Nov. 20-Dec. 3 . 2015
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Nov. 20-Dec. 3 . 2015
inside
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Life, positively 2015
qnotes life, positively!
arts. 5 entertainment. About Different news.Roads views. Home & Rosedale Infectious Diseases 6 HIV Today 8 AIDS Service Organizations 10 World AIDS Day events 11 HIV/AIDS &retirement 12 HIV/AIDS year in review 19 About PowerHouse Project
news & features
21 News Notes: Regional Briefs 22 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs
a&e / life&style 23 24 25 26 27
Dishing with Buff Faye A one-man army Tell Trinity Q Events Calendar Our People: Nathan Smith
opinions & views
4 Spiritual Reflections
HIV Today, advances, retirement planning Getting the 411 on what you need to know if you are sexually active is of great importance. And, being sure that you are versed on terminology and HIV/AIDS is crucial. Read more about this on pages 6-19
More on HIV/AIDS •L atest developments • ASOs • World AIDS Day events • Retirement
Silvia Rivera Transgender Awareness Month coverage continues with news of a special exhibit at a national museum. see: page 4
An army of one Mike Seigler is a master at creating the unique in his own brand of artistic expression. see: page 24
Nov. 20-Dec. 3 . 2015
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qnotes connect Nov. 20-Dec. 3, 2015 Vol 30 No 15
arts. entertainment. news. views. goqnotes.com twitter.com/qnotescarolinas facebook.com/qnotescarolinas
contributors this issue
Marielba Alvarez, Isai Efuru, Buff Faye, Lainey Millen, Jeff Taylor, Chris Tittel, Trinity
front page
Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography: WavebreakmediaMicro via Dollar Photo Club
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Transgender Awareness Month
Rivera portrait in Smithsonian exhibit Becomes first trans person in museum’s collection by Marielba Alvarez, Public Affairs Associate, Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Earlier this year, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery installed the portrait of Sylvia Rivera in the “Struggle for Justice” exhibition. Rivera is the first transgender person in the museum’s collection. A forerunner in the fight against gender identity discrimination, Ray Rivera rechristened himself as Sylvia as a teenager. When cast out by her family, she worked the dicey Times Square district as a transvestite prostitute. She was there in 1969 at the turning point of the modern LGBT struggle for equal rights, when patrons of the Stonewall Inn violently rebuffed a police raid. Politicized by this experience, Rivera campaigned with the Gay Activist Alliance (GAA) in urging the city to enact a non-discrimination ordinance. However, facing racism and discrimination as a Latina transgender by the mainly white male GAA leadership, she began to work with homeless teenagers, co-founding the group and shelter Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR). In the 1990s Rivera was embraced as one of the fundamental figures of the LGBT movement. In the portrait, Puerto Rican photographer and Visual AIDS member Luis Carle took this photograph of Sylvia Rivera at the Saturday Rally before New York’s Gay Pride in 2000. Rivera is pictured with her partner Julia Murray, on the right, and by fellow activist Christina Hayworth, on the left. The placard at their feet reads “Respect TRANS, PEOPLE/ MEN!,” stating Rivera’s lifelong cause of fighting for transgender civil rights. While Rivera became an outcast from the gay rights movement in the late 1970s and 1980s, she was again embraced in the 1990s as a fundamental figure in the movement. She renewed her activism, speaking widely on the need for transgender people to unite at the forefront of the LGBT community. In 1994 she was a keynote speaker at Gay Pride in New York, and in 2000 she was invited to the Millennium March in Italy, where she was acclaimed as the “mother of all gay people.” For more information, visit the blog dedicated to Rivera at face2face.si.edu/ my_weblog/2015/10/welcome-to-the-collection-sylvia-rivera.html. : : Photo Credit: Sylvia Rivera (with Christina Hayworth and Julia Murray) by Luis Carle, gelatin silver print, 2000. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; acquisition made possible through the support of the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the Smithsonian Latino Center
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spiritual reflections by Isai Efuru :: guest contributor
Don’t think it strange Have you been encountering challenging times lately? Have you looked at your current circumstances and wondered why misfortune seems to be a ringtone? You may be surprised to hear that it’s being done on purpose. Everything that occurs in our lives is part of a greater design, a bigger blueprint. God is at the worktable, crafting our destiny and using the very lives we live to add in color, depth and character. Aren’t these some of the very qualities that make other things we love appear so wonderful and beautiful? A life of purpose and abundance must have its process. With any building journey, things will sometimes crash and crumble and look horrible in their early stages. Many times, our lives must be torn down and rebuilt, so that God can use only that which is beneficial or necessary. We should appreciate our rain, our storms and our ruins, because we know they won’t remain as such for long.
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Nov. 20-Dec. 3 . 2015
Take a look at your life and the world surrounding it. What does it look like? Can you honestly say that it won’t get better or won’t work out? Remember that God’s method of construction won’t look anything like ours. The best we can do is to let God work and get excited for what’s to come. Know that because of who you are and where you are going, things will surface and occur to show you how great God is and how strong you really are. They won’t destroy you, but bring the best out of you. Start smiling when things get rough. Laugh out loud and do a dance. The things you’re seeing are not strange, but necessary for your arrival at the next level of favor. Tough times means you’re growing and getting closer to the life you’ve always wanted. It means God hears you and is intentional about your happiness. Be intentional about thanking him for it in advance. : :
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life, positively PRESENTING SPONSOR
Founded in 2013, local non-profit Different Roads Home — a return sponsor for “Life, Positively” — works to help improve the lives of individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other chronic illnesses, with support groups, mentoring programs and food assistance. Dale Pierce, the president and CEO of Different Roads Home, saw a need for non-clinical services for those who are HIV-positive, such as himself. Pierce is a former full-time staffer at Rosedale Infectious Diseases, where he served as practice manager and Ryan White Care Act program director for several years. Different Roads Home offers a variety of programs and services, such as Positive Impact, the all-inclusive support group held every Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, which is open to everyone regardless of status and aim, to help HIV positive people live a healthy, fulfilling life. The meetings are usually topic driven and encourage healthy behaviors around issues such as diet and dating. Oneon-one therapy sessions are also available for those looking for counseling. The Jeanne White-Ginder Food Pantry,
named after Ryan White’s mother, serves the needs of those with chronic illnesses who are also facing food insecurity. Gift cards are given to those who meet the requirements. The Ryan White Memorial Scholarship Fund helps assist college students with their educational expenses. The scholarship is awarded to students who best demonstrate how they will channel their education toward work that will have a positive impact on society. Scholarships are awarded every year at the annual Hope and Inspiration event, this year headlined by Grammy nominee Ty Herndon, on Nov. 21. The Good Roads Mentoring Project connects trained mentors with a mentee, helping them overcome the obstacles that may present themselves. Those who have recently been diagnosed and are having a hard time coping, or are struggling with treatment, knowledge or adherence, are guided and helped by those who have experienced the same or similar issues and overcome them. The name Different Roads Home was inspired by Janet Paschal’s book, “The Good Road.” In it, Paschal writes, “We all take Different Roads Home. Each of us is heading for the same destination, but face our own variety of twists and turns and narrow places, as well as a few stretches that are all downhill. You and I encounter differing relationships, experiences and challenges, only to realize that somewhere along the way we arrive at the same impasse. It is a summons that will change our past, present, and future.” More information about Different Roads Home’s services and programs is available online by visiting differentroadshome.org or by calling 704-237-8793. : :
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Rosedale Infectious Diseases, founded in 2006, is a returning sponsor of “Life, Positively” and is one of the Charlotte, N.C., area’s few private medical firms with staff specializing in care for those living with HIV/ AIDs. Rosedale, located in Huntersville, N.C., is led by Dr. Frederick Cruickshank, who relocated to Charlotte in 2006 and says he right away went about the task of “providing the best medical care for HIV/AIDS and general medicine patients in the area,” with a “desire to treat the whole patient.” The firm provides medical care with a focus on HIV positive patients’ needs, with services including counseling, advanced therapies and diagnostic tests for the evaluation and management of HIV, patient advocacy and testing. Care is also available for those with HIV and hepatitis C co-infection. Free HIV testing is available and can be schedule by emailing mjames@rosedaleid. com. Non-invasive oral tests and rapid tests are used. Rapid tests provide results in approximately 20 minutes. Clients can take advantage of Rosedale’s onsite pharmacy, which provides an integrated healthcare experience. It also offers a higher comfort and security level than may be experienced at a public pharmacy. Rosedale participates in a number of clinical trials, and patients can enroll in treatment studies. This helps aid in the advancements of HIV/AIDS health research, and in many cases provides patients with free medication and help with doctor visit payments and the costs of laboratory expenses. By receiving some Ryan White funds, they are able to also
offer assistance covering medical expenses for those with HIV, including doctors’ visits and laboratory services. There are two kinds of clinical trials: interventional trials, which include a planned intervention or experiment to test the safety and efficacy of a certain treatment regiment, and observational, which does not include any kind of intervention and instead just gathers information about a group of people. Knowing that HIV positive individuals face increased nutritional concerns, Rosedale has a dietician on staff to help teach clients how to eat healthier in order to maintain a stronger body and immune system. Onsite mental health therapy is also offered. Rosedale has sponsored a number of community and charity events in the past, including the annual Regional AIDS Interfaith Network’s AIDS Walk Charlotte, the Gay Charlotte Film Festival, the Charlotte Human Rights Campaign Gala and more. For more information about Rosedale Infectious Diseases and to learn more about HIV/AIDS, visit rosedaleid.com or call 704-9488582. : :
Nov. 20-Dec. 3 . 2015
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life, positively HIV Today: What you should know if you are sexually active Knowing terminology and treatment options helps those who have HIV, AIDS by Chris Tittel :: qnotes contributor “Love is an adventure when one of you is sure… and the other is positive.”
T
he poignant line appears on the screen as the closing shot of “Jeffrey,” the comedic stage play-turned-film about the horniest would-be actor in New York City who gives up sex out of fear of contracting HIV. Enter Steve, the hunky cater waiter who gives Jeffrey good cause to reconsider. It’s love at first sight. “From the first second I saw you, I’ve fantasized about you,” Jeffrey tells Steve, “letting you doing things to me that I have only committed with 5,000 other men.” “Just so there’s no surprises,” Steve tells Jeffrey, “I’m HIVpositive.” It was 1995, little more than 10 years into the HIV epidemic, with only so much known about the disease, treatment and prevention.
What ever would Jeffrey do? In the 20 years since “Jeffrey” first hit the silver screen, researchers have, thankfully, made significant progress in all of these areas. Some of the progress has come so quickly, especially in recent years, that it makes it a bit of a challenge to keep up with the ins and outs of it all. Here’s a few terms that are being used on Photo Credit: the streets these days — some of them familEzume Images via Dollar Photo Club iar, others not so familiar — that could give any of us who are sexually active and who want to remain safe good cause to scratch our heads. Apart from getting tested and knowing your HIV status, education is the next most important factor in protecting yourself and others.
For more extensive information on HIV and AIDS, visit cdc.gov. Free and confidential HIV testing is available by contacting the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network at 704372-7246 or the Mecklenburg County Health Department at 704-336-6500. HIV. Short for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV destroys specific cells of the immune system known as CD4 cells or T cells. It can be spread through blood, semen and vaginal secretions. HIV does not discriminate: Any human being who is sexually active — men, women, transgender, gay, straight, bisexual, white, black, Latino, Asian, etc. — can contract the virus. With no cure at this time, anyone diagnosed with HIV will carry the diagnosis for life. The good news is: HIV is treatable. HIVpositive individuals require routine blood tests to monitor, among other things, the number of CD4/T cells and number of HIV particles present in the bloodstream (i.e., viral load) at any given time. Prescribed medications taken properly can help ensure high numbers of CD4/T cells and low viral loads. AIDS. Short for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. AIDS is typically diagnosed only if HIV destroys so many CD4/T cells that the body can no longer effectively fight infections and disease. It’s important to note that HIV and AIDS are not the same thing and that anyone who’s diagnosed with HIV does not necessarily transition to an AIDS diagnosis. Prescribed medications taken properly can help prevent the transition from HIV to AIDS. ART. Short for antiretroviral treatment or antiretroviral therapy. ART is the collective term for the medications that HIV-positive people take to control the virus in their bodies. ART used correctly can also help prevent the spread of the virus. Viral Load. The term used to measure the number of HIV particles present in the blood-
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Nov. 20-Dec. 3 . 2015
the name of the pill. It contains two medicines — tenofovir and emtricitabine — which can prevent HIV from establishing permanent infection in a person’s body. Commitment is critical to effectiveness: Once PrEP is started, the pill must be taken every day and the user must follow up with a health care provider every three months. Commitment to PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV infection up to 92 percent of the time. It’s recommended for anyone who is HIV-negative who is at potentially greater risk of contracting HIV than others, such as anyone in an ongoing relationship with an HIV-positive partner or anyone who has unprotected sex with multiple partners. PrEP should be used in conjunction with condoms and other HIV prevention strategies. PrEP is covered by most insurance programs. If you do not have insurance, healthcare providers can recommend assistance programs to help pay for PrEP. : : Photo Credit: ueligiezendanner via Dollar Photo Club
stream at any given time. HIV-positive people who are tested regularly — once every three to six months — look for low viral loads with each test. ART taken properly can help bring down and stabilize viral loads. Undetectable. The term used when the number of HIV particles present in the bloodstream is so low that a test cannot detect it. Having an “undetectable” viral load does not mean that a person with HIV no longer has HIV. Anyone who is “undetectable” still has HIV, again just in amounts so low that tests cannot detect it. ART taken properly can help bring down viral loads to “undetectable” levels and keep them there. PrEP. Short for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. PrEP is a pill that HIV-negative people take daily to help prevent contracting HIV. Truvada is
Nov. 20-Dec. 3 . 2015
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life, positively Carolinas AIDS service organizations and agencies Assistance provides a lifeline to increase quality of life for those affected by HIV/AIDS compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff :: specialassignments@goqnotes.com [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 Carolinas Care Partnership 7510 E. Independence Blvd., Suite 105 Charlotte, NC 28227 704-531-2467 carolinascare.org. 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
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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. Different Roads Home is a non-profit organization 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 Circle) Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-4711 (administration) 704-825-3000 (residence) thehouseofmercy.org 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 704-336-6500 704-432-TEST (8378) charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ HealthDepartment/CommunityHealthServices/ Pages/HIVSTDServices.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 704-334-6076 powerhousecharlotte.org.
Nov. 20-Dec. 3 . 2015
facebook.com/ThePowerhouseProject/. 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. Quality Home Care Services 3552 Beatties Ford Rd., Charlotte, NC 28216 704-394-8968 qhcsnc.org. 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, communitybased 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. 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 Infectious Disease 103 Commerce Centre Dr., Suite 103 Huntersville, NC 28078 704-948-8582 rosedaleid.com. 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. Eastern PiCASO (Pitt County AIDS Service Organization) 1530 S. Evans St., Suite 106, Greenville, NC 77834 252-830-1660 picaso.org. 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 positivewellnessalliance.org. Positive Wellness Alliance is a community-based 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. 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. 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 Tillery Place 1637 Old Louisburg Rd., Raleigh, NC 27604 919-834-2437 aas-c.org 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. 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. 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. 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 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. South Carolina ACCESS 5710 N. Okatie Hwy.,Suite B, Ridgeland, SC 29936 843-379-5600 theaccess-network.org. Formed in 1987, ACCESS focuses on providing assistive services including long-term medical care and treatment, supportive mental health, substance 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. 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 management and support, HIV specialty care and HIV/STD testing. It serves York, Chester and Lancaster Counties. AID Upstate 811 Pendleton St., Suite 10, Greenville, SC 29601 864-250-0607 aidupstate.org. 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.).
counseling, screening in Horry, Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties.
Legal assistance is provided by law students under the supervision of attorneys.
Lowcountry AIDS Services 3547 Meeting Street Rd., Charleston, SC 29405 843-747-2273 aids-services.com. 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.
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. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services HIV/STD Prevention and Care epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/stds/program.html.
PALSS Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services 2638 Two Notch Rd., Suite 108 Columbia, SC 29204 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. 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. Regional/Advocacy/ Information AIDS Legal Project at Duke School of Law law.duke.edu/aidsproject/. The AIDS Legal Project provides confidential legal representation to low-income HIV-infected clients with legal problems relating to their diagnosis.
NC Harm Reduction Network nchrc.org. The North Carolina Harm Reduction Network is a statewide grassroots advocacy, resource development and coalition building organization that provides direct services for a variety of issues, including drug use, sex work, immigration issues, genders, sexually-transmitted diseases and HIV. Planned Parenthod Various locations plannedparenthood.org/health-center/ findCenter.asp. Planned Parenthood’s various locations across the state provide safer sex education and information and HIV testing. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control HIV/STD Education and Prevention scdhec.gov/Health/DiseasesandConditions/ InfectiousDiseases/HIVandSTDs/.
National Government AIDS Resources aids.gov
Centers for Disease Control cdc.gov/hiv/
National Institute of Health
nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/hivaids.html
Careteam 3650 Clay Pond Rd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 843-236-9000 careteamplus.org. Careteam provides supportive services for individuals living with HIV, including medical care, case management, HIV testing, counseling and education, risk assessment and
Nov. 20-Dec. 3 . 2015
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life, positively Carolinas World AIDS Day 2015 Events ‘The Time to Act Is Now’ compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff :: specialassignments@goqnotes.com
North Carolina
Central
Eastern
The Voices Project Nov. 30, 7 p.m. Wells Fargo Auditorium at Knight Theatre 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, N.C. An evening of storytelling from influential members of the community, whose family or friends died as a result of HIV/AIDS. Includes Matt Harris, The Matt & Ramona Show radio personality; Rev. Jolin Wilks McElroy, First Christian Church; Dr. Marcus Plescia, Mecklenburg County Health Department director; Judith Barriga, Latina community liaison; Nolimit Larry, WPEG radio personality; and Darrin K. Johnson, The Online Safe Space Initiative project director at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. More storytellers may be added up until the event. Contributions during the evening go to benefit the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network. Preshow reception starts at 6 p.m. with complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. voicesprojectclt.org.
HIV Testing Dec. 1, 5-8:30 p.m. LGBTQ Center of Durham 114 Hunt St., Durham, N.C. In honor of Worlds AIDS Day, the LGBTQ Center of Durham will provide free HIV testing at its facility. lgbtqcenterofdurham.org. Annual Red Ribbon Social Dec. 1, 7 p.m. Fifteen Raleigh 317 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, N.C. The Crape Myrtle Festival will host its Annual Red Ribbon Social in support of those living with HIV and in remembrance of those who have been lost. Light appetizers, cash bar and DJ Jermainia will be on hand. Admission is free and open to the public. Contributions will be accepted at the door. crapemyrtlefest.org. First Annual Carb-Up Dinner Dec. 5, 5 p.m. In support of the Winter Walk for AIDS in Greensboro, N.C. For those who register by Nov. 20, an invitation will be extended. Suggested minimum contribution for walkers is $5. Other walk details below. Winter Walk for AIDS & Ron Johnson 5K Run Dec. 6, 12 p.m. University of North Carolina at Greensboro 1400 Spring Garden St., Greensboro, N.C. Triad Health Project hosts its Winter Walk and the 5K Run to raise funds and awareness to benefit its client services and prevention programs. Registration is available online for the 5K. Onsite HIV/STI testing will be available at the Elliot University Center. triadhealthproject.com.
25th Anniversary Open House and Partner Appreciation Dec. 1, 4 p.m. Carolinas Care Partnership 5855 Executive Center Dr., Suite 101, Charlotte, N.C. Silver anniversary celebration honoring partners and friends of Carolinas CARE Partnership. Refreshments will be served. RSVP requested and donations welcomed. Email info@carolinascare.org to learn more. carolinascare.org. Commemoration Dec. 1, 5:45 p.m. House of Mercy 304 McAuley Cir., Belmont, N.C. The House of Mercy will hold a brief remembrance and honor residents from 1991-2015, as well as those living with HIV/AIDS and allies who support them. Residence tour follows. Contributions are welcomed. thehouseofmercy.org.
Film Screenings, Panel Discussion Dec. 1, 7 p.m. Winthrop University DiGiorgio Center, Dina’s Place 701 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill, S.C. Wellness Services, Affinity Health Center (formerly Catawba Care), the Center for Career and Civic Engagement, Winthrop University NAACP College Chapter #5957, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Xi Beta Chapter of Winthrop University and the Rock Hill Alumnae Chapter) will team up to honor World AIDS Day by screening portions of the “We Are Empowered,” “Speak Out,” and “Change Begins with Me” videos. The first two videos are a production of the Greater Than AIDS campaign. “We Are Empowered” features recording artist Alicia Keys in conversation with five inspiring women living with HIV. This event will open with information about World AIDS Day. A facilitated dialogue with a panel to discuss the devastating impact of HIV in the U.S./S.C. and information about the local HIV epidemic and community resources, will be included. winthrop.edu. affinityhealthcarecenter.org. Stronger Together Luncheon Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m. Omni Charlotte Hotel 132 E. Trade St., Charlotte, N.C. Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) brings community members together for socializing, along with a luncheon and awards. Tickets required. Call Jim Weiner at 704-973-9819 to check on availability. carolinarain.org. Red Pump Project Dec. 5, 7 p.m. University of North Carolina at Charlotte Center City Campus 320 E. 9th St., Charlotte, N.C. The Red Pump Project hosts its 7th annual Red Pump Red Tie Affair, raising funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS among women. Enjoy a cocktail reception, runway show and awards ceremony. Tickets are $40-$50. VIP admission is $75. eventbrite.com/e/the-7th-annual-red-pumpredtie-affair-tickets-18196355790. Western NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Display Nov. 23-Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving Day) Renaissance Hotel 31 Woodfin St., Asheville, N.C. Western North Carolina AIDS Project will host an exhibit of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt consisting of 160 panels (total number of panels
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as of press time is 48,000) commemorating those who lost their battle with HIV/AIDS. Panels come from every corner of the globe. Some are done in memory of teen activist Ryan White, Queen frontman Freddie Mercury and Native American Marty Prairie. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about the Quilts. Age-appropriate HIV education and personalized tours available through the WNCAP office. wncap.org. Film Screening & Panel Discussion Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m. Renaissance Hotel, Ballroom 31 Woodfin St., Asheville, N.C. Western North Carolina AIDS Project will screen the documentary film, “deepsouth,” which depicts the neglected crisis of HIV/AIDS in the rural South. Afterward a panel discussion will ensue with topics such as those seen in the film and the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Asheville and across the state. Also, the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will close out its exhibit at 7 p.m. at the hotel. wncap.org. Remembrance & Volunteer Awards Ceremony Dec. 1, 6 p.m. Conover Station 403 Conover Station S.E., Conover, N.C. ALFA and the community takes time to remember those lost to AIDS and those still fighting during the event, plus recognize outstanding volunteers. alfainfo.org.
South Carolina An Affair to Remember with Avery Sunshine Dec. 3, 6 p.m. 701 Whaley 701 Whaley St., Columbia, S.C. South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council will welcome singer/pianist Avery Sunshine to the Palmetto State. Tickets are available online and are $65/ general and $125/VIP inclusive of open bar and hors d’oeuvres. schivaidscouncil.org.
Surprise! You’re still alive! HIV-positive individuals living unexpectedly into their golden years by Chris Tittel :: qnotes contributor “The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.”
P
Photo Credit: gstockstudio via Dollar Photo Club
oet Robert Frost captured the essence of what millions of HIV-positive Americans are now just discovering, as they move — unexpectedly — from middle age into their golden years.
Thanks to major advances in antiretroviral therapies, many people diagnosed with HIV are living much longer than they expected. In fact, this is the first generation of people with HIV and AIDS to reach retirement age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than half of all HIVpositive Americans will be 50 years and older before the end of this year. Anne Donnelly, a regular contributor to HIV Positive! magazine, mentions the figure in an article posted to the magazine’s website earlier this year. “Aging and living with HIV is fast becoming an issue for tens of thousands of people,” she writes. “Today, many more people living with HIV are able to enjoy a more productive life, as well as continue to work and even retire at some point.” Donnelly also writes that many living with HIV never expected to reach retirement age and, as a result, still have yet to prepare for their golden years. “They now find themselves happy to be healthy and productive, but facing real fears about their lifestyles, incomes and health care as they grow older,” she writes. The post, headlined “What should I be thinking about as I get closer to being 65?,” offers advice on everything from financial planning to change in residency. “The most productive thing you can do is to prepare as much ahead of time as possible
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life, positively HIV/AIDS year in review Progress on many fronts by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff
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Since these SMAC inhibitors were not specifically develver 30 years ago scientists discovered the virus that causes oped to inhibit HIV, their effectiveness may be limited. However, AIDS and since then the developments in treatment and another SBP author has found another potential drug 10 to 100 care have helped patients live longer, healthier lives. times more effective in awakening dormant HIV Meanwhile, advancements in inside the genome. prevention efforts have made it The study was published in September in easier for HIV negative indithe journal Cell Host & Microbe. It can be found viduals to remain that way, even online at j.mp/wakeuphiv. when partnered with someone who is HIV positive. HIV vaccine to begin Scientific research continhuman testing ues, hoping to unlock the mystery Dr. Robert Gallo (pictured of the disease which continues right), head of the University to take lives decades after its disof Maryland’s Institute of covery. While there is much work Human Virology and the man left to be done, there are reasons Photo Credit: tashatuvango via Dollar Photo Club who helped discover that to be hopeful that the future will HIV leads to AIDS, as well as developing the bring even greater discoveries, treatments and breakthroughs. blood test to detect it, announced in October Here are some of the bigger headlines over this past year, that his team’s HIV vaccine is at last entering showing definite progress in the treatment and eradication of human testing. HIV/AIDS. “The results in monkeys are interesting, but they’re not perfect. If we keep just using Waking up HIV to destroy it monkeys, we’re never going anywhere. We A study led by scientists at the Sanford Burnham Prebys need for humans to respond,” Gallo said. “We (SBP) Medical Discovery Institute discovered that drugs called wanted more and more answers before going Second Mitochondrial-derived Activator of Caspases (SMAC) into people.” mimetics activate dormant HIV hiding in cells, making infected This is one of 30 similar drugs in some cells visible to the immune system, which can then destroy them. stage of human testing. Past vaccines have not been effective Better yet, some of these SMAC inhibitors are already in clinienough to support general use, such as the 2009 study done in cal trials for cancer, meaning they may be repurposed for HIV Thailand that protected one third of patients against HIV. therapy in only two to three years, instead of the eight to nine for The first phase of testing will take about a year and will a new drug, the study’s senior author Sumit Chanda said. only test whether or not the vaccine is safe for human use. Subsequent rounds will test the effectiveness of the vaccine, which will take years to complete. The vaccine contains a version of HIV’s surface protein that the virus tries to hide.
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PrEP use on the rise, aiding in prevention of HIV/AIDS When Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, was first discovered as an effective prevention tool against contracting HIV, it seemed it might quickly reduce the rate of infections around the world. Unfortunately, there were obstacles in the way of widespread use, such as doctors being unwilling or hesitant to prescribe a daily medication to healthy patients and stigma that those using the drug were often seen as being promiscuous and, perhaps, less likely to use condoms. Some of the stigma and lack of education and knowledge around the medication seems to be slowly dissipating, as use begins to rise. The White House included PrEP in its national HIV/AIDS strategy, which was released last July. Nigeria has begun a pilot HIV prevention program utilizing both PrEP and TasP (Treatment as Prevention).The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) heads up the study. Many insurance companies cover PrEP, although that does leave some of the most vulnerable populations, who may not have access to quality health insurance, to pay for the medication without assistance. Unfortunately, the drug is not cheap, but hopefully over time the price will start to come down. New pill that fights HIV/AIDS related infection makes debut, costs $1 In response to Turing Pharmaceuticals buying the patent to the drug Daraprim, used to fight an HIV/AIDS-related parasitic infection and increasing the cost by around 4,000 percent, Imprimis Pharmaceuticals introduced in October a Daraprim alternative for just $1. Imprimis Chief Executive Officer Mark Baum referenced the price spike by Turing in his announcement, saying, “While we have seen an increase in costs associated with regulatory compliance, recent generic drug price increases have made us concerned and caused us to take positive action to address an opportunity to help a needy patient population.” : :
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life, positively Red Ribbon Sponsor
PowerHouse was founded by Lisa Wigfall in 2005 under the umbrella of Quality Home Care Inc. to address the issues of AAMSM “AfricanAmerican Men who have sex with men.” PowerHouse has since expanded and has
been funded by the Centers for Disease Control to address the needs of African-American Women. We strive to minimize the impact of the spread of HIV/AIDS through outreach, education, advocacy and support.
Surprise! continued from page11 for your 60s and 70s, and definitely a few or more years before you retire or before you turn 65,” Donnelly writes. “It’s wise to take as much time as possible to explore your options as well as to educate and advocate for yourself before these changes take place.” Donnelly also addresses the importance of preparing for healthcare needs and services, especially for those who plan to relocate to a retirement destination. According to a Newsweek article from September 2014, research has shown that older HIV-positive individuals face a higher risk for developing cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Neurological problems like dementia are also more likely, affecting concentration, memory, decision making, coordination, motor skills, language and sensory perception. “A lot of people move either by choice or necessity after their retirement,” she writes. “There are several things to consider before you take that leap. One is your doctor or medical provider. Even if you’re not moving out of your home or move just a town away, you may not be able to keep your current doctor because he or she is not in the Medicare plan you choose when you turn 65. Think about what hospitals and other types of services and facilities are available to you.” Financial planning is also important for anyone entering the golden years. An article posted to HIVPlusMag.com in January 2014, headlined “Financial Planning for the HIV Positive,” notes that New York Life Insurance Company is one of the first insurance companies to launch a program to assist
HIV-positive individuals in planning for their financial future and retirement. “Dubbed ‘Positive Planning,’ this first-ofits-kind program is helmed by Aaron Baldwin, an HIV-positive agent based in New York Life’s San Francisco office,” the article reads. “For Baldwin, 46, launching this new project seemed like a natural extension of the Fortune 100 company’s mission, which is, according to its website, ‘to provide financial security and peace of mind.’ Yet considering that for decades HIV-positive people were refused insurance products, the move from a corporate America stalwart is a remarkable one.” : :
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news notes: carolinas compiled by Lainey Millen :: qnotes staff
Pride event successful CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Second Annual Pride was held on Oct. 1 at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), 100 Beatties Ford Rd. Throughout the day, over 100 attendees were able to enjoy exhibits, stage performances, speeches, a critical mass action candle lighting in memory of those lost to suicide by transgender youth (one of whom was Blake Brockington, a trans activist who died in 2014), awards ceremony and more. The event was held to engage campus students and guests on issues pertaining to the LGBT community at the university and nationally. It was presented by Sexuality Advocacy for Equality (S.A.F.E.) Pride, Multicultural Student Affairs, Charlotte Black Gay Pride, Campus Pride, Hearts Beat As One Foundation, Counseling Center, Freedom Center for Justice, PowerHouse Project, Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Time Out Youth Center. Others invited to the event were Equality North Carolina, I Matter at JCSU, Spiritual Life Center at JCSU, Southern Equality for North Carolina, the Student Governing Association. Warren Guene S. Radebe, S.A.F.E. Pride vice president and sponsorship coordinator, shared, “Out of 400 S.A.F.E. Pride members, we were able to impact 75 students, and were excited to recruit another 35.” Colorful and innovative costuming was utilized by emcee James Rice III who served as the event’s program director. And, university President Dr. Ronald C. Carter, along with the school’s administrative board, permitted the organization to fly a rainbow flag, along with the U.S and JCSU flags. “The rainbow flag was flying with prde, and proclaimed a symbolic step into [the] diversity and inclusion process in our HBCU [historically black college and university],” Radebe added. info: 980-345-9781. wsradebe.2011@jcmail.jcsu.edu.
Charlotte ‘Gayborhood’ group set
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Who’s In Your Gayborhood group will host its monthly soirée on Nov. 22, 2 p.m., at EagleSpeak Coffee House, 3907 South Blvd. Attendees will be able to enjoy “game day” playing whatever games together that are brought to the event, as well as keeping tabs on the Panthers. Coffee, wine and beer service will be available. Order-in pizzas can be purchased from a restaurant next door or attendees can bring potluck dishes. The Gayborhood group was initiated through a steering committee consisting of Sandy Schmit, Honey Hartley, Lee Ziglar and Victoria Eves. It was launched as a continuation of the Aging Solutions group, targeting a wider age demographic and morphing into a Zipcode Buddy Network for the community. It kicked off on Sept. 9. Its aim is to bring together like-minded individuals from nearby neighborhoods for support and friendship. More information will be available in an upcoming qnotes issue as the group continues to settle in. One goal that the steering committee has agreed upon is that decisions will be made by consensus, rather than on a hierarchal structure. The network encourages LGBT- and LGBTfriendly individuals from the extended Charlotte metropolitan community to join in. info: vixclt@yahoo.com.
‘Madonna’ honored in song
CHARLOTTE — One Voice Chorus will present “Madonna/Madonna” on Dec. 4 and 5, 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 5, 2 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte, 234 N. Sharon Amity Rd. The holiday concert explores both the secular and sacred polarity of Christmas. It
centers around the biblical Madonna, as well as the pop culture icon and singer Madonna. “Cherish the Immaculate Conception ‘Like a Virgin’ this holiday season,” organizers shared. Tickets for the evening performances are $27.97/adult and $18.65/student with ID and $18.65/adult and $13.99/student with ID for the matinee are available online. info: onevoicechorus.com. facebook.com/OneVoiceChorus.
Triangle Holiday gathering comes early
RALEIGH, N.C. — The LGBT Center of Raleigh will hold an early holiday potluck and game night on Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, 3313 Wade Ave. Enjoy an evening of food, fellowship and board/card games. The center will provide turkey and ham. Attendees are asked to bring a main dish, side dish, dessert, etc., to share. Email gamenight@ lgbtcenterofraleigh.com to RSVP. Food items should come prepared as kitchen facilities will not be available during the evening. Utensils should also be brought to accompany dishes. info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.
Lucas Wellness awards gala set
DURHAM, N.C. — CAARE will celebrate 20 years serving the community with HIV/ AIDS care with its Jeanne Lucas Wellness Center Leadership Awards Gala on Dec. 4, 7 p.m., at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, 214 Broadway St. It is hosted by Healing with CAARE, Inc. Awardees were selected based upon their foundational support of the center. Through this effort, CAARE is able to provide free wellness services to over 1,100 individuals per month. Proceeds of the event will go to support the work and expansion of services at the center and
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CAARE, which stands for “case management of AIDS and addiction through resources and education” CAARE also provides services for those who have cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, all of which, including HIV/AIDS, have the highest mortality rates in the Durham County area. Tickets are $75/single; $40/student, early bird; $75/honoree; $60/senior and $600/table of 8 and are available online. info: caareinc.org.
Dems name annual superstars
RALEIGH, N.C. — The LGBT Democrats of North Carolina have announced the recipients of its annual awards. Receiving the LGBT Democrat of the Year designation are chapter members Cameron Joyce, president, Mecklenburg County, N.C., and Micah Beasley, president, Wake County, N.C. The awardees will receive their honors at the fifth annual state convention on Nov. 21, 12:30 p.m., at North Carolina State University, Talley Center, Room 4280, 2610 Cates Ave. Joyce’s leadership has helped the Charlotte area receive nods for a well-attended debate among local municipal candidates in the recent election season. Coverage of the debates led to media coverage, brining LGBT issues to the forefront. The chapter also completed a successful fundraiser. He is an administrative graduate assistant at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He served as a campaign coordinator for Councilmember LaWana Mayfield in 2013 and in 2012 was a U.S. field team intern with One Campaign and a Democratic National Convention intern. qnotes also profiled Joyce in its Our People column in 2014. Read more about him at goqnotes.com/31321/. Beasley has led his chapter toward growth in its launch over the past year. It has quickly become a fixture in the county political arena. A holiday party will round out the year’s activities. He currently serves an an internal communications specialist at the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer and previously was U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan’s press secretary from 2013-14. Additionally, he served as communications director for Lt. Gov. Linda Coleman in 2012 and was an intern for Sen. Hagan in 2010. info: lgbtdemocrats.org.
Men’s chorus celebrates holidays
DURHAM/RALEIGH, N.C. — The Triangle Gay Mens Chorus will hold their “A Christmas Celebration” concert on Dec. 5, 7 p.m., at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 3011 Academy Rd., in Durham, N.C., and on Dec. 6, 3 p.m., at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough St., in Raleigh, N.C. The chorus will present uplifting, sacred and secular tunes associated with the holiday season. Soloist Arsena Soto Brickley will also be performing along with the chorus. Tickets are $10/advance, available online, and $15/at the door. In other news, the chorus is seeking individuals who would like to join them. Rehearsals resume on Jan. 15, 2016, at 7 p.m. at Pullen Memorial. Email membership@tgmchorus.org to learn more. info/tickets: tgmchorus.org. m.bpt.me/ event/2396239.
Holiday-style bingo slated
DURHAM, N.C. — Alliance of AIDS Services - Carolinas will host “Naughty or Nice Bingo” on Dec. 12, 6 p.m., at the Durham Armory, 220 Foster St.
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news notes: carolinas compiled by Chris Tittel :: qnotes contributor
Bow tie recognizes transgender celebrities The bow tie was designed in recognition of Transgender Awareness Week (Nov. 14-20) and to raise awareness to the “Ties of Love” campaign, developed in light of reports on the high rates of suicide attempts within the transgender community. To learn more about “Ties of Love” or to order a bow tie, visit alljackedup.ca. — From ClutchPR and alljackedup
Jack Jackson
Dueling petitions debate the ’T’ in LGBT
Designer Jack Jackson has created a limited-edition transgender celebrity bow tie, featuring the names of actress Laverne Cox, adult film performer Buck Angel, musicians Rae Spoon and Lucas Silveira and model Andreja Pejic, among others. Jackson is founder of alljackedup, a Toronto-based fashion house dedicated to what its website describes as the queer, androgynous and transmasculine fashion conscious.
A petition posted on Change.org is asking major LGBT organizations and media outlets — including Lambda Legal, GLAAD and Human Rights Campaign — to sever ties with trans people and issues, reading in part: “We are a group of gay/bisexual men and women who have come to the conclusion that the transgender community needs to be disassociated from the larger LGB community; in essence, we ask that organizations…stop representing the transgender community as we feel their ideology is not only completely different from that promoted by the LGB community (LGB is about sexual orientation, trans is about gender identity), but is ultimately regressive and actually hostile to the goals of women and gay men.” Several groups have responded to the petition, which as of this writing [Nov. 9] has 1,380 supporters. “GLADD stands firmly with the transgender community and unequivocally rejects the outrageous and destructive idea that the ‘T’ be removed from LGBT,” said GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis in a statement. “For decades,
Carolina News Notes continued from page 21 Hostess for the evening will be Ebony Summers. Concessions will be on hand offering hot dogs, hamburgers, vegetarian burgers, chips, candies and assorted beverages. Tickets are $30/individual and $275/tables of 10 and are available online. Sales will end on Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. info: aas-c.org.
Western Allies honored at gala
HICKORY, N.C. — ALFA will hold its Winter Gala on Dec. 6, 6 p.m., at Cafe Rule, 242 11th Ave. N.E. During the festivities, the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Legacy Award will be presented to Tony and Karen Rose. The two have been active community members, having served on the boards of ALFA, Boy Scouts of America, United Arts Council, Hickory Community Theatre and the Catawba County Economic Development Council. They have sponsored ALFA events, collaborated on grants and provided personal contributions to help sustain ALFA’s work. With an education specialist degree, Karen Rose works with Catawba County Schools
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where she advocates for anti-bullying campaigns. She is also a volunteer with OutRight Youth of Catawba County. Tony Rose has been a supporter of ALFA within Catawba Valley Medical Center’s grant funding and has provided office space for the agency. To provide for treatment for those who are HIV positive, he established Fairgrove Primary Health. They have two children, a son and daughter. Attendees will be able to enjoy a pre-dinner cash bar, holiday music and a four-course meal. Minimum contributions of $100 per seat are required. Ticket purchases and information are available online. Reservations are due by Nov. 30. Sponsorship opportunities are welcome. Email Megg Lail at gettested@alfainfo.org to inquire. In other news, ALFA’s Dining For Friends event helped to raise $46,000 through host parties, sponsorships, Dining Out for Friends and the finale. ALFA has also been awarded with funding from Design Industries Foundation Fighting
Nov. 20-Dec. 3 . 2015
transgender people have worked alongside lesbian, gay, and bisexual people to advance equality for everyone, often leading the way in the movement for full equality and acceptance. Many trans people are also lesbian, gay, and bisexual — they are an inextricable and invaluable part of the LGB community. At a time when anti-LGBT activists continue to attack the basic rights and protections essential to all of our lives, we must stand together, rather than succumb to the ruin of divisiveness.” “This is unequivocally wrong,” Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin said. “The hate that killed Matthew Shepard killed Zella Ziona. The bullies at school aren’t just harassing the gay kids, they’re harassing the transgender kids. The parents who could provide loving homes for the 400,000 children in foster care aren’t only lesbian parents, or gay parents, they’re bisexual parents and transgender parents. This idea that we are somehow separate and apart is patently untrue. We are one movement, stronger in our unity. We are one community, period. And the Human Rights Campaign will not be done working until equality reaches every single one of us.” In response, a new Change.org petition titled “We stand with trans people — Reject ‘Drop the T’” has been posted online. The petition currently has 2,293 signatures. — LGBTQ Nation (lgbtqnation.com), a qnotes media partner
Join campaign to make Stonewall national park site
On September 20, U.S. congresspersons, elected officials at the state and local levels and representatives of the National Parks Conservation Association and the Human Rights Campaign gathered in front of the iconic Stonewall Inn in New York City to launch a campaign to have the inn designated as the nation’s first national park site dedicated to LGBT history. As part of the lead up to the launch, elected officials representing all levels of govern-
AIDS and the Kenneth K. and Suzanne G. Millholland Endowment. Monies go toward HIV prevention, testing and support services. The organization is also in need of funds to purchase new technical equipment, including two desktop upgrades, two monitors, as well as tablets for case managers to use during home visits. Target goal is $2,738. ALFA is also looking for community client family adoptions. Clients, who deal with expenses associated with their healthcare and household requirements, may need assistance in purchasing holiday gifts for their children. Currently, there are 20 children who are in need of gifts. Call Kayla Earley at 828-322-1447, ext. 228 to volunteer. info: alfainfo.org.
South Carolina Holiday party announced
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Takeover Grand Strand will hold its Christmas dinner party on Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m., at the Marriott’s Courtyard Myrtle Beach Broadway, 1351 21st Ave. N. Cocktail hour is 5:30-6:30 p.m., with dinner from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thirty vacation destinations by Courtyard
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ment in New York have sent the first letters to President Barack Obama requesting the designation of a Stonewall National Monument. “We have a responsibility to preserve and respect the places important to our history, and the Stonewall Inn deserves our highest recognition,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. “Victories like the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ the passage of marriage equality in New York State and the final, decisive Supreme Court ruling securing our freedom to marry, were borne from the modern equal rights movement launched at Stonewall. It’s time for a national monument honoring the legacy of people and events that took place here.” “The legacy of the Stonewall Rebellion mirrors that of our nation: a group of individuals standing together against all odds to demand their freedom,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. “As the struggle to ensure equality for all continues, I am proud to stand with this coalition to remember the spark that launched the LGBT civil rights movement. We urge President Obama to designate the first ever National Park Service site dedicated to the history of the LGBT community, so that this story may be preserved and retold for future generations.” Two-thirds of America’s more than 400 national park sites are dedicated to cultural and historic significance. Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, N.Y., tells the story of the first Women’s Rights Convention held there in July 1848 and the struggle for equality and civil rights. Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail in Alabama, a national park site, traces the march led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the struggle for equal voting rights for African-Americans. Learn more about the push to create a national park for Stonewall and add your support by signing the petition at npca.org/natlparkforstonewall.com. Join the conversation online with #NatlParkForStonewall. — From the National Parks Conservation Association
Marriott will be raffled off during the evening. Reservations for the dinner are $25 per person and must be purchased online in advance of the event. The menu includes dinner, dessert, tea and bread. Menu for the event consists of mixed greens salad, black cherry pork loin, oven roasted turkey breast, roasted red potatoes and zucchini and squash, followed by assorted cakes and coffee. Takeover hosts monthly happy hours at various local establishments. It also spearheaded the development of the Coastal Business Guild, the area’s LGBT chamber of commerce. Its initial advisory committee consisted of Angie Knight, Grand Strand Law Group, chair; Adam Bonnett, Courtyard by Marriott; Tim Harvey, The Hoffman Group; and Nate Rohler, TD Bank. The group has been at work to determine the future of the Coastal Business Guild and how to best complete the mission of the organization, shared Terry Livingston, who along with Steve Gamble co-founded Takeover Grand Strand. It has also held its Grand Strand Pride Expo and Gala in August 2015. It featured social gatherings, a business trade show and evening happy hour and dinner with Linda Ketner, co-founder and president of both Alliance for Full Acceptance and South Carolina Equality, serving as the keynote speaker, followed by entertainment and culminating with a Sunday brunch. info/tickets: takeovergrandstrand.com.
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dishing with buff faye by Buff Faye :: qnotes contributor :: info@bufffaye.com
Yes I am #Thankful for Drag Queens I write this column monthly. My motivation is not financial in doing so; nor is it out of boredom. The purpose is to share something I find special — the world of drag. For those naysayers, it is more than just a pair of heels, lipstick, a dress or a weekend drag show. Drag queens and drag itself have always been an important part of our LGBT culture, community and history, whether you like it or not. Over the years, the art of drag has brought so much laughter, joy, healing and change. Even when misunderstood or in the shadows, drag queens have long been a force to be reckoned with, mobilizing and uniting people and communities. As Thanksgiving approaches, it is only right to share our thanks to those famous — and “infamous” — drag queens throughout history, and even present day, for keeping drag alive in the past, present and future. So here you go, in their own words: 10 drag queens who I am thankful for — what they said, how loud they yelled and for sharing their truth with the world. Alexis Arquette Yes, I am transgendered, but I also am a cross-dresser — I dress as a woman. It’s not that I just want to be seen as a female in our society, I’m also a drag queen and a performer — there are many levels there. RuPaul
Photo Credit: Public Domain. CC license.
queen or otherwise — can make is taking themselves too seriously. Get over yourself; you’re dressed like a prostitute clown. Coco Peru I have a ton of fears, but drag has allowed me to address those fears. In that way, I have found drag queens to be some of the most courageous/brave people I know. As I say in one of my shows, “When you transform the outer, you can transform the inner, and vice versa, when you transform the inner you can transform the outer. Yes, we gender benders understand that if you have the balls to change yourself; you have the power to change the world.” That pretty much sums up Coco Peru. Courtney Act Drag can teach the world to look at things differently, because one of the first assumptions a person is afforded to make is whether someone is male or female. And when you see drag and it fucks with gender in such a way, it forces people to think outside the box. Sylvia Rivera I was a radical, a revolutionist. I am still a revolutionist…I am glad I was in the Stonewall riot. I remember when someone threw a Molotov cocktail, I thought, “My god, the revolution is here. The revolution is finally here!” Bianca Del Rio To be a drag queen you’ve got to have a good set of balls, and I think a lot of queens have a strength that many people don’t have. Shangela Drag teaches the world how to find the beauty in everything around you, because drag queens can take something from a Dumpster and create something couture, fashionable, and fabulous.
RuPaul Whatever you proclaim as your identity, here in the material realm is also your drag. You are not your religion. You are not your skin color. You are not your gender, your politics, your career or your marital status. You are none of the superficial things that this world deems important. The real you is the energy force that created the entire universe! Divine You’re awesome. If someone doesn’t see that, Fuck’em. Jackie Beat The biggest mistake that anyone — drag
Lady Bunny When gays were really searching for acceptance in the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, it was very freeing for gay men to go and see someone who was not only out of the closet, but a flamboyant drag queen doing dirty material. Because there was a fearlessness to it. Now drag is more mainstream, so I’m not sure drag is as freeing for gay men, and to some extent, drag may have become old hat. It is so mainstream now and a lot of it is boring. DRAG TIP: Find someone that inspires you to think beyond yourself, to do better for others — than do just that. — Buff Faye calls the Queen City her home and is too busy to read mean posts (plus she loves to 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: After the family and turkey fixins, come out to my Thanksgiving Leftover Drag Show Benefit for Campus Pride on Saturday, Nov. 28 at Bar at 316 at 11:30 p.m. featuring Jamie Monroe and Shelita Bonet Hoyle. Proceeds benefit Campus Pride for LGBTQ youth.
Nov. 20-Dec. 3 . 2015
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life Sculptor Mike Seigler is a one-man army goqnotes.com/to/life
Creates unique costume pieces for Halloween and beyond by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff
Sculptor Mike Seigler in front of a work in progress.
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culptor Mike Seigler does not see things quite like most people. What one may see as a pile of junk, Seigler sees as a pile of potential. Seigler creates one-of-a-kind costume pieces like never seen under the banner Army of Dorkness. Their general aesthetic is big, loud, bright and often creepy. Seigler’s art supplies come in the form of old Halloween decorations, used sports equipment and even the rungs taken from a wooden chair, which he recently turned into wands.
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His partner in glorious gaudiness is Lee Grutman, frontman for the Charlotte-based band Your Fuzzy Friends. Your Fuzzy Friends is known in part for extravagant costuming and stage dressing, so the partnership is not hard to fathom. Grutman used to own an art gallery in Charlotte, called Dig Dug’s, and Seigler once contributed to a show Grutman organized called “Punk Flamingos.” Grutman says that Seigler’s flamingo was among the most impressive and elaborate. So when Grutman was thinking of what he wanted to wear for the Charlotte Pride parade — he was a part of the Snug Harbor float — he figured he would see if Seigler might be able to whip something up for him. He found some old football shoulder pads and gave them to Seigler to decorate. “He said, ‘Just Pride ‘em up,’ that’s what he said,” Seigler recalls. “So I was like, ‘Okay, so I can do whatever I want?’ He’s like, ‘Yep.’ So I just sat down and started painting stripes, and drilling holes; I put lights on one side of it; I knew he liked stuffed animals, so I stuck stuffed animal heads on poles and put them on the other side; just painted it in all the glorious crazy colors that I could think of and just made it for him, and I think that’s where the whole idea came from.” Grutman saw an opportunity for Seigler, who is in between jobs and suffers from chronic back issues, to make some money while he looked for work. He knew that there would be a market for these creations, whether it be for decorations, other bands looking to spice up their live show, cosplayers or just collectors of the strange. The pair began selling them at the Charlotte vintage clothing store Stash Pad, where they were an instant hit. “We went there [Stash Pad] to put a cape on one of the [mannequins wearing the pads], and Mike was sitting there working on it and the woman [who was there to buy it] came in,” Grutman says. “Yeah, she said, ‘Boy, I hope you’re not looking to buy those,’” Seigler adds. “I’m like, ‘No,’ and she says, ‘I’d love to talk to the person that made them, I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s me.’” He was pleased to find out that she had driven in just to purchase the pads, intending to use them for a photo shoot in Arizona after seeing them posted to Stash Pad’s Instagram account. Seigler says he can make each piece in roughly two or three days, and with a mind like his and a dedicated friend like Grutman to keep him working, chances are we are only seeing the very tip of their dorky, festooned, brilliant iceberg. : :
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tell trinity by Trinity :: qnotes contributor :: trinity@telltrinity.com
Love, danger and philosophy? Dearest Trinity, I met the perfect guy. Now we’re thinking of getting married. Do you think it’s too fast? Too Fast, Atlanta, GA Dearest Too Fast, What’s too fast, I ask? Are marriage, love and/
or science a perfect science? We know that some couples within two days meet, marry and spend 50 years together, while other couples date successfully for 10 years, get married and yet end up divorced three months later. So, sweetie, if you want to live dangerously, I say, “Jump in, yet be prepared for all possible outcomes.” Socrates also suggests, ”If love doesn’t work out, ‘You can always become a philosopher.’”
choose just two? My cartoon shows you how I treat this situation.) Hey Trinity, I’ve been chasing after someone for almost a year now. I call, email, make sure I’m at the gym when he’s there and even take pictures of him when he’s in the park. Shouldn’t I at least get the time of day? I’m not stalking him, just being aggressive about my love. Not (Just) Stalking, Flint, MI Hey Not (Just) Stalking, In the perfect Disney animation film, he should go out with you, but in reality you are probably fright-
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ening him, absolutely stalking him and possibly committing a crime. Dating is a healthy game two people agree on playing together. Stalking is an unhealthy game that one person decides to play on someone else. If you truly love him, then you must let him go, not kill him with kindness! Oh, and honey, if you can’t move on, then seriously, get some therapy!Good luck. : : 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.
Dear Trinity, I’ve been in a healthy threesome relationship for over five years now. What do you think of threesome relationships? Three To One, Provincetown, MA Dear Three To One, Believe it or not, I’ve known many and they all seem to work out great while they are working. I, myself, darling, have also thought of tying the knot with a few men at once but… I have to convince my rabbi first! (Oy! now this one is a real conundrum. So many men, how do I
Nov. 20-Dec. 3 . 2015
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EVENTS
-For World AIDS Day events, see page 10-
November-December 2015 Continues through Nov. 22 SEP NOV MO ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ Dale F. Halton Theater at CPCC, 1206 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte 8 p.m. on Nov. 20-21, 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 22
Transgender Day of LGBT Democrats of NC SEP NOV SEP NOV MO MO Remembrance Convention Commemoration NC State University, Talley Charlotte-Mecklenburg Student Center, Room 4280 Government Center 2610 Cates Ave., Raleigh 600 E. 4th St., Charlotte 12:30-2:30 p.m. 6:30-8 p.m. The LGBT Democrats of NC will hold The Transgender Day of Remembrance their fifth annual convention, held the commemoration ceremony this year in same weekend as Equality NC’s annual Charlotte will take place at the Charlotte- gala. The election of all state officers Mecklenburg Government Center, and congressional district chairs starting at 6:30 p.m. Speakers will include and vice chairs will take place at the Alexandrea Rose, Parker Petruicick, Lara convention. Special guests include Central Piedmont Community College Americo and trans activist Jacob Tobia. Sen. Josh Stein,Greensboro Mayor Theater, Opera and Dance present At 7:45 p.m., the names of those who died Nancy Vaughan, Sen. Mike Woodard, Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “The Phantom of because of anti-transgender violence Rep. Cecil Brockman, North Carolina the Opera” in the Dale F. Halton Theater will be read with an accompanying Democratic Party Chair Patsy Keever, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the candlelight vigil, followed by closing Raleigh City Councilwoman Mary Ann opening of the facility. The musical tells remarks. Social time will precede the Baldwin, Wake County Commissioners the story of a masked figure who lurks formal portion of the night, with pizza and Matt Calabria and John Burns. More beneath the catacombs of the Paris hot chocolate provided. information is available online. Opera House, who falls in love with the onebodyperlifetime@gmail.com. tdor.info. lgbtdemocrats.org. beautiful soprano, Christine. It won the 1986 Olivier Award and the 1988 Tony Continues through Nov. 22 SEP NOV MO Award for Best Musical. Tickets are ‘The Commedia Princess and the Pea’ $10, $18 and $20. More information and Wells Fargo Playhouse at ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St., Charlotte, Times vary tickets is available online. In a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale using the tix.cpcc.edu/events/the-phantom-ofcomic storytelling of Italian Commedia dell’arte, a queen places a single the-opera. pea under a pile of mattresses to see if her son’s chosen bride is worthy of his hand. –––––––––––––––––––– The play is part of ImaginOn’s Explorer Series, designed for four to six year olds. The Transgender Day of Remembrance performance on Nov. 21 will be signed for those who are hearing impaired. Tickets Candlelight Vigil range from $15-$20. More information and tickets is available online. North Carolina State Capitol ctcharlotte.org. 1 E. Edenton St., Raleigh –––––––––––––––––––– 6:30-7:30 p.m. Equality Gala The Transgender Day of Rembrance Raleigh Marriott City Center, 500 Fayetteville St., Raleigh, 6 p.m. Candlelight Vigil will take place at the Equality NC will hold its 9th Annual Equality Gala and bills itself as North Carolina State Capitol and will “North Carolina’s premiere gathering of leading LGBT and allied remember those who have been lost to communities.” The fundraiser helps the organization to continue to fight for full LGBT violence around the world this year. A equality in North Carolina and serves as a way to celebrate past victories and look reception will follow at the LGBT Center forward together to a better future. Awards are presented to prominent leaders helpof Raleigh, at 324 S. Harrington St., from ing to work toward this more equal future. More information is available online, as 7:30-9:00 p.m. well as hotel accommodations. lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. equalityncfoundation.org/gala.
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Submit your event to our calendar!
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).
‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ SEP NOV MO Paul Green Theatre 300 Country Club Rd., Chapel Hill 7:30 p.m. In this grownup’s prequel to “Peter Pan”, an apprentice starcatcher and an orphan boy take to the high seas. The play is based on the 2006 book of a similar name by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, adapted for the stage by Rick Elice. This multiple Tony Award winner, presented by PlayMakers Repertory Company, is suitable for both adults and children. Tickets range from $15- $44. More information and tickets is available online. playmakersrep.org. –––––––––––––––––––– Continues through Nov. 22 Carolina Renaissance Festival 16445 Poplar Tent Rd., Huntersville 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. It is that time of year again. Time to go back in time. The 16th century European style art and entertainment festival. Enjoy circus acts, comedy, music, dance and more on 12 stages. Over 500 costumed villagers stay in character and interact with you as you explore the “town.” In addition to the shows, you can ride one-of-akind people-powered rides, like the world’s largest rocking horse. Or you can watch two knights joust on horseback. Adult tickets are $24, with discounts available, including those for children. More information and tickets is available online. carolina.renfestinfo.com.
Trans~Giving 2015 LGBT Center of Raleigh 324 S. Harrington St., Raleigh 6 – 9 p.m. An alternative Thanksgiving celebration, Trans~Giving invites LGBTQ and allies to the LGBT Center of Raleigh for a feast and fellowship. The main course is provided by the center and the sides are provided by those who attend. Those who cannot bring a side dish are asked to make a donation if possible. Spend time with some chosen family during the holidays. lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.
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Continues through Dec. 5 SEP DEC MO One Voice Chorus presents ‘ Madonna/Madonna’ Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte 234 N Sharon Amity Rd., Charlotte 7:30 p.m., plus a 2 p.m. show on Dec 5 One Voice Chorus wants to keep the mother of Christ in Christmas. Mary, also known as The Madonna, is at the heart of the biblical Christmas story and “Madonna/Madonna” places her front and center, along with another Madonna. The Madonna of ‘80s pop stardom and icon of gay culture. The concert explores “both the secular and sacred polarity of Christmas” in a holiday presentation unlike most others you are likely to see this year, or any other. Tickets range from $14-$19. Tickets and more information is available online. onevoicechorus.com.
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OUR PEOPLE:
Q&A with Nathan Smith Smith ensures RAIN’s message washes through community by Chris Tittel :: qnotes contributor
Who says a little RAIN ruins the parade? Nathan Smith and his colleagues proved at this year’s Charlotte Pride Parade that a lot of RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network) can actually bring great joy, not only to parade goers, but also to a community thirsting for RAIN’s special brand of loving care. RAIN is the leading HIV/AIDS service organization in Mecklenburg County. The mission statement appearing on the RAIN website reads: “RAIN engages the community to transform lives and promote respect and dignity for all people touched by HIV through compassionate care, education and leadership development.” The non-profit has served close to 1,100 clients in and around Charlotte since 1992. Smith, who serves as RAIN’s director of development and marketing, will celebrate his 11th year with the organization in January. He said he’s dedicated to marketing the RAIN brand across Mecklenburg County and into the surrounding region, especially to those in need of RAIN’s prevention, counseling, case management and testing services. And if it’s RAINing men like Smith in the Queen City these days, all anyone has to say is: Halleleujah. For more information on RAIN, visit carolinarain.org or call (704) 372-7246. RAIN is located at 601 E. 5th St., Suite 470, in Charlotte, N.C. What do you do at RAIN? I oversee events, donors, giving campaigns, marketing the brand, communications, grants. Depending on which day it is, that’s the hat I wear. How big of a problem is HIV in the Charlotte area? Mecklenburg County ranks number one in the entire state for most cases of HIV. On average, seven new cases are reported each week in Charlotte. On average, one new case a day is reported. What can we do to stop the spread of HIV? Continue to have honest and frank conversations and not be afraid to talk about your status, whether you’re positive or negative. Also, be OK with wearing a condom if you meet someone. We’re in the South and sometimes talking about sex and things of that nature can still be a little scary. It’s getting over that fear and just having those con-
versations. You can have fun and enjoy life, but have honest conversations with your partners, your friends. All my friends know what I do for a living and always come to me with questions if they have any. Also, I’ve been involved with RAIN for so long I also have very frank conversations with them, even just chit-chatting. I was visiting an HIV clinic in the Charlotte area recently and saw a sign on the importance of knowing your status. It was kind of funny to see the sign in an HIV clinic — where clients already know their status — rather than in some public place where you’re more likely to find people who have yet to be tested. Are enough people getting tested? No. Even if they were doing an amazing job, you can never do enough. Being a non-profit, we have limited resources. I would really love to do a bus wrap, but that would be $10,000. The resources that we have we really try to use, social media and such. We really try, but we have to do a lot more. What’s the one thing you’d like readers to know about RAIN? If you need help, call us. We never turn anyone away. We offer testing every Wednesday night here in the office. Why is this work so important? When I first started with RAIN, it wasn’t necessarily about HIV. I have a passion for non-profit fundraising. Starting with RAIN, it really was the staff. Our CEO is also our founder, Debbie [the Rev. Deborah C. Warren]. For her to be here and to be in this field and to still have the passion 24 years later is really inspirational. It’s an amazing organization to work for and they do amazing stuff. Of course, I’m a little biased. We have an amazing staff. We’re a small staff of 12 people. To be one of the largest AIDS service organizations in the Carolinas, doing amazing work, it’s a great opportunity and has been a great honor to be part of it. Are you from Charlotte originally? I’m not from Charlotte, but I’m originally from North Carolina. I was born in Wake Forest. How long have you been in Charlotte? Since 2002, I believe. It’s kind of a blur. I guess I’m kind of a Charlottean. They always say if you’ve been here at least four or five years, you’re a native. [laughs] Tell me something about yourself that people might not know about you. The first thing that pops into my head, honestly, is my parents. Most people don’t know that my dad’s a priest. To have a priest as a father, people say, like, what, with me being openly gay. But, he’s 100 percent cool about it. He’s 100 percent supportive. Both of my parents are. That’s actually where I get my passion from. He’s retired, but he works part-time at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, which is where I’m a member of. What does your mom do? She’s a retired social worker. So, both of your parents worked in professions where they gave back to the community. I jokingly say that me and my two younger sisters are all kind of screwed in the sense of giving back. [laughs] I do not-for-profit fundraising, my little sister is a vet tech and my other sister is back in school, but was in D.C. doing policy at a non-profit. She has a passion for the field of domestic violence. : :
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