, and rubella — 1 booster shot after 19 years of age.

• Pneumovax — 2 doses as an adult separated by 3 – 5 years.

• Prevnar — once after 65.

• Hepatitis A & B — 3 doses over a 6-month period.

• Shingles shot — 2 doses over a 2-month period after 50 years old.

There are additional recommendations for those who did not receive all their childhood immunizations and for certain medical, occupational and lifestyle situations.

Vaccine myths: Myth 1: Better hygiene and sanitation will make diseases disappear — vaccines are not necessary. FALSE The diseases we can vaccinate against will return if we stop vaccination programs.

Myth 2: Vaccines have several damaging and long-term side-effects that are yet unknown. Vaccination can even be fatal. FALSE Most vaccine reactions are usually minor and temporary, such as a sore arm or mild fever. Serious health events are extremely rare and are carefully monitored and investigated. You are far more likely to be seriously injured by a vaccine-preventable disease than by a vaccine.

Myth 3: Vaccine-preventable diseases are almost eradicated in my country, so there is no reason to be vaccinated. FALSE Although vaccine preventable diseases have become

uncommon in many countries, the infectious agents that cause them continue to circulate in some parts of the world. In a highly inter-connected world, these agents can cross geographical borders and infect anyone who is not protected.

Myth 4: Getting more than one vaccine at a time can increase the risk of harmful side-effects, which can overload the immune system. FALSE Scientific evidence shows that giving several vaccines at the same time has no adverse effect on the immune system. Patients are exposed to several hundred foreign substances that trigger an immune response every day.

Myth 5: Influenza is just a nuisance, and the vaccine isn’t very effective. FALSE Influenza is much more than a nuisance. It is a serious disease that kills 300,000-500,000 people worldwide every year.

Myth 6: Vaccines contain mercury which is dangerous. FALSE Thiomersal is an organic, mercury-containing compound added to some vaccines as a preservative. It is the most widely-used preservative for vaccines that are provided in multi-dose vials. There is no evidence to suggest that the amount of thiomersal used in vaccines poses a health risk.

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

21

life, positively Health Beat

24 effects of HIV on the body Looking at how virus attacks the anatomical systems

by Ann Pietrangelo, Healthline.com :: guest contributor

Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, M.D., MBA

T

he human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seeks and destroys CD4+ cells, a type of T lymphocyte (T cell). T cells are critical to the immune system. They’re responsible for warding off diseases and most infections, including viral infections.

HIV targets the type of cells that would normally fight off an invader like HIV. As the virus replicates, it damages or destroys the infected CD4+ cell and produces more virus to infect more CD4+ cells. Without treatment, this cycle continues in most infected people until the immune system is badly compromised, leaving them open to many serious infections and illnesses. Many of the illnesses that people with compromised immune systems get are rare in people with functioning immune systems.

How quickly the virus progresses varies from person to person. Factors like your age, overall health, and how quickly you’re diagnosed and treated can make a difference.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of HIV. At this stage, the immune system is severely weakened, and the risk of contracting opportunistic infections is much greater. Not everyone with HIV will go on to develop AIDS. Importantly, many of the effects described

22

qnotes

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

here are related to the failure of the immune system in progressing HIV and AIDS. Many of these effects are preventable with early antiretroviral treatment, which can preserve the immune system. However, for anyone without access to effective antiretroviral treatment, these effects remain possible.

Immune System Your immune system prevents your body from acquiring the diseases and infections that come your way. White blood cells defend you against viruses, bacteria, and other organisms that can make you sick.

When HIV enters the body, it goes straight for the CD4+ T cells that are a lynchpin for the operation of the entire immune system. As the virus infects and kills more of these T cells, your immune system grows weaker, and you become more susceptible to illness.

Early on, symptoms may be mild enough to be dismissed. Within a few months of becoming infected, most people experience a flu-like sickness that lasts a few weeks. Symptoms may include: • muscle aches • fever • joint pain • chills • sore throat • night sweats • rash • diarrhea • headache • swollen lymph glands • mouth or genital ulcers The first stage of HIV is called the acute infection stage. The virus reproduces rapidly at this stage. You may not have much in the way of serious symptoms, but there are usually large quantities of virus in your blood.

Many people are unaware of their HIV status at this point, but the risk of transmission during the acute infection stage is very high.

Acute infection may cause flu-like symptoms, including decreased appetite, headache, night sweats, and others.

The next stage is called the clinical latent infection state. On average, it lasts 8 to 10 years.

In some cases, it lasts much longer than that. You may or may not have symptoms during this stage.

As the virus advances, CD4 count decreases more drastically. This can lead to symptoms like:

• • • •

fatigue • swollen lymph shortness of breath nodes cough • weight loss fever • diarrhea If HIV infection advances to AIDS, the body becomes prone to opportunistic infections. People with advanced HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of a number of infections, including a herpes virus called cytomegalovirus. It can cause problems with your eyes, lungs, and digestive tract.

Kaposi’s sarcoma, another possible infection, is a cancer of the blood vessel walls.

It’s rare among the general population, but common in people who are HIV-positive.

Symptoms include red or dark purple lesions on the mouth and skin. It can also cause problems in the lungs, digestive tract, and other internal organs.

HIV/AIDS also puts you at higher risk of developing lymphomas. An early sign of lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes.

Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems HIV increases the risk of colds, influenza, and pneumonias. According to the American Lung Association, HIV/AIDS can lead to opportunistic lung diseases. Without preventive treatment, people with advanced HIV are susceptible to tuberculosis, pneumonia, and a disease called pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). PCP causes trouble breathing, cough, and fever.

HIV raises the risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a type of high blood pressure in the arteries that supply the lungs. It puts added strain on the heart.

If you have HIV and have become immunocompromised (have a low T cell count), you’re susceptible to tuberculosis (TB), a leading cause of death in people who have AIDS. TB is an airborne bacterium that affects the lungs. Symptoms include chest pain and a bad cough that may contain blood or phlegm. Symptoms can linger for months.

see next page u

life, positively Digestive System A common HIV-related infection is called candidiasis. Symptoms include inflammation of and a white film on the tongue. It can also cause inflammation of the esophagus, which can make it difficult to eat. Another viral infection that affects the mouth is oral hairy leukoplakia, which causes white lesions on the tongue.

Salmonella infection is spread through contaminated food or water and causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Anyone can get it, but if you have HIV, you’re at higher risk of serious complications from this infection.

Consuming contaminated food or water can also result in a parasitic intestinal infection called cryptosporidiosis. It affects the bile ducts and intestines. It can be particularly severe and cause chronic diarrhea in people who have AIDS. Cryptosporidiosis infection can occur in people with effective immune systems, but it can become a chronic problem in people with CD4 levels under 200.

HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is when the filters in your kidneys become inflamed, making it harder to remove waste products from your bloodstream.

Problems with your digestive tract can decrease your appetite and make it difficult to eat properly. Weight loss is a common side effect of HIV. Central Nervous System There are significant neurological complications of AIDS. Even though HIV doesn’t generally directly infect nerve cells, it does infect the cells that support and surround nerves in the brain and throughout the body.

All of the mechanisms of HIV-associated neurologic damage aren’t completely understood, but it’s likely that infection of these support cells contributes to nerve injury.

Advanced HIV infection can damage nerves (neuropathy). Small holes in the conducting sheaths of peripheral nerve fibers (vacuolar myelopathy) can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty walking.

HIV/AIDS can cause HIV-associated dementia or AIDS dementia complex, two conditions that seriously affect cognitive function.

Toxoplasma encephalitis is another possible complication of advanced HIV. People with AIDS are at increased risk of inflammation of the brain and spinal cord due to this parasite found commonly in cat feces. Symptoms include confusion, headaches, and seizures.

Some common complications of AIDS include memory impairment, anxiety, and depression. In very advanced cases, hallucinations and frank psychosis can occur. Some people experience headaches, balance issues, and vision problems.

Skin One of the more obvious signs of HIV/AIDS can be seen on the skin. A weakened immune response leaves you more vulnerable to viruses like herpes. Herpes can cause you to develop sores around your mouth or genitals.

People with HIV are at increased risk of shingles, which is caused by herpes zoster, the virus that gives you chickenpox. Symptoms of shingles include a painful rash, often with blisters.

A viral skin infection called molluscum contagiosum involves an outbreak of bumps on the skin. Another condition is called prurigo nodularis. It causes crusted lumps on the skin, as well as severe itching. : : — Originally published on Oct. 22. Reprinted with permission.

It’s time for a check up!

Get your HIV/AIDS test at your local ASO or clinic.

Take a stand and fight against HIV/AIDS!

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

23

life, positively Healthy living continued from page 16 Add PrEP and condom usage, the likelihood of HIV transmission is just about gone,” Bermudez says.

PrEP, which stands for Pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a prescription drug strategy to prevent HIV infections in those who may be exposed to the virus and is sold under the brand name Truvada.

“When taken consistently, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by up to 92 percent. PrEP is much less effective if it is not taken consistently,” says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The pill must be taken every day and the CDC recommends seeing a healthcare provider every three months for follow-up.

An analysis by Dawn Smith at the CDC presented at the 2013 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections showed that condoms were effective at preventing HIV transmission 70 percent of the time.

Since PrEP does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and with the rise of antibiotic resistant gonorrhea, using both condoms and PrEP can be a powerful one two punch against STI infection.

Staying in good shape with HIV/AIDS is important to In October, the second case of someoverall health. one contracting HIV while taking PrEP daily was reported.

“It is much easier to date with HIV than Bermudez cautions against allowing rare ever before. When an individual with HIV cases such as this from scaring people off achieves viral suppression, the chances of looking into PrEP as a form of HIV prevention.

HIV transmission occurring is virtually zero. eat as healthy as possible, and maintain a close working relationship with a primary care physician. Some people do become resistant to medications over time, so regular monitoring is very important.”

He adds that it is important to “create safe and healthy sexual contacts with your partners.”

24

qnotes

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

“PrEP is an amazing biomedical layer of protection that we have against HIV,” he says.

“We at RAIN are super advocates for it and will link an individual to it even if they do not have the means to pay; that is how strongly we believe in it. I would not be worried of reports like that, cases like that occurring are extremely rare and have a lot more behind the story than what is being reported. PrEP has been proven to prevent HIV and is key to preventing thousands in the near future from becoming HIV-positive.

“We cannot control what people decide to do or not to do. We are not here to judge.

We have a duty to protect communities impacted by HIV and provide every tool possible. Our PrEP clients are counseled about condom usage and STI prevention. With any intervention, there are a few hiccups that need to be addressed.”

“PrEP is a great tool to have in your toolbox.

PrEP alone is not the answer, we still need to stress condom use and safer sex practices for the encounters that are happening,” Pierce agrees. “A person on PrEP must also stay on PrEP and be monitored regularly like a person that has the virus, to make sure it is effective.”

Pierce also notes that reducing stigma is an important step that will help create the opportunity for HIV-positive people to lead happier lives.

“Stigma is still one of the hardest things to overcome,” he says. “We live in the South, so the reality is that stigma is there. Again, educa-

tion and knowledge is the key. We need HIVpositive people to speak out and show the ‘new face’ of HIV. Not every person that has HIV is a gay, white male, or a sex worker, or drug user.

The face of HIV is changing and we need to address that in advertising and education.”

Still, he recognizes the need to reach out to all affected communities in the fight for prevention and treatment.

“We need to get all those infected people in care and undetectable,” he urges. “We need to use education and tools like PrEP to stop the spread of new cases. We also need to meet the people where they are. If sex workers or IV drug users are still getting new infections, what can we do to reach these populations? We have all the tools and if we think about strategies outside of the box, we can eliminate new infections. Mainly we can’t be afraid to talk about it, because it is not going away.”

North Carolina passed legislation this summer, House Bill 972, allowing for needle exchange programs intended to help prevent the spread of HIV, as well as hepatitis C, a sign of progress for which advocates had been fighting unsuccessfully for years.

While a cure has yet to appear, the fight continues and in the meantime there are glimmers of light.

“We are always fighting for a cure,” Pierce says. “What I think is more realistic is that we can have an AIDS-free generation in our lifetime. We can do it, we have the tools.” : :

— Sponsored Content —

Walking the Good Road Together

by Dale J. Pierce, President and CEO of Different Roads Home

My Story

People know I write this column in QNotes now, and many know me from my work at Rosedale Infectious Diseases, now Rosedale Medical, and as the CEO of Different Roads Home. What a lot of people do not know is why I have such a passion for what I do.

So, I thought it might be time to share the story because it might help others.

In 1996, I was in a very up-and-down relationship. Looking back, it was more downs than ups for sure. The man I was with didn’t respect me or my dreams or goals. I was being abused — physically, emotionally, and financially — for over a decade. It was during a “break up,” while we were living apart, and then when I took him back, that I went to get my regular HIV test. Knowing what I had been doing, or not been doing in this case, I felt confident the results would be negative as always.

On a typical day in September of 1996, I remember getting the call to come get my results. I waited in the exam room, not thinking too much of the results when the nurse came in. “We have the results of your HIV test”, she

said. The next word out her mouth was “unfortunately.”

I don’t remember a lot after that, except walking out of that room and that building with a list of doctors and clinics I could contact because I was HIV positive.

How could this happen to me? I had survived coming out in a small town in Upstate NY, I survived a gang rape in college that shook me to my core, and I had been surviving a decade of abuse that no one should ever have to endure. Why me? I tell you now, why not me?

In 2014, the estimated number of new HIV diagnoses in the United States was 44,073. There were an estimated 35,571 diagnoses among adult and adolescent males (13 years or older), 8,328 among adult and adolescent females, and 174 among children younger than 13 years. I am pretty sure that not one of those people asked to be infected as I had not asked to be infected, but we all were.

I eventually got myself out of that abusive relationship. I started ART therapy and today have been undetectable for over almost two decades. I have put the trauma of the rape and abuse behind me; I am stronger because of the pieces that make up the sum whole of who I am. Thanks to a supportive family, great doctors and access to

medication, I am thriving. In 2006 I met the man of my dreams, and I eventually was able to happily marry him.

We have a great life together. I am finishing my MBA, I have two beautiful godsons, and I have a life a lot of folks dream of.

That is why I started Different Roads Home. That is why I give back.

I remember the day in 1996 when I was on a cold kitchen floor in my apartment all alone. I had just spilled all my pills out of a bottle and the gravity and reality of that took over. I hit the floor and cried to God, why me?

I can’t do this alone. I reached in the drawer for a knife to cut my throat and end my life. I believed in my heart of hearts that killing myself would kill the pain. I am glad to say that in that kitchen, there was divine intervention.

Whether you believe in a higher power, a God that serves us all, or anything of that nature, I can’t convince you what happened, I can only tell you what I know. The knife dropped out of my hand and I heard a resounding, clear and concise NO. No one else was in the apartment with me that day. Well, no one except the one that is always with me, and that was God. I decided that day that I would live each day to the fullest and I would reach out to those that needed help and try to inspire them to want to do better for themselves and lift them up when they are down.

That mission continues at Different Roads Home every day as we offer services to those infected and affected by chronic illness. I’m thankful I can tell my story, and I hope it helps you understand a little bit more about me and my journey, but more importantly, if you see yourself in this story, just know that things will get better.

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

25

life, positively POZ

Across the Carolinas

continued from page 15 CDC-funded research study under the Minority AIDS Research Initiative at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), Mpowerment coordinator at the PowerHouse Project and a full-time doctoral student in Health Services Research.

Johnson is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University with a B.S. in Mass Communication. He holds a Master’s of Public Administration from Keller Graduate School.

Johnson has 10 years of experience working in community engagement, HIV prevention and research with Black gay and bisexual men and transgender women. His previous experience comes from project doordinator and education department manager positions at Metrolina AIDS Project (now closed), and senior prevention coordinator at Carolinas CARE Partnership, before beginning HIV prevention research at UNCC. Johnson is a member and chapter leader in the House of Blahnik, Inc., a national social services organization that is focuses on improving the conditions in which young people experience and live through social support and the arts with an emphasis on the ball community. He is also a co-chair on the Mecklenburg County HIV/AIDS Council, steering committee member of the North Carolina Black MSM Initiative, a member of the NC HIV Prevention and Care Advisory Committee, co-chair of BTAN Charlotte, and director of education for the Beta Rho Sigma alumni chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

26

qnotes

North Carolina

of the North Carolina AIDS Action Network’s Speaking Positively Program.

Ruby Amagwula, Raleigh, North Carolina Founder of faith-based agency Good Orderly Directions (GOD).

Lee Storrow, Raleigh, North Carolina Executive director of the North Carolina AIDS Action Network (NCAAN).

Steve Daniels, Winston-Salem, North Carolina Outreach worker for the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition.

Yvonne Early, Fayetteville, North Carolina Program manager at the Southern Regional Area Health Education Center.

Art Jackson, Fayetteville, North Carolina Programmer and educator at Community Health Interventions and Sickle Cell Agency Inc. (CHISCA), and has been known to dress as a giant “Mister Safety” condom to promote awareness.

Kevin Varner, Greensboro, North Carolina Active in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group, the North Carolina AIDS Action Network and his “Life With a Plus Sign” blog.

South Carolina Billy Duckett, Greenwood, South Carolina Volunteered at Upper Savannah Care Services and Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services (PALSS).

Jonathan Lucas, High Point, North Carolina Senior community programs manager at FHI 360.

Bambi Gaddist, Columbia, South Carolina Founder and ED of the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council (SCHAC).

Carolyn McAllaster, Durham, North Carolina Founder of the Duke AIDS Legal Project and the Duke HIV/AIDS Policy Clinic, at which she is the director.

Monique Howell-Moree, Holly Hill, South Carolina Author of a memoir entitled “Living Inside My Skin of Silence” and the founder and CEO of Monique’s Hope for Cure Outreach Services.

Allison Rice, Durham, North Carolina Director of the Health Justice Clinic at Duke Law School and works with Duke’s HIV/AIDS policy clinic and is a member of the North Carolina AIDS Action Network.

Stacy Jennings, Columbia, South Carolina An advocate with the Positive Advocacy Committee and a member of P.O.S.I.T.I.V.E. Voices and the South Carolina chapter of the Positive Women’s Network – USA.

Esther Ross, Greenville, North Carolina Founder of the Circle of Friends Taskforce, is a social worker at East Carolina University’s Infectious Disease Clinic.

Carmen Julious, Columbia, South Carolina Executive director of Palmetto AIDS Support Services.

Savalas Squire, Winston-Salem, North Carolina The ordained Baptist minister leads the HIV Hope Project and is a member

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

Evelyn Scott, Saint Helena Island, South Carolina A member of P.O.S.I.T.I.V.E. Voices and the Positive Women’s Network – USA.

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

27

life, positively Is AIDS Still Sexy? continued from page 13

We are lucky that in recent years, we have seen radical medical advancements that will forever change the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS and for those who are vulnerable to HIV. Once a person learns that they are HIV-positive, they can get linked to HIV medical care early and start antiretroviral therapy (ART) to “virally suppress” the virus. “Viral suppression” occurs when a person starts antiretroviral therapy (ART) and reduces their viral load to an undetectable level, which means that they have very low levels of HIV in their body. Viral suppression does not mean that a person is

28

qnotes

cured of HIV since HIV still remains in the body, but it significantly reduces the risk of that person transmitting HIV to another person. In 2016, people can learn that they are HIV-positive and rest assured that if they adhere to their medication and stay in care, they can keep the virus under control and ultimately live healthy lives.

The Southeastern United States is facing an undue burden when it comes to HIV. The South has the highest HIV diagnosis rate of any US region. In 2014, more than half of national HIV diagnoses reported were located in the Southern United States. The Deep South (the nine-state region comprised of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas) has the highest rate of HIV-related deaths of any U.S. region.

Reading statistics like that, it appears that North Carolina could be on the verge of a potential HIV epidemic if state and local governments do not immediately take action and yet we have not heard about the pressing need to address the epidemic in our state.

What will it take for this issue to rise to the level of the importance that it deserves? The small community of Austin in Scott County, Ind., made national headlines in 2015 when it suffered from the largest HIV outbreak in its state’s history. According to the CDC, Austin (population: 4,200) had a higher incidence of HIV than “any country in sub-Saharan Africa” and “have had more people infected with HIV through injection drug use than in all of New

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

York City last year.” Contributing factors to the Austin outbreak eerily mirror conditions that we currently experience right here in the state of North Carolina: poverty, addiction, doctor shortages, gaps in health care coverage and a serious lack of HIV-related funding, services and awareness, especially in rural communities where people are most vulnerable to HIV. North Carolina currently has two cities on the CDC’s list of the top 25 US cities and metropolitan areas with the highest rates of new HIV infections: Charlotte and Greensboro. We can read the latest CDC statistics and be disheartened with its findings, yet, for some reason, still not be disheartened enough to act. What seems to be a barrier that is preventing us from making strides on this topic?

A huge hurdle to overcome in continuing the conversation surrounding HIV/AIDS is the harsh stigma that people living with HIV/ AIDS deal with every day. The effects and consequences of stigma and discrimination can appear in many different ways. People could potentially be shunned by their family, friends, colleagues and other members of the community, while other people face poor treatment in healthcare and education situations, and psychological damage. All of these factors limit access to HIV testing, treatment and services. The fear of stigma and discrimination is often stated as the main reason why people do not get tested, disclose their HIV status and take antiretroviral (ART) drugs. When

stigma prevents people from getting tested, more people are unaware of their status and are diagnosed late, when the virus may have already progressed to AIDS. In addition to increasing the likelihood of transmitting HIV to others, a late diagnosis makes treatment less effective and can cause a preventable early death. We must do what we can to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. We must do our part to educate those around us generally about HIV/AIDS, be open about getting tested regularly and be vocal when we uplift and support the HIV-positive people around us.

Imagine if our news and social media timelines became flooded with headlines that reduced HIV/AIDS stigma instead of fueling it? We all have the power to not only push the HIV/ AIDS conversation forward, but to shape the narrative. Until we do our part to both start and shape the conversation, stigma will continue to be a barrier to HIV testing and treatment services, which are key to ending the HIV/ AIDS epidemic once and for all.

With the stakes so high, how can we afford to NOT make AIDS sexy? The state of HIV/ AIDS today is different than it was 20 years ago. Today, there are numerous treatment and education plans available to help eradicate this disease, potentially in our lifetime. With all that being said, let’s make World AIDS Day EVERY DAY! : : — Christina Adeleke, Esp. is the communications and development coordinator with the North Carolina AIDS Action Network

life, positively HIV/AIDS History

The American advent of HIV/AIDS A timeline of the pandemic and its movement

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes contributor

T

hough 35 years have passed since the first notice of a new disease spreading amongst the American population, many still remain in ignorance about the history of HIV in the United States.

This timeline provides some context about the spread of the disease, as well as the history of the movement born to fight it. The entries here are not comprehensive — see aids.gov or avert.org for a more detailed history — but they do illustrate the evolution of perception and reaction.

From the original crisis and its framing of HIV/ AIDS as a “gay disease” and death sentence, to its modern status as universal and treatable, activism has met and pushed back against ignorance. The movement against HIV/AIDS has grown immensely and continues to provide resources for those affected by the disease, a number that grows by tens of thousands each year in the U.S. alone.

1981 CDC reports a rare lung infection affecting gay men in Los Angeles.

After publicity of the CDC’s report, cases surface of a rare cancer in gay men throughout California and New York.

At the end of the year, there are 270 reported cases of severe deficiency of the immune system in gay men.

1982 In early January, Gay Men’s Health Crisis is founded. The organization was the first to offer services and aid to those affected by the disease.

The foundation that will become the San Francisco AIDS Foundation is first formed.

The CDC coins the term “Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome” (AIDS).

Cases surface of infants who received blood transfusions affected by the disease.

1983 Cases of AIDS appear in female sexual partners of infected males.

National AIDS hotline established.

French scientists at the Pasteur Institute identify a retrovirus as the possible cause of AIDS. Major transmission routes of the virus are identified by the CDC. First AIDS discrimination lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal on behalf of a doctor evicted for treating AIDS patients.

World Health Organization (WHO) begins international surveillance.

1984 Community groups servicing people with AIDS organize into AIDS Action, a national advocacy group based in Washington, D.C. Dr. Robert Gallo and team identify and name the retrovirus and develop a diagnostic test.

1985 First International AIDS Conference held in Atlanta by the WHO and U.S. Department of Health.

Ryan White, who contracted AIDS through

blood transfusion, is refused schooling and becomes an activist for AIDS education.

Actor Rock Hudson dies of AIDS-related illness and wills $250,000 to fund the American Foundation for AIDS Research.

Metrolina AIDS Project founded in Charlotte, N.C. 1986 The virus is named the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

CDC reports that HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects African Americans and Latinos.

1987 WHO’s Global Program on AIDS launched.

Larry Kramer, playwright and activist, founds the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACTUP).

First antiretroviral drug (AZT) approved and funded.

AIDS Awareness Month is designated.

Randy Shilts’ “And the Band Played On” published, naming “Patient Zero” for the first time.

The first gathering of men in San Francisco, Calif., was held to begin to create a lasting memorial to those whom they had lost to AIDS. This milestone became the beginning of The Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt.

The inaugural display was held in Washington, D.C. at the National Mall during the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Showcased were 1,920 panels.

WHO reports more than one million people in sub-Saharan Africa have been treated for HIV/AIDS.

leading to further diagnoses.

1994 AIDS becomes the leading cause of death for all Americans age 25-44.

2007 CDC reports over 565,000 people have died in the U.S. of AIDS-related illness since 1981.

1995 First protease inhibitor approved for treatment of HIV. 500,000 cases of HIV/AIDS confirmed by October.

1996 Number of new AIDS cases decreases for the first time.

United Nations Program on AIDS (UNAIDS) begins worldwide operations.

Dr. Robert Gallo discovers that a natural compound known as chemokines can block HIV and halt the progression of AIDS. 1997 CDC reports first decline of AIDS-related deaths, a result of new highly active antiretroviral therapy.

UNAIDS reports 30 million worldwide infected by HIV, and 16,000 new cases per day.

1988 ACT UP protests at the FDA, which soon announces new, faster drug approval protocols.

Pediatric AIDS Foundation formed by HIVpositive mother Elizabeth Glaser.

1989 CDC reports over 100,000 cases of HIV in the United States.

2000 Clinton administration declares HIV/AIDS is a threat to national security.

1990 Ryan White dies of AIDS-related illness.

U.S. Congress enacts the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act. United Way of Central Carolinas and Foundation of the Carolinas found the Regional HIV/AIDS Consortium, later called the Carolinas CARE Partnership.

2002 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria established.

2004 UNAIDS launches Global Coalition on Women and AIDS. 2005 Nelson Mandela’s son dies of an AIDSrelated illness.

2006

2010 Obama administration lifts travel ban against HIV-positive individuals entering the U.S.

2012 FDA approves first at-home HIV test.

1999 WHO reports that HIV/AIDS is fourth worldwide in cause of death and first in Africa. WHO estimates that 33 million are infected worldwide and 14 million have died thus far.

Researchers announce a theory of the virus’ origins: a subspecies of chimpanzee, previously hunted for meat, may have been the source of the virus in humans as hunters suffered exposure to infected blood.

1992 AIDS becomes the leading cause of death in American men age 25-44.

Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) founded.

1993 CDC expands case definitions of AIDS,

2009 Metrolina AIDS Project disbands after 25 years of service.

2011 CDC announces new findings that daily antiretrovirals can prevent infection as well as treat it.

1998 CDC reports that African Americans account for 49 percent of AIDS-related deaths.

2003 CDC announces that 66 percent of new infections are transmitted by individuals who were unaware of their infected status.

2008 An international study finds that life expectancy in HIV-positive patients has increased to 60 years.

Other researchers announce that HIV may have originated in humans from the 1880s.

2013 UNAIDS announces antiretroviral treatment has increased 63 percent in two years and new HIV infections have dropped 50 percent in lowand middle-income countries.

2014 Affordable Care Act ensures that HIVpositive people can gain access to health insurance and avoid annual limits on coverage.

2015 CDC announces a 19 percent decline in annual HIV diagnoses from 2005 to 2014; however, the rate actually increased in Latino and Black men who have sex with men (MSM).

2016 Researchers discover that HIV resistance to a key antiretroviral is becoming more common.

The first reported case of HIV infection of someone regularly taking the HIV-preventative drug Truvada.

National Institutes of Health report a new HIV vaccine trial to start in South Africa, pending regulatory approval.

The UN’s High Level Meeting on Ending AIDS, despite a pledge to end AIDS by 2030, also denies access to LGBT groups and fails to emphasize those most at risk: MSM, sex workers, transgender people, and intravenous drug users. : :

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

29

goqnotes.com/to/views

spiritual reflections

ASOs

by Rev. Robin Tanner :: guest contributor

continued from page 20

Post-election pleas, promises and petitions: A faithful guide for 11/9 living

management and support, HIV specialty care and HIV/STD testing. It serves York, Chester and Lancaster Counties with satellites in Rock Hill, Clover, Fort Mill and York, S.C.

November 9th was filled with pleas, petitions and promises. Some felt shock, while many who campaigned against Donald Trump’s platform, expressed anger at the shock and commitment to keep working. The reality of a Trump election is still unfolding as President Barack Obama finishes his last 10 weeks in office as president of the United States of America.

One thing is clear, despite the attempts by both candidates to lay claim that the other was “not us,” and therefore not America, there is no one America, no “us” emerging in the post-election season. Despite the preliminary pleas for unity, the promises to serve all and the petitions to undo Trump’s election, from the rubble of white liberal illusions, an “us” has not yet emerged.

As a faith leader of a tradition that hosts a great deal of theological diversity and affirms that we are woven into an interconnected web of all existence, I can say this without pause: we need to get to work yesterday. I am not shocked or surprised by the America displayed on November 8th. I am not shocked or surprised that 53 percent of white women and 63 percent of white men voted for Trump. I am a white woman, and a lesbian, all too easily wooed by my own particular liberties like marriage equality and all-too-easily distracted from the daily lives of black and Latinx communities, the working poor, indigenous peoples, rural folk, immigrants, Muslims and — yes— even transgender and queer people.

I do believe there is an “us” in America. I believe it can emerge. It led to Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676 where poor whites, slaves and the Occaneechi tribe banned together in resistance to the imperialist rule of Gov. William Berkeley. Now, let us be clear — Nathaniel Bacon was no justice saint. His rebellion began by his call for the slaughter of Native Americans who raid-

30

qnotes

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

ed “his” land. Noteworthy is how Bacon’s supporters utilized the rebellion to create a resistance that unified poor whites and slaves. Noteworthy is that the governor ultimately suppressed the rebellion by giving poor white freedmen some small rights and privileges against slaves. In the wake of Bacon’s Rebellion, the politics of race was born and “us” was decimated.

White liberals, especially white LGBTQ folks, get to make some crucial decisions in the next few days. It will be possible to stay in shock, fear and grief. It is also possible to resurrect the resistance that sparked once in 1676. It would be possible this day to join the resistance. It will require abandoning things once prized in white liberal culture and listening to the pockets of truth and rage. Preemptive cries for unity and peace will only further the gap at this moment. We are not there yet, folks.

It will be tempting to be defensive to those who are angry, to blame those who voted for other candidates or who did not vote because this was another election in which they had no representation. It will seem perfectly reasonable to want to build blanket forts instead of bridges and movement.

But if “us” is to emerge, we will need to get to work. Go into the streets. Show up for a community organizing event. Read the words of black queer leaders. Organize in poor white communities. Stand up. Hold hate accountable. Wear a safety pin. Sit beside the woman on the bus in the hijab and speak up if she is attacked. When truth is posted to social media, seek to selfdifferentiate and listen to the truth in the rage.

We can do this. I cannot. You cannot, but we can do this.

We almost did once. This is afterall “us,” America. : : — Rev. Robin Tanner is the lead minister for Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church in Charlotte and Salisbury, N.C.

AID Upstate 13 S. Calhoun St., Greenville, SC 29601 864-250-0607 aidupstate.org.

Founded in 1987.

AID Upstate provides supportive services to people affected by HIV/AIDS in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens Counties of South Carolina. Its medical needs are handled in partnership with New Horizon Family Health Services (Greenville, S.C.) and ANMED Infectious Disease Clinic (Anderson, S.C.).

Careteam 3650 Clay Pond Rd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 843-646-2203 careteamplus.org.

Established in 1993.

Careteam provides supportive services for individuals living with HIV, including medical care, case management, HIV testing,

views

counseling and education, risk assessment and counseling, screening in Horry, Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties.

Lowcountry AIDS Services 3547 Meeting Street Rd., Charleston, SC 29405 843-747-2273 aids-services.com.

Established in 1990s.

For more than two decades, Lowcountry AIDS Services has been serving those living with HIV/AIDS in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties. It provides case management, access to medical care and housing, financial, nutritional and legal assistance along with other supportive services in the Charleston area. LAS also works to prevent this epidemic through education, media campaigns, community outreach and free, daily HIV/STD testing.

PALSS (Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services) 2638 Two Notch Rd., Suite 108 Columbia, SC 29204

see ASOs on 32

goqnotes.com/to/life

life

Images in the Mirror

The dark side of my life Trials and tribulations of being an intersex individual

by Joney Harper :: quest contributor

P

minutes after being there, I knew I didn’t really relate to them, but Also during this time, my wife and I went to marriage therapy. In icking up from where I left off in the last issue (“What is the did relate to a transsexual I had met there. Not wholly, but in part. my wife’s mind, the therapy was for me, not her. She thought I was a ‘I’ in LGBTQI?”), here is a little bit more about my life, which From this point, I thought and was diagnosed by therapist as a sex addict, even though I really had no interest in sex. During my inis not all that uncommon in the real world, especially where transsexual. Still, I knew something was wrong. I not only felt guilty dividual therapy the therapist and I talked about my gender issues. the military was concerned. This is hard for me to write about for who I was, but felt worse because I was again living a lie. For She told my wife it was a small part of my life and not to worry about since I have been trying to move forward with my life, despite the one, my body started changing again, without taking hormones. it. In private she told me I had a gender identity disorder. obstacles I now have. Just to let you know, Joney is not my legal For one, I hadn’t had a sex drive in years. My genitals, for what they At my last duty assignment, this therapy would continue. My name, but it is my real name to me and my friends. Over this, I were, were starting to atrophy. Couldn’t even use a cold dip in a wife did not want any part of it. The therapist actually told me, have learned who are my real friends. pool as an excuse. I started crying at the weirdest things.

“I usually would not tell anyone this, but you need to divorce I have always known I have had physical differences from One day, I thought I was having a heart attack. I drove myself to her, because she is going to accuse you of something that will men and woman. I grew up in a mixed world, due to my mother the hospital. They determined I was not having a heart attack, but destroy your life.” Still, I believe that divorce was not an option. I basically raising me a female, only after her death, to be raised as I was now over 40, more tests were ordered. After several tests, regret that decision till this day. as male. Finding out later, I was a deep family secret. Even I was found I had a severe hormonal imbalance. A test to determine Later that year she accused me of touching my daughter. though my physical differences became more obvious in my why found that I had two sets of chromosomes. The problem was I flipped out, but wanted her tested to make sure she was not teens. The truth was always deflected as something else. one was XX and the other was Many people ask me how I XY and some damaged chromoeven got in the military. When I somes — hence the diagnosis of joined, there was a shortage of enan Intersex condition. Later during listees. I scored high on testing, so I another MRI, I was told I only had was allowed to enter. During arrival one teste and a malformed ovary. at the processing station, others I tried to deny it, since I fathered a and I were subjected to the turn child, but learned to accept it over your head and cough check. There the years. were about 300 of us in a room Looking back at my life, some were a doctor, who was probably in things made sense now. Why my his early 1980s, checked us. I was family kept it a secret. The shots about the 298th person he would growing up. Why the technician in check. Standing there in “tighty the Army refused to tell me what whities” and a T-shirt was awkwas wrong. Why my mother tried ward for me, because I had breast to raise me as a girl. Why I had tissue and little-to-no “package” these feelings of being female and like the other guys in the room. male. Still, to this day, I have this What saved me from being noticed darkness hanging over my head. was two of the guys wearing red It has been close to 20 years bikini underwear who drew most of since I was court martialed. I still the attention. When the doctor got have to register as a sex offender, to me, he didn’t even touch me. So mainly because the registration I passed. laws keep changing, especially During basic training at Fort since politicians use it as a way Jackson, S.C., I was considered to make it look like they are doing a sissy, since I “ran and threw a something. The military destroyed ball like a girl” according to other my court records after seven platoon members. I also had little years, and I pay the price for to no body hair. Still, I managed things that people just make up to pass basic training. During about me, even though they put Advanced Individual Training Discovering that I was both male and female during my military service was both a relief (understanding why I identified with my an embellished appeal document (AIT), I was barely noticed, since I feminen aspects) and a painful experience (dealing with the Armed Forces protocols and rules, plus the handling of my situation). online. Most likely it was written was in a technical skill. I spent my Photo Credit: Africa Studio via Adobe Stock by a court clerk expressing his or early career as any other soldier her fantas — like stating I was wearing a slip, garter belt, pantmolested by someone else. There was no evidence found, but I in the U.S. Army, with the exception of working more joint service ies, stockings and spiked heels. Really? Note, the court never fell into a deep depression. I didn’t consider suicide, but I didn’t than others. brought up what I wore, which was a thrift store dress. care whether I lived or died. I tried to continue my crossdressing During my time as an instructor, I met my wife. She was four During that time, to be accused meant a conviction. in private, but since I worked third shift and my wife decided to years younger than me, but I fell in love. We married about three Surprisingly, some of my worst detractors are from the GLBT comremove my daughter from daycare, where I would have to watch months after that. She had a son whom I adopted as my own. I munity, despite being assumed sex offenders just for being Gay, her during the day, I was eventually caught. must admit, I thought it might cure what ailed me — such as an Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender by people. Ironically, I can go out My wife evidently called the military police, where I was attraction to the female world. She thought no one would marry dressed as a woman and be seen by children, but it is not against promptly arrested and accused of molesting my daughter and a her, since she had a child at a young age. Both were wrong the law. In the military at the time, if was considered a sex crime. friend of hers. I was immediately removed from my home, sent reasons for getting married. Still, I thought I loved her and settled Will I ever see justice and be taken off the sex offender list? I to a mental hospital to prevent suicide and to evaluate me for into domestic life while being in the military. doubt it. Since a politician will get the law changed just before I court martial. Despite being seen in the state of cross-dress, the A few years later, the greatest event in my life would occur, try to get off it. I could move to another state, but the same thing military threw the book at me. Accusing me of heinous crimes. the birth of my daughter. It was amazing. I wanted to give her the usually happens there. Also, I legally cannot change my name Later during the trial, I was acquitted of indecent acts, but found world. During that time, I was caught crossdressing by my wife. while on the list, so total transition is out, even though I am called guilty of allowing a child to see me cross-dressed. The military She was angry, but said we would work through it, but in the back ma’am, even when I am not trying. court wrote up the conviction in such a confusing way, because of my mind, I knew it was over. Due to my beliefs at the time, I did Still I hope some good comes out of this. The military now it made me look like I was guilty of child molestation, even though not want a divorce. Still, the strain was there. allows transgender people to serve. I have a relationship with I did not touch or try to have sex with anyone. Not that I could at While in the service, I started experiencing abdominal pain my married children. I have not had that much trouble getting that time, because I had become impotent. like I had never experienced before. I was not able to sleep more jobs, but I am unemployed now. So I am looking. Someday I may Long story short, my wife is now an ex-wife. I spent a year in than a half hour a night. This went on for about six weeks until I get off the list and finally transition to my true self, but I can only minimum security, but worked on computers the whole time I was finally decided to go to the doctor. While there, my blood pressure hope. Note, I don’t hold anything against anyone in the military. I there. Go figure. I even have to register as a sex offender. Soon was higher but further testing was needed. After an abdominal appreciate their service to our country. I do not like the policies after, I found a job, but was only allowed to see my children with MRI, the technician abruptly told me to get off the table. I asked that kicked me to the curb for being a gender variant, but hopea supervisor. During this time, I felt I had nothing to lose in finding her what was wrong and she said nothing and to leave. To date, I fully that will change too. If not for me, someone else. : : out who I really was. I joined a cross-dressing support group. Five have never seen the results of this test, but can only assume why.

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

31

tell trinity

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

When is revenge wrong or just good ole common sense?

Hey Trinity, Is revenge really so wrong?

The Revenger, Daytona Beach, FL Hey Revenger, You mean as in retaliation or vengeance, steal from, destroy or putting a mafia hit on someone or making someone’s life worse than death as in unethical public lawsuit?

Well, if you’re talking about that then, yes, revenge is wrong, and why waste your time!

However, sweetie, if you’re talking about over spending your ex’s credit cards, withholding sex from your spouse or completely avoiding someone who did you wrong, well then that’s not only good revenge, but that’s just good ole common sense! Carry on.

Hello Trinity, I’ve been working on my art for years without success. I know dreams take time and hard work, but I’m thinking of quitting. Is it weak to give up on a dream for something more financially practical?

All Dreamed Out, Richmond, VA Hello All Dreamed Out, Altering your dreams and how you go after them is for the intelligent and strong, giving up is… for everyone else. If you try and try and still

fail, then take some healthy time off before, yes, trying it again differently. Honey, one alternative is to dream part-time while working part-time or getting a trade degree like hairdressing or construction, then using that income as reinvestment for your dreams. With a practical “fall back” you can “get back” to your dreams even better than before. For inspiration study the histories of Lincoln, Edison and others who never gave up! (Join the persistence brigade and continue to push toward your dreams like I have as shown in my cartoon with some great inspirations.)

Dearest Trinity, My last date complained that I had to learn better boundaries. How pretentious is that?

Bewildered Boundaries, Indianapolis, IN Dearest BB, Whether it was pretentious or not, I must ask you, “Do you yourself have good boundaries?” I can’t help but think that as society spends more time alone, on the internet and/ or sitting effortlessly watching hours of the Kardashians that the more boundaries themselves are becoming a lost art! Some people have many and some not enough. No matter what, pumpkin, it’s always good and healthy to keep checking in with yourself and with

others to see where you are with your good or bad boundaries! Better luck next time.

Dear Trinity, I threw a party, but everything went wrong. It was my first attempt at party throwing, and it will definitely be a while until my next one. Any tips for hosting?

Party Doubts, Louisville, KY Dear Party Doubts, Not only have I written “Trinity’s Uptown Tips For Hosting A Party,” but, baby, I also wrote: Trinity’s Eleven Hats For Hosting A Party 1. The Organizer — forecasts the event, hires help and invites everyone via text, e-mail and/or snail mail.

2. The Purchasing Agent — decides what to buy, where to buy it and when to buy it, i.e., ice, just before the party.

3. The Head Chef — plans the menu and overseas the cooking, the food, the presentation and the table layout.

4. T he Cook — just cooks (and lets the chef worry).

5. T he Decorator — arranges the furniture, the lighting, the candles, the decorations and makes sure it all Feng Shuis (flows)!

6. T he Cleaning Person — makes it all shine, especially the bathrooms and the common areas.

7. T he DJ (disc jockey) — is in charge of the most important thing…ambiance with constant pre-, during- and post-event music.

8. The Server — continually presents food,

rearranges half empty platters and passes out hors d’oeuvre (which is a must).

9. The Host — greets, takes coats, points out the bar and helps the guests meet each other (so that the host can get back to work)!

10. T he Tidy-upper — constantly spruces up, cleans up and never worries about picking up someone’s drink (because everyone has labeled or different cups)!

11. T he Post Event Breakdown Person — raps up and puts it all away (and never breaks a thing!) 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.

ASOs continued from page 30 803-779-7257 palss.org.

Established in 1985.

Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services offers free services to individuals who have been diagnosed with or at risk of contracting HIV/ AIDS, as well as providing support to its client’s loved ones. It offers HIV testing, among other healthcare needs, along with support groups and adjunct assistance. PALSS maintains a food pantry for its clients.

South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council 1518 Pickens St., Columbia, SC 28201 803-254-6644 schivaidscouncil.org.

Established in 1994.

The South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council works to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS statewide.

It provides this through community mobilization, prevention, education and advocacy, while improving the quality of life for those affected by HIV/AIDS.through education, media campaigns, community outreach and free, daily HIV/STD testing.

Regional/Advocacy/ Information North Carolina AIDS Action Network P.O. Box 25044, Raleigh, NC, 27611-5044 919-576-0448 ncaan.org.

The North Carolina AIDS Action Network is a statewide advocacy organization fighting for the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, their loved ones and those at risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS in North Carolina.

32

qnotes

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

goqnotes.com/to/arts

a&e

dishing with buff faye

by Buff Faye :: qnotes contributor :: info@bufffaye.com

‘Queen City Sisters’ New Sisterhood: Full of Flair & Queer Nunsense There’s a new sisterhood in town. They are a bit outside the drag norm — if there is such a thing. They paint their faces white and dress as “queer nuns. “ Some of the Sisters are a bit naughty and others are somewhat “holier than thou” or was it “hornier than thou?” I forget. But one thing is clear. All of them have hearts of gold and believe in giving back to their local community.

Welcome the Queen City Sisters, Abbey of Charlotte Von Mecklenburg. Yes, those are my new sisters. [Snaps] That’s right. The Queen City now has an aspirant house of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

These Sisters bring beauty and joy to their communities and a love for absurdity. Born from the mid 1970s, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence first appeared in San Francisco, Calif. on Easter Sunday in 1979. According to the website, the Sisterhood devotes itself “to community service, ministry and outreach to those on the edges and to promoting human rights, respect for diversity and spiritual enlightenment.”

Queen City Sisters (from left to right): Sister Porno, Sister Honey D’Bears, Sister Anita Cumbath, Sister Ishy Amann, Sister Ruby Flow and Front is Sister Grace O’Gawd Photo Credit: Sister Evelyn Tension from Greenville Sisters, The Abbey of the Grand Palmetto

Inset: Sister Cumunion

Photo Credit: Tommy Feldman, TyvolaDesign.com

I am proud to be among the eight founding Queen City Sisters. I personally chose the name Sister Cumunion as my sister name. Sister Cumunion shares blessings of love with all — and encourages everyone to get on their knees and confess regularly. My Catechism school teacher would be proud. Hail Mary! Can I get an “A-men?!”

My other devout Sisters include Sister Honey D’Bears, Sister Anita Cumbath, Sister Grace O’Gawd, Sister Ruby Flow, Sister Nova Kane, Sister Bearbie Doll, Sister Porno and Sister Ishy Amann. Plus we have our one lone Guard Dion the Royals. I am sure you will find our Sisters very accommodating as Southern ladies. The Nuns of this house do not reject anyone and welcome all people!

You may have seen the Queen City Sisters out

and about already. For six months now, the sisterhood has been meeting in local bars and homes going through the official process to become an official mission house with the United Nuns Privy Council. The sisters have also manifested (dressed up as sisters in full white face) and appeared at Charlotte Pride and the Parade. You can also find them at the Woodshed Lounge on an occasional Saturday or recently at Stonewall Kickball supporting the sports community.

On Nov. 21 the Queen City Sisters will find out if they will become an official mission house on its way to become fully professed in the Sister of Perpetual Indulgence Sistory. According to Sister Honey D’Bears the newly elected Queen City Sisters president, you will likely see more Nuns everywhere. Her hope is that “once we become a mission house to hold recruitment parties, meet and greets, and to have conversations with those interested in spreading joy and love.“ “I hope that we can bring about change in our local communities through understanding and acceptance. More acceptance of the LGBTQ community, more light to the inequality that still occurs according to a person’s race, religion, and who they love,” said Sister Honey D’Bears.

And if you’re wondering, is this a real thing.

Indeed it is. There are over 2,000 sisters worldwide. And with the addition of the Queen City Sisters, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence seems to be spreading rapidly across the Carolinas. The Smoking Cardinal Sisters is the oldest house in the Raleigh, N.C. area starting in 2012.

There is also the Bear City Sisters in Asheville, N.C. and The Greenville Sisters, Abbey of the Grand Palmetto mission house in Greenville, S.C. “Once we become a full house, I hope that we will spread the word to more surrounding areas, allowing the ‘novices’ to join and assist their community using wit and humor,” said one of the founding members, Sister Ishy Amann.

“It doesn’t have to be just the LGBTQ community, but open to anyone who values our mission and sees our methods as a way to raise awareness and monies for a good cause.”

What’s the future you ask? It will likely be unpredictable, full of queer nunsense literally — and as my Sisters would say “lots of flair, activism and rubber sex toys.”

We are here. We are Queer Nuns. Get used to it.

More information about the Queen City Sisters, along with their upcoming charity work, recruitment events and pics, can be found online at CharlotteSisters.org. : :

Women’s Well-being Sauna

704.315.1297

www.LadyGodivaSpa.com Clay, Salt, & Cold Room | Dry & Steam Saunas Locker & Shower Room

Massage & Body Scrub By Appointment All Female Therapists

NOW N OW OPEN OPE EN Hours: 10am-11pm Manager & Staff Wanted.

Call for Details.

5101-A Nations Ford Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217 I-77, Exit 6-B (Behind Enterprise Rental Car)

DRAG TIP: Use baby powder to help evenly set white foundation when doing an entirely white face.

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

SHOUT OUTS: You have heard of Black Friday, Cyber Monday? Giving Tuesday is

November 29 — a day for you to give back to your favorite local charities doing good work this Holiday Season. Go to ShareCharlotte.org to learn more.

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

33

EVENTS

Submit your event to our calendar!

November-December 2016 SEP NOV MO

00 17

Continues through Nov. 19 ‘Reefer Madness’ Lee Street Theatre 329 N. Lee St., Charlotte 7:30 p.m.

Lee Street Theatre and Catawba College’s Theatre Arts Department present a musical comedy based on the 1936 exploitation propaganda film of the same name that presented marijuana as a substance that causes people to lose their minds and turn violent. The film has become a cult classic for its over-the-top depiction. Tickets cost $20. More information and tickets are available online. leestreet.org.

Continues on Dec. 2 and 9 SEP NOV MO ‘Out Spoken’ Art series North Star LGBTQ Community Center 930 Burke St., Charlotte 7:30-9:30 p.m.

The North Star LGBTQ Community Center is holding a series of LGBTQIAfocused winter art series, featuring visual art, spoken word, poetry, voice, music, and one-act shows. Artists and performers interested in participating can email Rayce Lamb at outreach@ northstarlgbtcc.com. More information is available online. northstarlgbtcc.com.

00 18

Continuing through Nov. 19 SEP NOV MO Charlotte Symphony: Wagner, Strauss & Bruckner Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center 130 N Tryon St., Charlotte 8 p.m.

The Charlotte Symphony will perform Wagner’s “Overture to Tannhauser,” Strauss’s “Rosenkavalier Waltz Sequence No. 1,” Bruckner’s “Psalm 150” and “Te Deum” with Christopher Warren-Green conducting. Ticket prices vary. More information is available online. blumenthalarts.org.

00 18

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 three-for-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).

Dolly Parton: ‘Plain & SEP NOV MO Simple’ Tour Spectrum Center Charlotte 333 E. Trade St., Charlotte 7:30-10 p.m.

Country music legend Dolly Parton comes through Charlotte on her “Plain and Simple” Tour. The eight-time Grammy Award winner will perform her hits, as well as songs off her new double album “Plain & Simple.” Ticket prices vary. More information and tickets are available online. dollyparton.com.

00 19

Charlotte Transgender Day of Remembrance Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center 600 E 4th St., Charlotte

7-10 p.m.

A gathering to honor the lives and memories of those lost this year to antitransgender violence for Transgender Day of Remembrance.

This year has already seen a record number of transgender people murdered. Vigils will be held across the country to remember those lost, and those held in North Carolina will have the added significance of the community continuing to suffer under the weight of the anti-LGBT bill HB2. Learn more about this annual event onlilne. tdor.org.

00 20

SEP NOV MO

00 19

Asheville Toy Expo The Orange Peel 101 Biltmore Ave., Asheville 9 a.m. -3 p.m.

The Asheville Toy Expo is the perfect chance to buy, sell and trade toys ahead of Christmas.

Tickets cost $7 at the door and kids ten and under get in free. More information is available online. theorangepeel.net.

qnotes

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

Genderlines Holiday Dinner Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 1900 The Plaza, Charlotte 4-8 p.m.

Genderlines will host a potluck holiday dinner for the LGBTQ community in the fellowship hall at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Turkey, ham, soda, water and utensils will be provided by the group, and those who can are encouraged to bring a favorite dish to share. Those who are unable to bring something are still invited to attend.

More information is available online. genderlines.org.

SEP DEC MO

00 03 01 00

SEP NOV MO

To see more upcoming events, visit goqnotes.com/calendar/

34

World AIDS Day Luncheon SEP DEC MO Charlotte Marriot Center City 100 W. Trade St., Charlotte 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

RAIN invites community members to join together on World AIDS Day with a luncheon to mingle, network and show support for the ongoing fight against HIV/ AIDS. Those interested in being a table host should contact Joyce Brooks at j.brooks@carolinarain.org. More information is available online. carolinarain.org.

Continues through 18 ‘Cinderella’ Raleigh Little Theatre 301 Pogue St., Raleigh Times vary Raleigh Little Theatre will once again perform its annual “Cinderella” show, telling the familiar story of a young woman forced to serve her stepmother and stepsisters who treat her poorly, and her eventual rise to a place of triumph and love.

Ticket prices vary. Tickets and more information are available online. raleighlittletheatre.org.

SEP DEÇ MO

00 02

Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20 Check local AIDS service organizations and others for up-to-date observances across the Carolinas.

World AIDS Day December 1 Check local AIDS service organizations and others for up-to-date observances across the Carolinas.

Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/

goqnotes.com/to/life

life

Our People:

Q&A with Dale Pierce Founder of Different Roads Home shares his hopes and inspirations

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes contributor Of the many services offered by the organization, which is most dear to your heart and why?

That is a hard question. I don’t really see one service being more important than another. The premise of Different Roads Home is that we are all on a different path and we face uphill and downhill struggles along that journey. I feel whatever is most beneficial to the client at the time, is what makes me the happiest. I like the feeling of knowing we have made an immediate difference in the lives of someone that is struggling.

Long after the advent of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the fight against this notorious disease rages quietly on. The reality of living with chronic illnesses like HIV is a struggle for many, but those in the Carolinas have somewhere to turn: Different Roads Home, founded

by Dale Pierce in 2013. Pierce, a 45-year-old gay male, lives in Huntersville, N.C. with his husband, Ed. Originally from the Buffalo, N.Y. area, Pierce moved to the Carolinas “for as they said in ‘A Chorus Line,’ to commit suicide in Buffalo is redundant.” Pierce has made it his life’s mission to help those who live with chronic diseases, and his career has taken him through a variety of organizations, from Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) to two different positions with Rosedale Infectious Diseases, where he is currently the CFO. Pierce’s priority is providing care and resources to those impacted by HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses.

What led you to found Different Roads Home?

Working in the HIV field and having personal experience and losing too many friends too soon, I decided that DRH needed to be founded. We need, as an LGBTQ community, to take the message of HIV and prevention to the greater public. Great advances have been made in terms of treatment, but infections are still happening. We need to stop stigma and get down to the business of helping people with the disease, and help those who are not infected understand why prevention is important.

What can you tell me about the Nov. 12 event at McGlohon Theater?

Different Roads Home is proud and excited to present its 7th annual coming together of community and cause with this event at the McGlohon Theater. In years past, the event has brought some of the biggest names in gospel and country entertainment together for recognition of the message to bring an end to stigma surrounding HIV. This year will be no different with three amazing talents; Jason and DeMarco, Teresa Giudice (“Real Housewives of New Jersey”) and this year’s Humanitarian of the Year award recipient, country superstar Louise Mandrell.

Are you involved in any other LGBTQ community organizations?

For many years I have volunteered with countless other organizations in the community. I have recently taken a stronger interest in the Chamber to help make sure LGBTQ businesses and leaders in Charlotte have a stronger voice.

I have served on the Mecklenburg County AIDS Task Force, worked with RAIN, MAP, and Carolinas Care. I also am always happy to support Pride and the Gay Film Festival in any way I can. Recently also, I have been a participant in Stonewall Sports, they are a great organization.

Where do you see your career going in the next 10 years?

Hopefully to retirement! [Laughs] Just kidding, if we can grow DRH and the services we offer. I am happy and content with this organization and the people we are serving, but making a larger impact to more individuals is always a great feeling.

What do you do to relax or have fun?

Is that a foreign language? I do throw myself into work, and it takes a lot of my time.

However, my husband and I recently bought a cabin in Maggie Valley, N.C., and we love spending time up there when we can get away.

We love to travel. I like to garden, cook, enjoy great wine (or any wine), and recently picked up acting again as I starred as Earl “Brother Boy” Ingram in our co-production of “Sordid Lives,” the Del Shores comedy.

Who inspires you, either professionally or personally?

I know people often say it at award shows and in writing, but God. I say it because to me I have a strong and centered spiritual belief and I think it is important for the larger community to know that LGBTQ people can be good Christians.

I also think my grandmother has been a huge inspiration to me, as was my father who passed in 2006. Professionally, I credit so much of my passion to Jeanne White Ginder, Ryan’s mother.

She has dedicated her life to carry on her son’s legacy and spread a message of acceptance.

How would you describe your “happy place?”

On the porch of my mountain cabin, with a glass of wine, in front of a fire, along side my husband and our dogs. : :

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016

qnotes

35

36

qnotes

Nov. 18-Dec. 1 . 2016