QNotes, Dec. 2-15, 2016

Dec. 2-15 . 2016

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qnotes news & features

news. views. arts.

5 entertainment.

HB2 defense costs rise 5 Your marriage will be fine 6 News Notes: Regional Briefs 7 News Notes: U.S./World Briefs 10 Post-election leaders’ thoughts 11 Faith leaders’ call to service

Community leaders share post-election thoughts p. 10

a&e / life&style 8 8 13 13 14 15 16 18 19

Healthcare progress in 2017 South still HIV hotspot Music: Dancing in the Dark Holiday parents advice Tell Trinity $1 million ‘Nutcracker’ Seven hot figure skaters Q Events Calendar Health & Wellness

McCrory requests election recount

extended online news coverage

Republican Gov. Pat McCrory is still trailing Democratic opponent Attorney General Roy Cooper in election results, but that hasn’t stopped McCrory from requesting a statewide recount. In late-breaking news, McCrory has floated a deal to exchange a statewide recount effort for a smaller Durham County recount. more: goqnotes.com/48749/

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news

HB2 defense tops $1.2 million Court date delayed until SCOTUS decides similar case

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes contributor

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—The North Carolina legislature, dominated by Republicans since 2011, has spent a considerable sum legally defending its own laws. The Charlotte Observer reported recently that of $10.5 million, $1.2 million has been spent defending HB2 in court. The GOP claims that this use of public funds is the fault of Attorney General Roy Cooper, who hold the lead in a contested election for the gubernatorial race against incumbent Pat McCrory.

Cooper’s post as Attorney General obligates him to defend laws passed by the legislative majority. Although he spoke out against many of the controversial laws, he did defend them in court—except for HB2.

Cooper spoke out against the law vehemently, and it may be the issue that wins him the governor’s seat.

“Roy Cooper’s refusal to do the job he was elected to do is the main reason the legislature has been forced to hire outside counsel,” Senate majority leader Phil Berger’s spokeswoman told The Observer.

Other sources disagree, citing an unusually large number of active cases. The North Carolina GOP’s various laws have been hotly contested in court.

“There was no option but to get some outside help,” said Sen. Bob Rucho. “They didn’t have enough attorneys to meet the challenge.”

Meanwhile, the federal court date to decide the fate of HB2 has been postponed until the summer of 2017. This decision, made in October, was influenced by the Supreme Court’s announcement that it would hear the case of Gavin Grimm. Grimm, a Virginian transgender high school student, sued for access to the boy’s bathroom of his high school. The Supreme Court’s decision may establish an important precedent according to National Center for Lesbian Rights legal director Shannon Minter. “[The decision] may ensure that transgender people are accepted and included as equal members of our society, or it may relegate them to outsiders for decades to come,” Minter said.

However, it isn’t just the bathroom provisions that make HB2 controversial. The law also limits non-discrimination protections and the ability to sue over discrimination at the state level. These less-publicized aspects of the bill may end up as collateral damage even if Cooper’s election is secured and his administration prioritizes the HB2 repeal.

“We do not have a legislature that will repeal the law,” said Amy Bright, ECU GLBT executive board member. “The really bad portions of the law that negatively impact everyone in the state, not just the LGBT community, are going to stand and that’s the tragedy of the whole situation.” : :

Your marriage will be fine

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qnotes connect Dec. 2-15, 2016 Vol 31 No 16

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

contributors this issue

Amanda Brisson Cannavo, Maria Dominquez, Stan Kimer, Jack Kirven, Pamela Roshell, Gregg Shapiro, Jeff Taylor, Lawrence Toppman, Trinity, Dan Van Mourik, Connie J. Vetter

front page

Graphic Design by Matt Comer.

Photography/Illustration: Adobe Stock.

And other questions post-election

by Connie J. Vetter, Esq. :: guest contributor

LGBT people are understandably worried about what will happen when Donald Trump takes over the presidency. One concern is about our marriages. I believe they will be fine and so do the national LGBT legal organizations. For example, Shannon Minter, a highly respected attorney with National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), said, “There is no realistic possibility that anyone’s marriage will be invalidated. The law is very strong that if a marriage is valid when entered, it cannot be invalidated by any subsequent change in the law. So people who are already married should not be concerned that their marriages can be taken away. To the contrary, it is important that they continue to live their lives as married couples. If you or anyone you know encounters any problem with your marriage being fully respected, contact NCLR or another LGBT legal group immediately.

“For individuals who are not currently married but who may wish to marry in the future, it is also highly unlikely that the fundamental right of same-sex couples to marry will be challenged or that the Supreme Court would revisit its 2015 holding that same-sex couples have that fundamental right,” said Minter.

Even if our marriages are safe, there are still things LGBT couples should do now. If you are married and have children then the non-biological or non-adoptive parent needs to get a confirmatory adoption for your children.

This is because being on your children’s birth certificate is a presumption of parentage but the only way to be a fully recognized legal parent in North Carolina (and most other states) is

to be biologically related to your children or to adopt them.

In addition, even if you are married you need to do your Will and Health Care legal documents to protect yourself and your loved ones. You especially need to do these legal documents if you are partnered but not married.

If you are partnered with someone who is not a U.S. citizen then consult an immigration attorney about marriage and immigration status for your particular situation.

For people who are transgender, get your ID documents updated. That includes getting or updating your Federal documents such as your passport and social security record with your correct name and gender marker (surgery is not required for these Federal documents).

Even if you don’t plan to travel you can use your passport as identification and again, you don’t have to have surgery to get the gender marker changed.

Also, update state documents such as your birth certificate and driver’s license with your correct name and gender marker (North Carolina law requires a doctor’s letter saying you’ve had sex reassignment surgery to change a gender marker).

Finally, there are actions you can take now to help ensure your rights are respected.

Donate to legal and activist organizations fighting for you. Volunteer with one or more of the organizations. Get involved in politics or support local, state, and national candidates who will fight for you. Educate others about your issues. Come out. Stand strong with other vulnerable populations. If you have been dis-

we want your opinions and feedback

criminated against, fight for your rights. Finally, remember that Hillary Clinton actually received more votes than Donald Trump (he won due to the Electoral College) so know that we LGBT people still have many who support and accept us.

Below is a partial list of LGBTQ and advocacy organizations: • ACLU: ACLU.org • Campaign for Southern Equality: SouthernEquality.org • Connie J. Vetter, Attorney at Law: CJVLaw.com • Equality North Carolina: EqualityNC.org • Family Equality Council: FamilyEquality.org • Lambda Legal: LambdaLegal.org • National Center for Lesbian Rights: NCLRights.org • National Center for Transgender Equality: TransEquality.org • National LGBTQ Task Force: TheTaskForce.org • Southern Poverty Law Center: SPLCenter.org • Transgender Law Center: TransgenderLawCenter.org • Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund: TransgenderLegal.org — Attorney Connie J. Vetter has over 22 years’ experience in LGBT legal issues. She practices in the Charlotte, N.C., area and accepts clients from across North Carolina. She can be contacted at 704-333-4000 or CJVLaw.com.

Whether it’s letters to the editor, web comments, general suggestions, comments or ideas, qnotes staff welcomes your input. See, without you we’d really have no reason to be here. So, we delight in hearing what our readers have to say. Be sure to send in your thoughts, praises, criticisms and more to editor@goqnotes.com for general feedback or letters@goqnotes.com for letters to the editor. Thank you!

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.

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news notes: carolinas compiled by Dan Van Mourik :: qnotes contributor

People greet each other at the LoveWinsCharlotte event at ourBridge for Kids, a nonprofit that serves immigrant students.

Photo Credit: Diedra Laird (dlaird@charlotteobserver.com)

Love Wins

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Several moms recently organized a post-election LoveWinsCLT rally.

While the organizers are Hillary Clinton supporters who did much of their outreach through the Pantsuit Nation social media group, the event was studiously nonpartisan and mostly apolitical. Instead, speaker after speaker urged the group to reach across political, racial, religious and other barriers and overcome the fear and anger that accompanied the presidential campaign and its aftermath. “You want to know what makes America great? This crowd makes America great,” said Naqash Choudhery of the Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte.

President-elect Donald Trump’s name was never mentioned, even though it was the rhetoric of his campaign that inspired the gathering.

Instead, children played in bounce-houses, nonprofits signed up volunteers and people swarmed tables spread with food. Speakers urged everyone to get involved with groups that promote diversity and support people who have been marginalized.

as well as protested for black and trans lives.

He arrived at the photo shoot for the Charlotte Magazine feature holding a sign reading, “Only when black lives matter will all lives matter.”

“A huge part of my work is around black lives. My heart’s calling me toward that work.

There’s a lot of trans people of color doing amazing things,” he said.

Another Charlottean honored on Charlotte Magazine’s list of honorees is superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Ann Clark, who stood up for trans students’ rights this year. Clark announced in June that students in the public school system would be able to choose their name and pronoun when they returned to school. Further, the gender identities were to be honored in restrooms, locker rooms, yearbooks and graduation ceremonies, and teachers were not to segregate students based on gender when there would be no benefit to doing so, such as lining students up by boys and girls.

SB2 ruling appealed

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Plaintiffs challenging Senate Bill 2 (SB2), an anti-LGBTQ law in North Carolina, have filed an appeal brief to the U.S. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Transgender activist Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. In September Charlie Comero has been honored by Charlotte 2016, Judge Max Cogburn dismissed the lawMagazine as one of their 2016 Charlotteans suit on issues related to standing, a ruling now of the Year. Comero is the co-founder of 41 being appealed to Percent, along with the 4th Circuit Court Ashley Williams, of Appeals. which matches up “Senate Bill 2 members of the expressly declares community with that magistrates’ one another to form religious beliefs are a mutual support superior to their oath system. The name of of judicial office to the organization was uphold and support taken from a statistic the federal constituderived from a 2014 tion. And the law study conducted by spends public money the Williams Institute to advance those that showed 41 percent of trans people Charlie Comero was honored by Charlotte Magazine. religious beliefs. That is a straightforward had attempted violation of the First suicide at least once Amendment,” said Luke Largess, a partner at in their lives.

Tin Fulton Walker & Owen and lead counsel Comero has also spoken at countless in Ansley v. Warren. “The Court ruled that we events and rallies on behalf of the community,

2016 Charlotteans of the Year

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were not challenging Senate Bill 2, but only the incidental spending by the Administrative Office of the Courts. That is clearly not the case.”

SB2 was passed as part of a wave of socalled “religious freedom bills” that originated in direct response to marriage for same-sex couples becoming legalized. The law allows magistrates to exempt themselves from performing marriage ceremonies and Register of Deeds employees to exempt themselves from issuing marriage licenses to couples, on the basis of their religious beliefs.

At least 32 magistrates across the state have thus far exempted themselves and Register of Deeds employees in 5 counties have done so, according to September 2015 data reported by the Administrative Office of the Courts and N.C. Association of Registers of Deeds.

SB2 sends a clear message to gays and lesbians that they are not full citizens, and denounces the federal courts for finding a fundamental right to marry under the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the U.S. Constitution.

Raleigh center named among 2016’s top-rated LGBTQ charities

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — GreatNonprofits has named the 2016 Top-Rated Charities for LGBTQ Issues. These charities have been selected for earning the highest ratings for helping those in need.

GreatNonprofits rates the charities in 47 different categories and the top ratings are determined by people who deal directly with the charities - as donors, volunteers and recipients of aid. GreatNonprofits is the leading website for people to find, review and share information about nonprofits, including personal stories about the charity’s work.

This year’s Top-Rated LGBTQ Charities are: Free2Luv, Seattle; Seacoast Outright, Portsmouth, N.H.; LGBT Center of Raleigh, Raleigh, N.C.; CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Equality Florida, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla.

Community Relations. “We’re proud to partner with the Symphony to bring the joy of music directly to students, especially in rural and under-resourced communities.”

The check was presented at an Education Concert where more than 1,700 4th and 5th graders from Wake, Cumberland, Johnston, and Durham counties were in attendance. It was just one of many curriculum-based music education activities that the Symphony offers for students and schools throughout the school year.

Don Davis, Chair of the North Carolina Symphony Society, Inc., accepted the check on behalf of NCS. “Like many of the students in the audience, I had my first experience listening to classical music thanks to the North Carolina Symphony, when it performed at my school in Fayetteville. It is still a cherished memory,” Davis said.

Transgender show of support

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — About 50 people gathered by candlelight outside the CharlotteMecklenburg Government Center on Nov. 20 to join with people around the country in remembering transgender victims of violence.

“I encourage everyone to use this as a day of strength and a day to show the world that you’re still here and you’re not going to go anywhere,” said transgender performer and activist Lara Americo. “It’s so important that we should be open with who we are,” Americo added. “It’s not something we should hide.”

The memorial came at a time of increased awareness and controversy about transgender people. A Charlotte City Council ordinance, North Carolina’s House Bill 2 and new Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools anti-bullying regulations have sparked fierce debate over LGBT rights, especially where transgender people should be allowed to use the restroom and change clothes.

Symphony receives grant

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Symphony (NCS) has announced that Duke Energy granted $175,000 for their 2016/17 season, helping make it possible for NCS to provide music education to students across the state. “For decades, the North Carolina Symphony has demonstrated a strong commitment to making music education widely accessible throughout our state,” said Mike Hughes, Duke Energy’s Vice President of

Charlotte’s transgender memorial included candles placed in a heart shape.

Photo Credit: Ann Doss Helms (ahelms@charlotteobserver.com)

Share your news with us Does your organization or special interest group have events or great information to share with our readers? If so, be sure to send in your information to specialassignments@goqnotes.com. In the upcoming months, we’ll feature one of you in our news notes section in each issue. Are you a part of a Meetup, Yahoo or Google group and do you do something that’s really newsworthy? Do you provide a service for the community or hold fundraisers for worthy causes? Do you educate the public about LGBT issues or concerns? Of course, this is only a sampling of things we are interested in. It’s the aim of these pieces to inform, enlighten and educate our readers about what we’re doing here in the Carolinas to champion LGBT rights, as well as offer resources for those who may be interested in what your group is doing.

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news notes: u.s./world compiled by Dan Van Mourik :: qnotes contributor

President Barack Obama awarded Ellen DeGeneres in the White House.

Photo Credit: Screenshot via ABC News

Ellen honored

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As one of President Barack Obama’s final acts in his presidency, he awarded 21 artists, athletes, scientists and philanthropists the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.

Among those honored was lesbian comedienne Ellen DeGeneres.

President Obama — who had to stop mid-address because he was “getting kind of choked up” — bestowed the award on the television host for her unwavering ability to make “you laugh about something, rather than at someone.” He praised DeGeneres’ historic bravery for publicly coming out on national television nearly two decades ago, putting her career in jeopardy.

At the ceremony, DeGeneres held back tears as President Obama read a short speech celebrating her accomplishments: “In a career spanning three decades, Ellen DeGeneres has lifted our spirits and brought joy to our lives as a stand-up comic, actor, and television star. In every role she reminds us to be kind to one another and to treat people as each of us wants to be treated. At a pivotal moment, her courage and candor helped change the hearts and minds of millions of Americans, accelerating our nation’s constant drive toward equality and acceptance for all. Again and again, Ellen DeGeneres has shown us that a single individual can make the world a more fun, more open, more loving place so long as we just keep swimming.”

DeGeneres played America’s first primetime TV character to come out as gay and was, almost simultaneously, America’s first prime-time TV star to come out as gay. In April 1997, her sitcom Ellen featured an episode in which DeGeneres’s character, Ellen Morgan, came out to her therapist, played by Oprah Winfrey. And then DeGeneres herself came out on Oprah’s show.

Her brave decision created huge news.

Behind the scenes, there was a great deal of anxious debate. Ellen’s network ABC was owned by Disney, whose then CEO, Michael Eisner, was resistant. Although the character wore chinos and flannel shirts and steered well

clear of men, Eisner clearly felt that America’s LGBT acceptance was not sufficiently developed to prepare it for the shocking revelation that Ellen was a lesbian. But DeGeneres was determined, history was made and pink America celebrated with “coming out” parties.

At first, everything seemed OK. The world did not explode. But the televangelist Jerry Falwell called DeGeneres Ellen “DeGenerate,” and advertisers pulled their support from her show.

A year later Ellen was canceled, and her career seemed dead in the water. But three years later, it was water that saved her. She landed the voice role of Dory the forgetful fish in Finding Nemo. Dory’s motto was “just keep swimming,” and that’s what DeGeneres did.

Her career was back on track and she is now the host of one of the most popular talk shows on daytime television.

news

network in markets including France, Russia, Brazil and Taiwan and is showing rapid organic growth in other key markets.

Playwrighting competition winners

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The board of the Arch and Bruce Brown Foundation has announced the winners of the foundation’s 2016 LGBT playwriting competition: First Prize: Donja R. Love, of Jersey City, N.J., for Sugar in Our Wounds; Second Prize: Sevan K. Greene, of New York, N.Y., for The House of In Between; Honorable Mentions: Daniel Loftman Hurewitz, of Brooklyn, N.Y., for Reclamation, T. Berto, of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, for ROW, Will Snider, of Del Mar, Calif., for Strange Men, and Lachlan Philpott, of Stanmore, NSW, Australia, for The Trouble with Harry.

This year’s competition, the 16th in the foundation’s history, drew a record-setting 267 submissions.

The Arch and Bruce Brown Foundation, established in 1994, funds LGBTQ-themed performing arts projects that are based on or inspired by history. In addition to its playwriting competition, it operates a production-grant program that in 2016 provided financial support to more than 35 theater companies and other not-for-profit producing organizations.

Attorney General nominee condemned

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund is condemning the nomination of ultra-conservative Senator Jeff Sessions (pictured) as the nation’s next Attorney General. “Senator Jeff Session’s long track record reveals a politician who is transparently and vehemently against LGBTQ people, immigrants (both documented and undocumented) and people of color. This is the person who said the KKK is ‘OK.’ Well having someone like that as Attorney General isn’t ‘OK.’ President-Elect Trump’s notorious comments about Mexicans, Muslims, and people of color during the election campaign emerge from a mindset that Mr. Sessions represents. He was rejected by the Senate for a federal judgeship in the past because of his bigoted views. He hasn’t changed — and he shouldn’t be nominated nor be

confirmed,” said Rea Carey, Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund.

“The choice of Senator Sessions to lead the Department of Justice is more than deeply unsatisfactory; it is a blatantly inflammatory act in a time of heightened focus on violence and injustice against communities of color. The Attorney General is the ultimate defender of the rights and liberties of all people in the United States. Sessions’ history of racist rhetoric, insults and persecution is well-known, and put a swift end to his nomination for a federal judgeship years ago. As U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, he became infamous for his prosecutions of African Americans for vote fraud, all of which ended in acquittals.

The proposed nomination of this person as a candidate for this position is a shocking gesture of hostility toward millions of Americans, and should be immediately rejected,” said Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron.

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

Gay social network expands

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Hornet, the world’s second-largest gay social network, announced that it has raised its first round of institutional funding led by Ventech China to support rapid business growth and user adoption across the globe. Hornet is committed to strengthening the gay community by providing quality social interactions with more ways to meet and engage in local gay communities.

With over 15 million total and 3 million monthly active users, Hornet recently integrated Vespa — the largest, most comprehensive gay city guide — into its functionality.

Said Christof Wittig, CEO, Hornet, “Hornet brings interaction and an experience that builds relationships and helps form meaningful connections to local communities. We will invest heavily into making our vision for a fully connected gay community a reality.”

“Gay apps have evolved over the past few years to more fully engage users, who demand a richer, mobile experience,” says Hornet President Sean Howell. “Hornet users expect to interact with other members and to be informed about the issues important to gay culture. Hornet is designed to reach and fulfill the needs of our diverse user base.”

Hornet is now the number one gay social

Happy Holidays!

From staff of qnotes and all of our contributors to you and your beautiful array of family, friends and loved ones, we wish you the brightest, merriest, most peaceful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Thank you for being a reader!

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life

Health Beat

2017 brings progress on LGBTQ health Affordable Care Act helps to cover more LGBTQ individuals

by Dr. Pamela Roshell, Health & Human Services Region IV Director :: guest contributor

M

ore than one year after marriage equality became the law of the land nationwide, President Barack Obama, Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell and my colleagues and I at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services continue to seize opportunities to improve the health and well-being of LBGTQ Americans.

We do so because the sad reality is that LGBTQ people still face discrimination in many areas of life, including healthcare. This discrimination exacerbates very real health disparities and societal challenges LGBTQ people face, including higher rates of depression, smoking, HIV, stigma, violence, rejection by family and community, as well as inequity in the workplace and insurance sectors.

The Obama Administration has made historic advancements for the LGBTQ community, and as we celebrate that progress, we know there is still more to do. We’ve proudly required all hospitals receiving Medicare or Medicaid funds (nearly every hospital in America) to allow visitation rights for LGBT patients, funded the first national resource center for older LGBT individuals, and released the nation’s first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy, among many other initiatives.

But when I’m asked about the most important thing we’ve done for LGBTQ health in North Carolina, the answer is always the same: the Affordable Care Act. You may know some of the law’s benefits — like financial assistance to help eligible consumers afford health insurance, certain recommended preventive care like cancer and HIV/STI screenings without cost sharing and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

Still, many do not realize just how much the law offers for LGBTQ in North Carolina. That’s

because LGBTQ people are more likely than their straight, cisgender peers to be uninsured.

In fact, because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the uninsured rate nationwide for lowand middle-income LGBT people dropped from 34 percent in 2013 to 26 percent in 2014. For LGB people, the uninsured rate was nearly cut in half from 2013 to 2015.

Thanks to the ACA, more LGBTQ people have health insurance than ever before. And even more have the opportunity to get covered by visiting HealthCare.gov beginning on Nov. 1.

As a result of new enhancements to the law, the ACA providers increased protections for LGBTQ communities. In May, the HHS Office for Civil Rights spelled out significant new nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ. The new rules mean that all LGBTQ people — whether lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, or intersex — are protected from discrimination just for being who they are. These protections apply in every state and mean that: • Health insurance plans sold through HealthCare.gov can no longer have categorical exclusions for services related to gender transition.

• A hospital or clinic that receives federal funds cannot turn you away because you are transgender or in a same-sex relationship.

• You have the right to be placed in a hospital room or ward based on your gender identity.

• You should not face harassment from a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or nurse, intentionally refusing to use your correct name and pronoun.

This means that even more LGBTQ people have the opportunity for more meaningful health insurance coverage starting Jan.1, 2017.

If you face this or any other type of

discrimination, we urge you to file a complaint online with the regional Office for Civil Rights at bit.ly/2fPNl2L. We know more can be done to improve LGBTQ health and we will continue to build upon the strides we have already made together. But now we need your help to make these protections a reality for millions of LGBTQ people across the country.

Visit HealthCare.gov to enroll and talk to your loved ones about doing the same. If you pick a plan by Dec. 15, 2016, your coverage may begin as early as Jan. 1, 2017. Financial help is available for those eligible to make insurance more affordable: in 2016, nearly 7 in 10 people could have selected a plan for less than $75 per month. And you can sit down or call to make a free appointment with an LGBTQ-friendly expert who can help you understand your options.

With financial help, new non-discrimination protections and better quality coverage, there’s

never been a better time to be out, be healthy and get covered. For more information, call 404-562-7888 or visit hhs.gov/ocr. : : — Dr. Pamela Roshell was appointed by the Obama Administration as regional director of Region 4 of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) in July 2012, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare policy, public administration and gerontology.

She is the first African-American woman to hold this position in Region 4 which covers Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee, as well as six federally recognized tribes. Dr. Roshell is a graduate of Columbia College and received a master’s of social work degree with a specialty in administration from the University of South Carolina. She has built on that specialty with the completion of a Ph.D. in social policy analysis, planning and administration from Clark Atlanta University.

South remains hotspot for HIV From the vindication of “Patient Zero” to the discovery of an antibody that neutralises 98 percent of HIV strains, 2016 ushered in significant breakthroughs in HIV research. HIV has reached every corner of the country and continues to affect 1.2 million Americans.

The likelihood of becoming infected with HIV in the U.S. is 1 in 99, but the lifetime risk of becoming infected increases greatly for those living in the South and in some areas of the East Coast. The risk is even greater for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women of color. If current trends continue, one out of two African-American MSM and trans women are estimated to contract HIV at some point in their lifetimes; for Latino MSM and Latina trans women, the risk is one out of four.

With World AIDS Day still recent, GetTested.com, the makers of a start-up at-home STD testing kit, released a map highlighting the continued risks of the HIV epidemic in the South. Using publicly available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a new map shows where the risk of becoming infected with HIV is greatest in the United States.

Using different color designations, the map shows the varying degrees of lifetime risk of HIV infection in each state.

Although only a third of the population reside in the region, 44 percent of Americans diagnosed with HIV live in the South. The map outlines this area as the riskiest for HIV infection.

Nine of 10 cities with the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses are in the South, with Baton Rouge, Miami and New Orleans top-

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ping the list. In the Carolinas, Columbia ranked eight with nearby Memphis and Atlanta edging the Palmetto State capital city out as numbers six and seven, respectively. GetTested.com included cities with a population of 50,000 people or more, infection rates reflect per 100,000 population, and include data from surrounding counties.

“Testing is a vital step to stemming the spread of HIV in our country. Approximately one in eight of those infected with HIV don’t know, causing them to spread the virus unknowingly to their partners,” says Hannah Dela Cruz, spokesperson for GetTested.com. “All sexually active individuals should take charge of their health by testing regularly and talking to their partners about screening.”

Launched in September 2016, GetTested.com is a new service that delivers at-home STD test kits nationwide. GetTested.com makes screening for seven of the most common STDs easy and convenient. Kits can be ordered online for a flat rate of $199, and are delivered in discreet, unmarked packaging. Samples can be collected within 15 minutes and mailed directly to a CLIA certified and CAP accredited laboratory for testing.

Results are made available within three to five days and are accessible through a HIPAA-compliant portal.

For more information on GetTested.com, visit gettested.com.

For more local and regional World AIDS Day coverage, be sure to check out our last print edition and our “Life, Positively” special section at goqnotes.com.

— Compiled by qnotes staff from press release.

— Sponsored Content —

Walking the Good Road Together

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

What Christmas time means to me As the holidays approach what are you thankful for? I know that I have so much to be grateful and thankful for, a roof over my head, a warm place to sleep, a circle of family and friends that love and support me, a job that I love, my health and so much more.

Many of you are just as lucky and Blessed as I am.

Imagine what the holidays would be like if you didn’t have these things? So many people that suffer from chronic illnesses like HIV go without these things we take for granted.

Imagine a life without the support of your family and friends, facing stigma for something that happened to you that you may have not had any control over.

Imagine a table at the holidays that stood empty and plates and cupboards that were empty every day. Imagine battling a chronic illness that is manageable, but YOU couldn’t afford healthcare or medications. Imagine on top of all this, homelessness, a sense of isolation, and even worse addiction or mental illness.

At Rosedale Medical (our clinical partner) and Different Roads Home we can’t solve every problem for every person, but we do make it our mission to try. When I founded Different Roads Home back in 2012, a young man that helped to design our look and logo also came up with a tagline that we still use today; “Help in the Right Direction.” We work hard every single day to offer services like a food pantry, support groups, a buddy system,

SAFE Space and Trans-friendly programming, a computer lab, (soon to come, resume and interview classes), housing assistance, and linkage to medical care and affordable healthcare options.

The basic fact is that we can make a difference in the lives of people in our community, but we can’t do it alone.

WE need YOU. Your time, your effort, your support, and your donations. While we as an organization remain nonpartisan in political matters and stay open and accepting to people of any faith tradition, I personally am not ashamed to say that as a LGBT professional who is also a Christian, I know that the one I serve gave up so much for me, so that I could do more for others.

In fact, He came to a world literally dying to know Him and never asked anything from us in return but for our faith. Faith that together we can do the great works that He started so many centuries ago. If we all lived and acted a little more like Jesus would truly act, the world would be a better place. Not the actions of extremists on either side of the position, but people who really wanted to model their behavior after the one that came to die for our sins so long ago. How about all these people wanting to act more like Christ reaching out and working at a soup kitchen, giving a blanket to a homeless person, or lifting up a neighbor in need.

I know, we all get wrapped up in the magic and majesty of the season and I am no different.

But I think about my two Godsons that are 2 and 4 and wonder what kind of example I am setting for them and what kind of world I am leaving behind for them. I wish everyone could see the expressions of thanks on the faces on Tuesdays when we hand out food at Different Roads Home. I admittedly DREAD going grocery shopping at times, but what if I didn’t have that option; what if any of us didn’t? I hate getting up and going to work when the alarm goes off, but what if I didn’t have a job? I hate cleaning the house and mowing the lawn, but what if I didn’t have a place to live? Admittedly, I even dread going to family holiday gatherings at times, but what if I didn’t have a family that loved and accepted me? As I sit here and write this article in bed, I wonder what if I didn’t have a place to sleep.

I know we all have choices to make and decisions that our neighbors may not know about. What I ask you to do this holiday season is reflect on what you have and think about those less fortunate and how you can make a difference in their life. We, at Different Roads Home, would be happy to help you facilitate being that change that you want to see in the world. You can call our office or stop by or visit us on social media and the web at www. differentroadshome.org or call us at 704-237-8793 to see what can and needs to be done. You might be surprised how simple it could be. Volunteering to serve with us or making a one-time donation or even a monthly gift, you can change the lives of those in our own backyards right here in North Carolina. Whatever you choose to do or not do, wherever you choose to volunteer or donate, I urge you to give yourself the greatest gift this season and just do something!

Dec. 2-15 . 2016

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news

ELECTION 2016

Community leaders share post-election reflections Thoughts, anxieties and hopes after the 2016 election

by Jeff Taylor :: qnotes staff

the North Carolina General Assembly. Here is what this means, CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 2016 election was historic, and was it means that we are going to have to work harder in 2018 to gain impactful for the LGBTQ community and our allies. In the national enough seats in the North Carolina House and Senate so that we election, America had its first-ever major party female nominee can have an effective governor, and this will lead to banishing running against a candidate with no previous public service.

HB2 from the laws of North Carolina forever.

In North Carolina, we had a governor’s race that was largely Janice Covington Allison, North Carolina State Democratic a referendum on the anti-LGBTQ law House Bill 2 (HB2). At time Party member of this writing, Gov. Pat McCrory has filed for a statewide recount, trailing by less than 10,000 votes to Democratic challenger Attorney I have been fighting for transgender General Roy Cooper. equality for a long time. Seeing someone like Donald Trump’s victory could have Trump being elected with a platform that has serious negative results for LGBTQ been supported by the KKK and the alt–right people, with his support of discriminais devastating. tory laws like the First Amendment It feels like things like transphobia are Defense Act (FADA), and his penchant so far down the list when you now have to for surrounding himself with antideal with blatant xenophobia, racism and LGBTQ advisers, like Vice Presidenthomophobia as well. I sincerely hope that I elect Mike Pence, Family Research am wrong about the potential future under a Council senior fellow Ken Blackwell, Trump administration. chief strategist Steve Bannon, and Lara Americo, activist, journalist Ben Carson, who Trump is considering and musician for secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Trump also backed What does the 2016 election mean to North Carolina in its HB2 battle, after Lara Americo performs at a post-election me? It means the silver lining I thought I saw initially voicing support for allowing “Love Wins” rally. transgender people to use the bathPhoto Credit: The Charlotte Observer, Diedra Laird around the clouds was really the light from a nasty thunderstorm behind the cloud. room matching their identity. McCrory The past few years I’ve seen more campaigned with Trump, appearing at advances and visibility of the transgender community than I rallies in the state. could’ve ever imagined. Now all that progress we made is set to Meanwhile, a McCrory loss could send a message that opbe undone and we may possibly take a step or two backwards. posing LGBTQ rights can have electoral consequences, even in With a Trump-helmed Department of Justice, it is quite likely they the South. will drop their suit against We wanted to know how our readers and local advocates HB2. The VA is already were feeling post-election. Here are their responses. walking back from their [Ed. Note: The following quotes have not been edited for content promise to cover transgenand reflect the opinions of each person who contributed. However, der surgical procedures. they have been edited for grammar and punctuation.]

Will trans military personnel be able to serve openly This year’s elections now as promised? The have been strange say the Republican led House and least. It’s my belief as an Senate are toying with the active member of the North idea of a First Amendment Carolina State Democratic Defense Act which is Party that more people simply a way to codify overall have been involved discrimination against any in the election process group as long as that group than ever before, and as a offends your religious result there is a lot of disbeliefs. appointment because the Paige Dula on the set To sum it up, I’m angry candidate of their choice of NBC Charlotte’s “Flash Point/” and afraid. People who did not make it.

Photo Credit: WCNC still I thought were friends, I personally have family, and allies voted for seen eleven presidents an administration that is a elected in my lifetime, direct and immediate danger to me, my family, and community. some Democrats some Things were already getting rough in NC for trans people thanks Republicans, some I liked to HB2. Now bigots, especially violent bigots, are emboldened and some I didn’t. As a and ready to attack those who are different. I feel called to activtransgender woman, I Janice Covington Allison ism more than ever but am now almost terrified to do so. find the results of the 2016 Paige Dula, founder of Genderlines via Facebook presidential race somewhat concerning to me beDuring most of election night, I was volleying between decause of the rumors about pression and anxiety attacks. I knew God was still supreme. So I what might be taken away from me as a transgender citizen. didn’t have an apocalyptic reaction like many of my friends, famI must admit my main focus was on the North Carolina goverily and colleagues. I just hoped Trump’s election would invigorate nor’s race because of HB2 and what it has done to my community all of us considered “other” to get deeply involved in change and state. We have succeeded in ousting Gov. Pat McCrory, but we efforts. And for those who had been fully engaged, I prayed it are going to have to live with what he did until we can take back would motivate them to explore means to take it higher. enough seats in the General Assembly to eliminate HB2 for good.

I was greatly disappointed in the many black Americans who Even though we elected Roy Cooper as our new governor, simply did not vote because Hillary wasn’t the fresh, transformawe are still stuck with HB2 because of the Republican majority in

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Dec. 2-15 . 2016

tive candidate Obama was.

I was disappointed in working class white folks who voted for Obama in past elections but chose to embrace their fears, their quiet longing for white supremacy.

This election wasn’t ALL about race but it certainly was one of the major propellers of Trump’s success.

Hillary’s policy clearly benefited the white working class more, still Trumpers Jermaine Nakia Lee ignored that fact in order to elect a candidate who campaigned on reversing any progress the Obama Administration achieved.

I wonder if that 47 percent of qualified voters who abstained realize what this could mean for America: LGBT protections overturned, women criminalized for abortions, Muslims and the undocumented profiled, no increase in minimum wage, Affordable Care Act diminished, war-mongering, a president whose cabinet is comprised of white nationalists, Muslim haters, right-wing radicals and out-of-touch billionaire.

I’M STILL WITH HER. Jermaine Nakia Lee

Debbie Warren

We went into election night thinking that Hillary Clinton, a longtime supporter and friend to people living with HIV, would be elected. Now we’re in a situation where our presidentelect didn’t even have an HIV policy during his campaign and has threatened to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

I think we can’t take any program for granted now and we’ll have to work together to fight anything that would harm the Ryan White Program, the safety net for thousands of people living with HIV that provides access to medical care and supportive services.

Debbie Warren, president and CEO of RAIN

The election has evoked fear and anger among those who opposed Trump. It is also evoking action unlike any that I have seen.

What’s so important is to become empowered and know that you can make a difference in your world. During this time of seemingly great divide, we need bridge builders now more than ever.

Where can you build a bridge between hearts in your life? Let’s use our emotions as fuel for positive action, welcoming what we DO want in our lives rather than Jonathan Winn giving a focusing on what we don’t want.

TEDx Talk Jonathan Winn, owner at via YouTube screenshot Breathe Refuge

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news

FAITH

The call to serve LGBTQ religious leaders’ challenges, rewards

by Maria Dominguez :: qnotes contributor

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Most LGBTQ citizens know what it is to feel alienated and to lose faith. Religion hasn’t always been a friend to people whose sexualities or identities don’t follow the traditional norm. Fortunately, past decades have seen an ever-increasing number of faith leaders and even new faith traditions born on the principles of equality and universal love. The Carolinas alone host a number of LGBTQ-led congregations, and many more are inclusive and welcoming.

The Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) was one of the first churches founded by an LGBTQ minister, first holding services in founder Troy Perry’s living room in the fall of 1968. There are now well over 200 MCC congregations in 37 countries, serving LGBTQ people as well as allies. New Life MCC is one of two congregations in the Charlotte area alone. MCC Charlotte is home to Rev. Wanda Floyd, who describes a distinction within her congregation between spiritual faith and religious dogma.

“Even though many churches still discriminate against our [LGBTQ] community, some have taken on the label of ‘spiritual’ as opposed to The Rev. Wanda Floyd ‘religious,’” Rev. Floyd explained. “The word ‘religious’ ties too closely to the Christian community in which many Evangelicals have condemned us.”

This condemnation is well-known to many in the LGBTQ community, and creates unique challenges to LGBTQ people who want to practice a faith tradition.

“We get burned. We get hurt. We get told we’re abominations. Rebuilding trust is sometimes a big part of our ministry,” said Rev. Joan Saniuk of Sacred Journey MCC in Hendersonville. “What’s rewarding is helping people get to a place where they’re comfortable again. One of the gifts of spirituality for people who are queer is that we ultimately learn that we have to trust our own experience.”

Self-acceptance and self-love are key to LGBTQ folks participating in a faith tradition.

Rev. Sonja Lee of Unity Fellowship intones, “God is love and love is for everyone.” Or, as Rev. Floyd advises her flock, “God loves them unconditionally and God did not create them to condemn them.”

Belief can provide particular rewards, but it also presents challenges. Primarily LGBTQ congregations are sometimes victim to discrimination or outright violence. The conflicts have escalated in the current political climate, particularly in the weeks since the election.

“MCC’s first response to it was to address the nastiness that was part of the campaign,” said Rev. Saniuk. “It seems to have given permission to people to act out against immi-

grants, to hassle gay folks, to be rude towards women, and to be hateful towards Muslims.

MCC’s position is that that’s not acceptable and that we stand in solidarity with everyone that’s been harassed.”

This harassment is an unfortunate reality for many marginalized populations, and LGBTQ churches are no exception.

“Three of our churches so far have experienced some sort of violence or graffiti,” reported Rev. David Smith of St. John’s MCC in Raleigh. “The church in St. Petersburg, yesterday the church in Tampa had a protestor outside screaming some pretty hateful things at the congregation as they came to church.

The church in Baltimore had some human excrement smeared on the doors.”

It isn’t the election alone causing tension, of course.

Other marginalized communities have been impacted by recent events, including the series of police shootings whose victims have disproportionately been people of color.

“Tensions between the community and the police have been exacerbated in recent months,” Rev. Lee said. “Our young people in particular have become afraid of the police.”

Despite prejudice and conflict, pastors leading LGBTQ flocks do not lose faith. Although the political climate of late has been less than welcoming—with the discriminatory rhetoric of HB2 and the recent election of conversion-therapyproponent Mike Pence—faith leaders see the current moment as a key time for action.

“My sermons reflect the news around us and challenge the congregation to do something,” Rev. Floyd said.

Rev. Lee, also a member of Southern Coalition for Social Justice, agrees that activism is an important part of faith leadership.

“We stand on a platform of social justice,” Rev. Lee said. “The journey as far as Christ is concerned is a radical one that is also very inclusive… We advocate across the board for social justice, not just with LGBTQ but with people who are marginalized in our community.”

For these faith leaders, the pulpit represents a chance to nurture the good of spirit and provide comfort to the abused. LGBTQ people have always participated in religious community, but now they are able to do so while being out and proud. Rev. Smith believes: “There’s so much more power available when we can do it authentically as who we are.”

“We need to focus on the fact that the peace we seek is available if we accept who we are and share that peace with others,” said Rev. Wendy Woodruff of MCC Winston-Salem.

“No matter what religious faith we have, the love, hope, joy and peace of this season must be carried throughout the year.” : :

Dec. 2-15 . 2016

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from the Rx pad……

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

Preventing Nutrient Depletion while on Prescriptions There is no doubt that prescription medications taken appropriately can save your life. What most people don’t know is that taking prescription medications can deplete essential nutrients which affect your health. Replacing these nutrients with vitamins and supplements can help avoid adverse drug reactions and prevent long-term effects of depletion. The truth is that every medication, including over-the-counter drugs, depletes your body of specific, vital nutrients. This is a major concern especially when you consider that most Americans are already suffering from nutrient depletion from our diets. The bottom line is that people should be aware of the medications that deplete essential nutrients that your body needs to thrive. Here are some common medications that cause nutrient depletion.

PLEASE NOTE: ALWAYS TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING SUPPLEMENTAL MEDICATIONS. Blood pressure medications called thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) or furosemide have been shown to help decrease blood pressure and prevent heart attacks in high-risk people. Physicians often monitor and prescribe potassium to offset potassium depletion. Low potassium can affect you heart and your muscles. Some people experience cramping in their legs. However, these diuretics are also known to deplete other minerals like magnesium, sodium, pyridoxine (B6), thiamine (B1) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) which are seldom supplemented.

Other blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs such as lisinopril or losartan depletes zinc which is vital for metabolic reactions in the body and help fight infection. Consider the following daily supplements:

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Dec. 2-15 . 2016

calcium (1000 mg), magnesium (250-500 mg), potassium (100 mg), vitamin C (1000 mg), B1 (320 mg), B6 (1025 mg) and zinc (25 mg). Beta blockers like metoprolol, carvedilol or atenolol help reduce our heart rate, but it also interferes with the production of an enzyme for energy production called Co-enzyme Q10. The lack of CoQ10 is a concern because the heart is particularly rich in cells that need CoQ10. To offset this negative side effect, you can take CoQ10 100mg-300mg daily with fat-containing food for best absorption.

they are notoriously over-used or used inappropriately which further leads to depletion of these vital nutrients.

Statin drugs are the most commonly prescribed medication for lowering cholesterol. Examples of these are simvastatin (Zocor), atorvastatin (Lipitor) or rosuvastatin (Crestor). Keeping your cholesterol at goal is important to prevent heart attacks, stroke and other very serious cardiovascular disorders.

However, statin drugs also deplete CoQ10 with these potential side effects: muscle pain, weakness and fatigue.

Therefore, people on statins should take 100-200 mg of CoQ10 daily to counter this potentially dangerous depletion.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be used for many different reasons. Oral contraceptives are synthetic forms of hormones like estrogen and/or progesterone used to prevent pregnancy. Some people use HRT for hormone balancing or transitioning. The major issue with synthetic forms of hormones is that they deplete vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid and magnesium. These nutrients are critical for heart health and mood stabilization.

Rather than an antidepressant medication, some people may use appropriate supplements to restore the body’s natural balance. For people on standard HRT (estrogen and progesterone orally, including as an oral contraceptive, or as a transdermal skin cream), we recommend calcium (1000-1200 mg daily), folic acid (400-800 mcg), magnesium (500 mg), vitamin B2 (25 mg), vitamin B6 (50 mg), vitamin B12 (500-1000 mcg), vitamin C (500-1000 mg) and zinc (25-50 mg).

Acid blocking medications like antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2 Blockers) and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed for heartburn, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers.

H2 antagonists deplete calcium, iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. PPIs deplete vitamin B12 and magnesium. The other issue with these medication is that

There are many more examples of medications that may cause drug nutrient depletion so talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Rx Clinic Pharmacy inside Ballantyne Family Medicine specialize in drug nutrient depletion. They have created their own pharmaceutical grade supplement line that will be released in 2017 called Simple Nourishment.

Talk to one of our staff today for assistance.

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life

q-music

by Gregg Shapiro :: guest contributor

Dancing in the dark There are dark days ahead with the Trump/Pence team taking office. As they begin to erode our inalienable rights, let’s hope that dancing is not high on the list.

We can all breathe a sigh of relief that neither Trump nor Pence is smart enough to decipher the name of electro-pop band STRFKR. Otherwise, Trump might add the band to the list of those owing him an apology for imagined insults. With its Norman Rockwell homage cover art and perspective of finding our collective place in the universe, the band’s fifth full-length album Being No One, Going Nowhere(Polyvinyl) does an admirable job of keeping listeners thinking and dancing at the same time. And dance they will to alluring numbers such as “When I’m With You,” “Satellites,” “Never Ever,” “Something Ain’t Right,” “Open Your Eyes” and the aptly named, albeit luminescent, “Dark Days.”

Canadian singer/songwriter Martina Sorbara pulled off one of the most fascinating musical reinventions when she switched gears to become lead vocalist (and co-songwriter) for the electro outfit known as Dragonette. It was a smart move, especially with the steady increase in attention being paid to electronic music. Royal Blues (Dragonette, Inc.), Dragonette’s fourth full-length in under 10 years, packs on persuasive beats and memorable tunes, including “Sweet Poison,” “Lost Teenagers,” “Secret Stash,” “Let The Night Fall,” and the Daft Punky “Darth Vader.” Dragonette even dabbles in retro pop on “High Five.”

On its third album Two Vines (Astralwerks), Australian electronic dance duo Empire of the Sun continues to work its musical spell, not straying too far from its trademark style that recalls the Pet Shop Boys (minus the queer energy), in both the audio and visual capacities. “Before” and “High And Low” set the dancing mood, and songs such as the wonderful “Way To Go,” “Friends,” “Ride” and “First Crush” keep bodies in motion. “ZZZ” and “To Her Door” provide hints at the kinds of diversions also afoot in the pair’s empire.

Of Montreal leader Kevin Barnes has long been coy about his sexuality. Married and divorced, Barnes’s 1999 breakthrough album with Of Montreal was titled The Gay Parade. “Let’s Relate,” the EDM song that opens the new Of Montreal disc Innocence Reaches (Polyvinyl) poses the musical question “How do you identify/how do you ID?” It’s an interesting query in an attention-grabbing tune. “It’s Different For Girls,” not to be confused with the Joe Jackson song of the same name is another hip-shaker, as is the funky “My Fair Lady,” the spare “Def Pacts,” and the glitchy “Trashed Exes.” Of Montreal also goes retro-glam as all get out on “Gratuitous Abysses.”

If you remember Since I Left You, the excellent and sample-adelic 2000 debut album by The Avalanches with fondness then you can’t help but be disappointed after waiting almost 16 (!) years for its follow-up, Wildflower (Astralwerks). Opportunities for dancing aren’t as plentiful as they were on these musical collagists’ first album, but you can still get in some rump shaking on “Subways,” the tasty hip-hop of “The Noisy Eater” (featuring Biz Markie) or “Saturday Night Inside Out.” Ultimately,

Two Vines’ ‘Empire of the Sun’ is the band’s third album.

Photo Credit: Jen Campbell

Wildflower works better as chill-out music or as a game in which listeners can try to identify the obscure samples.

For as long as most people can remember, dance music has had an unbreakable link to the queer community. It was always a bonus when it was an actual LGBT person making the music, as in the case of, say, Sylvester or Bronski Beat. Alpha (darioonline.com), the EP, by indie gay performer Dario includes at least one dance-worthy tune, “Try It!,” which could go over well with the suitable remix.

Meanwhile, pansexual (Google it) diva Aston is all about the dance moves as you can hear on the single “Circles,” as well as on “Pulse” and “Freak (Dance With Me),” from her debut EP. : :

Tis the Season!

Ways separated or divorced parents can handle stress during the holidays

by Amanda Brisson Cannavo :: guest contributor

The holiday season is upon us. What should be a time of year full of celebration, tradition, and spending quality time with family and friends, full of joy and happiness, can often also create stress and conjure feelings of anxiety. For parents who have recently separated or divorced, sharing time with your children during this season can be particularly emotional and somber, but with a little planning, this does not have to be the case. Instead, as we enter this holiday season, make the holidays with your children a joyous celebration by embracing your new family dynamic, understanding your holiday parenting schedule, and planning ahead.

New Family Dynamic When couples make the decision to add children to their family, you envision your future, especially LGBT couples who often have to pursue alternative reproductive technologies. You imagine a future full of celebrations—birthdays, holidays, and other momentous events. All of which you imagine celebrating as one family. Rarely, if ever, do couples anticipate the possibility that their family might share custody of their children between two households. But for many separated or divorced parents, this is exactly what you will have to manage this holiday season.

As you embark on this holiday season, whether you are recently separated or have been divorced for some time, it is common to have a few somber moments in which you recall how you imagined the future for your family and consider how different it is from what you had envisioned. This is to be expected and it is important to acknowledge this feeling of loss or disappointment so you can embrace the future. Although the future may not be as you had planned, it does not mean the holidays cannot be full of joy and cheer. Think of this holiday season as an opportunity to create new traditions, to attend different celebrations,

and to create new memories and dreams for the future with your children.

The Holiday Schedule However, before you begin making plans for your holiday festivities, you should understand and consider your holiday parenting schedule. A Custody Order or Agreement should set forth both “regular” parenting time and “holiday” parenting time.

In most Orders and Agreements, holiday parenting time will supersede regular parenting time. This means your typical parenting schedule will be replaced with the holiday schedule and the regular parenting schedule will resume after the holidays.

A typical holiday parenting schedule will alternate the holidays between parents. For example, one parent may have parenting time for the Thanksgiving holiday in even numbered years and the other will have parenting time in odd numbered years. For parents with school-age children, December holiday parenting time will often coincide with school’s winter break.

Generally, one parent will have holiday parenting time from the time school recesses to sometime on Christmas Day and the other will have parenting time from Christmas Day to the time school resumes. Since most school breaks are different year to year, it is important to compare your Order or Agreement with this year’s school calendar.

Understanding your holiday schedule and how it affects your regular parenting time, before the start of the holiday season, will hopefully alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding your holidays.

Remember, your attorney is a great resource to answer any questions you may have about your Custody Order or Agreement.

If you have concerns, contact your attorney sooner than later.

Addressing issues in advance will certainly reduce stress.

Plan Ahead As you prepare for the holiday season and you are unpacking your decorations, think about also pulling out your Custody Order or Agreement to review your schedule. To help navigate the days ahead, print calendars for the months of November, December, and January. Take a moment to mark your “regular” parenting schedule on the calendars, and then mark over it the “holiday” parenting time. Remember, in most Orders and Agreements, holiday parenting time supersedes (or replaces) regular parenting time; it does not restart regular parenting time. Since a disagreement over the holiday parenting schedule can bring unwanted stress to the holidays, it is important to communicate with the other parent about your time with the children and agree to the upcoming schedule well in advance of the holidays.

Conclusion Before the holiday season is in full swing, separated or divorced parents should take an opportunity to acknowledge the emotional impact of sharing time with their children during the holidays. Remember to think of this holiday season as an opportunity to create new traditions, and to create great new memories with your children. To reduce anxiety and stress, understand your holiday parenting schedule and plan ahead. Let’s make this holiday season a joyous celebration. From our families to yours, we wish you and your family, joy and happiness! : : — Amanda Brisson Cannavo is a family law attorney at Sodoma Law, P.C. of Charlotte, N.C. She focuses on divorce, separation, custody and child support. Amanda holds board admissions in both North Carolina and South Carolina and she has been actively working with the LGBTQ community throughout her career.

Dec. 2-15 . 2016

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tell trinity

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

What the ‘F’ is so fantastic about forgiveness?

Dearest Trinity, I haven’t talked to my ex in years but just found out he’s ill. I’d like to forgive him and call but why should I forgive that f#@*wod when he was so awful to me?

Why Forgive?, Indianapolis, IN Dearest Why, “Forgive but never forget,” say many Holocaust survivors who also say, “If you let your enemies have the best of you then your enemies have TRULY won! Sweet Pumpkin, forgiveness doesn’t mean giving up, giving in or righting someone’s wrong it means looking someone in the eye or in your minds eye and saying, “I start to release you!” Once you do this, whether it feels true for you in that moment or not you suddenly begin a fantastic journey, a journey many spiritual teachers begin with themselves.

Forgiving is about you, your emotional happiness and your mental freedom, not about some other bastard!

long distance relationships or LDR’s but at best they’re complicated, troublesome and often depressing, yet at least with the internet, video chats and cheap airline tickets LDR’s are not as bad as they were thirty years ago. So Honey, if you must have an LDR get an internet connection, Skype and a cell phone with unlimited calls and texts! (See my cartoon for how I deal with long distance relationships!)

Hey Trinity, How do you know when dating someone turns into having a relationship with someone?

Thanks, Relationship Twist, New Orleans, LA

Dear Trinity, I’ve just started a long distance relationship.

Help!

Yours truly, LDR, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Hey Relationship Twist, You’ll really know you’re in a relationship and not just dating when you a) both have a fight and still talk the next day, b) get asked to have the “Big Talk” which includes, “Are we exclusive?” or “exclusively open” (not so uncommon in gay relationships), and c) when your date gives you more headaches than heartbreaks. Oh and Darling, when your finally cohabitating together then you’re surely in a relationship or... hiding from the law!

Dear LDR, I’d like to say something comforting about

Hello Trinity, You talk a lot about psychotherapy. What’s so

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Dec. 2-15 . 2016

a&e

great about it? And how do you know when you need it?

Sincerely, Therapeutic Doubts, Dallas, TX Hello Doubts, If you have to ask what is so great about self-exploration, self-acceptance and self-actualization then Babie here are: Trinity’s Rational Tips For Knowing When It’s Time To GRIP (Get Right Into Psychotherapy) 1. If you hate your job, your spouse, your body and your parents then it’s GRIP time!

2. If you swear all money is evil, all air is dirty, all food is toxic and all people are unkind then you may be paranoid and need to GRIP! 3. If your partner abuses you physically, emotionally and verbally and you think you deserve it then GRIP! 4. If you always talk about what troubles you now, what troubled you in your past and what troubles you about the future then, time to GRIP! 5. If you won’t clean your house, your body or your clothes and you won’t talk to anyone who does then GRIP! 6. If you’re a rageaholic, alcoholic, sexaholic and/or shopaholic but explains, “At least I go to work each day!” you still need to GRIP! 7. If you haven’t dated in years, traveled in years, seen your family in years or left your house in years then it’s time to GRIP!

8. If you have a deep need to kill your boss, your neighbor, your maid and/or your entire high school class, well then, GRIP! 9. If you’re about to turn 50 and still live with your parents accept that time you ran away for five months to Amarillo to be with Billy-Jo then it’s time to GRIP! 10. Lastly, if you dislike my writing, have a distaste for my cartoons and won’t visit my website well then Lovie, I may need to GRIP! info: With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org. Learn more at telltrinity.com.

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What’s a million-dollar ‘Nutcracker’ look like?

New gift reshapes annual holiday classic

by Lawrence Toppman :: The Charlotte Observer

Things age so fast in ballet. Dancers break down as quickly as other athletes. Costumes, frayed by a hundred lifts and a thousand pirouettes, lose sequins and sparkle. Sets begin to fade, crack and sag.

So when Hugh McColl came to JeanPierre Bonnefoux with a hefty donation – one meant to honor wife Jane Spratt McColl and provide something that would reach the largest possible audience – the artistic director of Charlotte Ballet knew what he wanted.

“People outside ballet don’t realize what an impact sets and costumes make,” says Bonnefoux. “Every year we have money to redo them in a small way, but we have never had the opportunity to build this show from the bottom up with great designers.

You’ll see the results, which have been in preparation for 18 months, in December. The million-dollar “Nutcracker” debuts at Belk Theater Dec. 2-3 before heading to Charleston’s Gaillard Auditorium for a week. It returns to the Belk Dec. 13-23, with Christopher James Lees conducting the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

(He’s new, too.)

Bonnefoux hired heavyweights he respected from his time dancing and choreographing for New York City Ballet: set designer Alain Vaes and costume designer Holly Hynes. He gave them free rein, with one concept in mind: “It had to be bright, festive, like beautiful paper wrapping a present. Everything will be larger than life. It’s a strong feeling of fantasy, seen more from the point of view of a child than an adult. The tree should go up so high that if you are a kid, you can look under it and see all the toys.”

Hynes had just finished a new “Nutcracker” for Kansas City Ballet but vowed to give Charlotte its own production. She changed the holiday party to a fancy dress ball, with whimsical hats and frocks. Bonnefoux introduced a mirror, so each guest could stop for a moment of reflection and show off Hynes’ creations. “My thought is that Clara goes to bed with all of these fun colors and imaginative shapes, (then) dreams about them in Act 2,” she says.

“There are hidden references to Charlotte sports teams throughout the ballet, which was a lot of fun. The only artist I mimicked was the artist formally known as Prince. Can you find

him?” (That’s called “an Easter egg” online or on a DVD: an unexpected or undocumented surprise.)

Vaeshas designed seven Nutcrackers, but he dug for fresh ideas. “The Nutcracker is the dream of a child; there is only one way to interpret it,” he says. “I am a children’s book author and illustrator, and all my life I have worked hard to keep that sense of wonder that comes from childhood. (But) I am also a figurative artist with a surrealist tendency.”

Thus the massive hot-air balloon that now carries Clara and the Prince away at the end, or the oversized teacup in which the nefarious Mouse King makes his entrance. Bonnefoux asked Vaes to design a series of cutouts that both conceal action until we’re ready to see it and add verisimilitude. The Snow King and Queen will emerge from a field of deer; the toy soldiers will stream out of a castle; Mother Ginger will roll out in the upper floor of a house, out of which her brood will pour. (The old set will be sold eventually; the new one could potentially be rented out.)

The changes allowed Bonnefoux to adjust choreography, and he’s adding a gopak (a double-time Ukrainian folk dance) by Tchaikovsky to the divertissements in Act 2. (He had already introduced a piece of music from the ballet “Swan Lake” there.)

Everything about the show will be new to

The marzipan and candy cane costumes were the first to be finished; in all, costumers created 208 full costumes and 760 individual pieces.

Photo Credit: Justine Miller (jmiller@mcclatchy.com)

Hugh McColl, who chose Charlotte Ballet for the gift because his wife values dance most among all the arts.

“If you’d told me (before marriage) I would ever go to a ballet, I’d have laughed at you,” he says. But she took him to see Rudolf Nureyev decades ago in Spartanburg, made a dance fan of him – they recently went to New York

to watch Misty Copeland perform – and his favorite part of the Charlotte Ballet season is now the adventurous Innovative Works.

“Nutcracker,” though....

“I have never seen it,” he says. “I’m going this year for the first time.” : : — Originally published by The Charlotte Observer on Nov.23, 2016.

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Seven fabulous,out gay men of figure skating A new skating season is upon us

by Stan Kimer :: guest contributor

Last spring, Out Magazine came out with their list of “100 Hot Out Gay Men” which included people in entertainment, sports, politics, business, etc. What?! Not a single figure skater was on the list! Therefore, since the new iceskating season is now upon us, here is my own list of seven hot out gay men of Figure Skating.

And before going any further, I am going to quickly dismiss any discussion about figure skating not being a true sport. I challenge anyone to give it a try — figure skating requires a tremendous amount of balance, stamina and flexibility. And figure skaters look calm, cool, collected and fabulous while competing.

My list of outstanding men include skaters from the past and present. In alphabetical order: Brian Boitano. This 1988 Olympic Champion continues to be a perennial spokesperson for U.S. Figure Skating and has hosted his own popular cooking show. President Obama appointed Brian, as an out proud gay man, as one our American delegates to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, in 2014 to counter some of the close-minded anti-gay rhetoric of Russian President Vladmir Putin.

Rudy Galindo. This skater of Mexican descent overcame economic and personal

Me with Rudy Galindo at his induction ceremony into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2013.

hardship to win his senior U.S. championship on his eighth try, in 1996, becoming the oldest men’s champion in 70 years. And he won the world bronze medal that year! He also was a pairs national champion with his skating partner Kristi Yamaguchi. Rudy is the first openly gay U.S. champion and also later shared about being HIV-positive. He went on to a stellar professional career with his entertaining “YMCA” program, and was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2013. Rudy is now making his mark as a coach and choreographer, including working with current U.S. Silver Medalist Polina Edmunds.

Randy Gardner. Randy Gardner was a five-time U.S. and one-time World Champion in the late 1970s with his skating partner Tai Babilonia. Randy had remained active in the skating world, continuing to skate in shows and coaching at Dorothy Hamill’s Adult Figure Skating Camp. Randy has now embarked on a new venture, starring in his one man show “Go Figure!” about his fascinating personal and skating life.

Brian Orser. Brian Orser of Canada finished second in the 1988 Olympics to Brian Boitano in the famous Olympic “Battle of the Brians.”

see next page u

I have so much enjoyed being coached by World Champion Randy Gardner at the past two Dorothy Hamill Adult Fantasy Skating Camps.

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Brian Orser has now gone on to be one of the most successful international coaches on the planet, having coached two Olympic champions (Yuna Kim of Korea and Yazuru Hanyu of Japan) and currently coaches the top two men in the world (Hanyu and Javier Fernandez of Spain.)

Eric Radford. In December 2014, Eric Radford of Canada publicly came out as gay in an interview with the LGBT publication Outsports, becoming the first competitive figure skater ever I got to meet one of my all-time favorite skaters, the strikingly handsome to come out at the height and current U.S. champion Adam Rippon, when I won the U.S. Figure of his career while still a Skating trip to Champs Camp in 2013. contender for championship titles. Then in March, say hi or take a photo, he stays until he gives 2015, Eric and his partner Megan Duhamel won some time to the very last person. : : the world pairs title, making him the first openly gay figure skater ever to win a gold medal at — Blog author Stan Kimer, in addition to that competition. He is an ambassador for the training as an adult competitive figure skater Canadian Olympic Committee’s #OneTeam himself, is a career development and diversity program to combat homophobia in sports. consultant with a deep expertise in corporate Adam Rippon. Adam Rippon came out as LGBT diversity strategy and training. Please gay in a feature story of U.S. Figure Skating explore the rest of my website and never hesiMagazine a few months ago and how does he tate to contact me to discuss diversity training follow up the story? By going out in January for your organization, or pass my name onto and winning his first US Seniors title to go with your HR department. This article was originally his two silver medals! The current U.S. Men’s published in March 2016, has been edited for Champion with his fashion-model stunning timeliness and is republished with permission. good looks is one of the hardest working yet kindest and most loved skaters in US figure skating today. Raised by a single mother, this oldest of six children also serves as a fine supportive role model and loving older brother to his five siblings.

Johnny Weir. Sure, the flamboyant and outspoken three-time U.S. champion and two-time Olympian Johnny Weir may have his critics, but three things cannot be denied about this fine young man: First, he is now emerging as a superb figure skating broadcasting announcer who takes his work seriously and showcases his vast knowledge of figure skating and every single competitor. Second, he is an excellent spokesperson for diversity and individuality, and treating all humans with dignity and respect. And, third, he always treats all his fans and especially children with kindness and personal attention. I have personally witnessed Johnny at arenas after events and even if there is a long line of adults and children wanting to

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EVENTS December 2016 SEP DEC MO

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Continues through Dec. 4 Disney on Ice Greensboro Coliseum 1921 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro

Times vary Your favorite Disney characters from “Finding Dory,” “Inside Out,” “Frozen,” and the Disney princesses take to the ice in a performance for the whole family. Ticket prices vary. More information and tickets are available online. greensborocoliseum.com.

–––––––––––––––––––– 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.

Destination…Christmas SEP DEC MO McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square 345 N College St., Charlotte 7:30 p.m.

The Charlotte Chorale presents a Christmas journey for young and old.

The journey begins in Bethlehem, where the choir will sing selections such as “Angels We Have Heard On High” and Joy to the World.” The audience is then transported to Hawaii via songs like the popular tropical Christmas tune “Mele Kalikimaka.”

From there it’s off to Destination Main Street, where the choir will perform holiday gems like “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas” from “Home Alone 2.” Finally, the musical journey reaches home, where the audience will be treated to songs including “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Home For the Holidays” and many more. Audience members are asked to bring an unwrapped new toy to be donated to Toys For Tots. Tickets cost $20. More information and tickets are available online. blumenthalarts.org.

CharlotteChoraleInc.org.

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

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, 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. genderlines.org.

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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-forone 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).

Continues through Dec. 23 Charlotte Ballet: Nutcracker Belk Theater 130 N Tryon St., Charlotte Times vary

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Jazz Room Holiday Edition: SEP DEC MO A Preservation Hall AllStars Christmas Booth Playhouse 130 N Tryon St., Charlotte 6:30 p.m.

Hear the Preservation Hall All-Stars perform popular holiday favorites with a traditional New Orleans jazz twist. A pre-concert reception will take place at the Blumenthal Booth Playhouse with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Funds go to the Jazz Arts Initiative’s Jazz Academy and Performance programs.

Tickets cost $25 in advance and $28 at the door. More information and tickets are available online. blumenthalarts.org.

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Soulful Noel SEP DEC MO McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square 345 N College St., Charlotte OnQ Productions presents its annual holiday revue. Classics are re-framed with the holiday narrative presented in a contemporary way, with songs like “Twas The Night Before Christmas,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “Go Tell it on The Mountain.” Ticket prices vary. More information and tickets are available online. blumenthalarts.org.

SEP DEC MO

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The “Nutcracker” returns like never before, with a million dollar makeover thanks to a generous grant from the McColl family in honor of Jane Spratt McColl, featuring all new sets and costumes. The show also features choreography from the legendary JeanPierre Bonnefoux, live music from the Charlotte Symphony and a cast of over 100. Ticket prices vary. More information and tickets are available online. blumenthalarts.org.

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

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SEP DEC MO

Continues through Dec. 11 Charlotte Symphony Pops: Magic of Christmas Belk Theater 130 N Tryon St., Charlotte

Times vary Albert-George Schram leads the orchestra and special guests including the Charlotte Symphony Chorus, the Charlotte Children’s Choir, choirs, handbell ringers, gospel vocalist Marsaisa Byrd, and more, plus an appearance by Santa Claus. Songs include favorites like “Sleigh Ride,” “Jingle Bells” and “We Need A Little Christmas.” Ticket prices vary. More information and tickets are available online. blumenthalarts.org.

Human Rights Day SEP DEC MO Human Rights Day is observed annually, commemoContinues through Dec. 11 SEP DEC rating the day on which, in MO Clara’s Trip: A Cirque & 1948, the United Nations Dance Nutcracker General Assembly adopted the Universal Booth Playhouse Declaration of Human Rights. We must 130 N Tryon St., Charlotte reaffirm our common Times vary humanity. Wherever we A modern retelling of “The Nutcracker.” are, we can make a real Clara trips during a holiday party and is difference. In the street, taken to the hospital, where she learns in school, at work, in she has broken her ankle. That night her public transport, in the friends and get-well gifts go swirling voting booth, on social through her dreams. Suitable for the media. It starts with each of us. Step forwhole family. Ticket prices vary. ward and defend the rights of a refugee blumenthalarts.org. or migrant, a person with disabilities, an LGBT person, a woman, a child, indigenous peoples, a minority group, or anyone else at risk of discrimination or violence.Check un.org/en/events/humanrightsday and follow #HumanRightsDay and #Standup4HumanRights on on social media.

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life

health and wellness

by Jack Kirven :: personal trainer, qnotes contributor

8 Patterns of Wellness, Part 4 of 8: Strength In this series, I’m going to share some thoughts about the 8 patterns that comprise the 8-week program that is Integre8t Wellness.

With these fundamentals in place, you can expect to see enhanced results from your fitness plan. Part 1 discussed breath, Part 2 focused on hydration, and Part 3 was about nutrition.

The fourth pattern is strength. Most people think of strength as the ability to exert against heavy external forces. The obvious examples are lifting heavy weights, pulling on cables, or pushing and pulling against the action on a machine. But strength is not only the ability to move against forces, it’s also an important factor in control, stabilization and power.

The ability to control one’s own weight allows us to perform the movements we need in our daily lives. Kneeling down to pick up the papers you dropped, lifting properly while standing up again and walking away while carrying the boxes with your papers is one instance where strength allows you to move freely. Resistance training with weights can help you move heavier loads; however, to avoid becoming muscle bound, it’s helpful to include calisthenics (strength and endurance exercises performed with the body’s own weight as the source of resistance). Calisthenics not only strengthens muscles and connecting tissues, it has a tendency to also maintain a fuller range of motion.

Stability is essential to performing nearly any activity. In order of declining value for stability we have integrated core activities, pulling on cables, moving free weights and mushing around with machines.

All stability comes from your developed ability to harness the power of your “core,” a term which became a hot-button word at the turn of the millennium. People often mistake the “core” for being the abdominal muscles on the front of the torso; however, the “core” is actually comprised of all the many muscles that cause, control, or stabilize movement through the spine and hips. Having beautiful abs does not necessarily indicate that you have a strong “core.” All movement emanates from your center, and to have a good foundation for strength, speed and power (moving with strength very quickly or explosively), you must be able to perform dynamic, functional movements. Compound movements that involve moderate balance, coordination, or instability training are good for developing a “good core;” however, please don’t take this to extremes, which can dramatically increase your risk of injury (e.g. Performing barbell squats while standing on a medicine ball is ridiculously dangerous. Yes, I saw video of someone doing that on YouTube. Don’t be stupid about this.)

Using cable machines forces you to control direction and range of movement under tension in all directions. These are best done standing, or in some other position wherein you have to engage your stabilizers. Sitting on a bench removes much of the effort when doing cable exercises. For example, instead of using heavier resistance for seated cable rows, lower the weight and perform the exercise in a squatting position on your feet.

You will see an immediate increase in difficulty

that is far better at engaging your entire body simultaneously. Cables are more effective than free weights for developing stability because you have to specifically control the minute changes in angles and directions.

Free weights, like cable machines, not only increase resistance training, they also require coordination and stabilization. Not as much as cables, but still much better than machines.

Free weights are excellent for pure strength, but they are often moved in only one direction, which means they train your body part to move in only one direction. It is very important to train through a full range of motion in both directions, to avoid becoming muscle bound.

Also, dumbbells require more stabilizing and coordination than barbells, so be sure to include them in your strength workouts for each body part.

Least helpful for stability are the machines, which generally should not be used by the average, healthy exercise enthusiast. They are designed for people who are injured, deconditioned or new to exercise. Most are generally fixed in one direction of movement, limited in range of motion, require that you sit or lay down (and thus greatly reduce the engagement of your stabilizers/”core”), and force you into awkward or dangerous positions. As soon as you recover or learn the basics, get off of the machines immediately. Advanced exercisers use them to focus on the nuances of particular muscles, but that is generally for people who are at the point of honing particular cuts for aesthetic purposes. Single body part machines and Smith machines are not your friend: They remove practically all the work.

Sitting or laying down means you don’t have to support or control your own weight. They do all the work of controlling your direction of movement, and they lock you into positions that are potentially dangerous. Be particularly careful with shoulder press machines, hamstring curl machines, and the machines for abduction and adduction of the legs.

Finally we come to power. Power is the type of strength that is performed explosively.

Clapping pushups or sudden jabs in boxing are familiar examples; however, there are millions of options. One extreme example might be this: 10,000 years ago your grandfather was walking along until attacked by a sabertooth tiger. Your grandfather’s ability to suddenly sprint and bare down to jump as high and as quickly as possible to reach the limb of a tree, and then to immediately pull himself up out of striking distance saves his life (and eventually leads to you reading this). The point that is most important to remember is that strength is a dynamic component of your wellness that extends far beyond picking things up and putting them back down. : :

info: Jack Kirven completed the MFA in Dance at UCLA, and earned certification as a personal trainer through NASM. His wellness philosophy is founded upon integrated lifestyles as opposed to isolated workouts. Visit him at jackkirven.com and INTEGRE8Twellness.com.

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