Dec. 11-24 . 2010
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Editor’s Note Guest Commentary TalkBack General Gayety QPoll AIDS and the black community T-Notes
contributors this issue
Robbi Cohn, Matt Comer, Tyler DeVere, Stan Kimer, Charlene Lichtenstein, Lainey Millen, Rev. Irene Monroe, Leslie Robinson, David Stout, Maria Tchijov, Trinity
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VIEWS
editor’s note by matt comer matt@goqnotes.com
A prayer for Michael Brown
When I moved to Charlotte in 2007, I knew I was moving to a bigger city. Compared to my hometown, Charlotte really is a metropolis. Towering buildings Uptown, mammoth-sized suburbs, highways and traffic galore. What I didn’t expect, however, was just how conservative Charlotte is. No, this isn’t a rant about city leaders or government. Not this time. What I’m talking about now is the surprisingly well-organized religious right in the Queen City. In my mind, “big city” had always been synonymous with “progressive.” One look around the religious-political landscape here and one quickly learns Charlotte breaks that mold. My interactions with Charlotte’s rightwing fringe have been numerous enough. I know several of the area’s anti-gay activists and leaders and they know me. In particular, Operation Save America’s Flip Benham and Coalition of Conscience’s Dr. Michael Brown have been among my chief contacts. I used to think Benham and Brown were
of the same mold. I thought both were hateful, deranged and dangerous anti-gay militants. That’s mostly true about Benham. His “Wanted” posters of a local abortion provider eventually got him convicted recently of stalking the doctor. Benham’s tactics are in your face and confrontational. Brown, on the other hand, is a little more reserved. I might even dare say he’s a little bit more respectful and polite. That doesn’t make him right, of course. He’s still wrong, still preaching exclusion and hate and pushing people away from Christ rather than pulling them in. Chief among the many social justice lessons I’ve ever learned is the importance of seeing the humanity in all people, even in your adversaries. Many of the LGBT community’s greatest opponents actually do believe they are doing good. Deep down somewhere in their hardened heart, they sincerely believe what they do is beneficial and divinely-inspired. And, after years of interactions with Brown, I’ve finally come to see more and
guest commentary by Stan Kimer :: guest contributor
The macroeconomics of gay bullying
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There has been a lot of media attention the past few months about the tragic suicides of several gay teens as a result of gay bullying. So often these vulnerable teens do not find any support in their schools, churches, communities and even families and see the ending of their lives as their only recourse. With this senseless loss of lives being an American tragedy, entertainment leaders such as Chris Colfer of the TV show “Glee” and Ellen Degeneres, as well as many religious leaders from several mainstream denominations have spoken to our country to address this bullying. But, what is often missing is our business leaders and political leaders addressing the impact this bullying has on our entire country at the macro level. Certainly the main focus of this discussion has to be preserving the dignity of every human life. But, what we can add to the discussion is the wider impact. Behind the several teens who have ended their lives, there are also
thousands of other children who are bullied and as a result participate in destructive behavior. These can include dropping out of school, alcohol and drug abuse and running away from home. This leads to the downward spiral of ceasing educational and vocational development. We then as a country foster a set of second-class citizens who have dropped out of society and are not encouraged to grow with their skills to become contributing members of our economy. This will eventually develop into a drain on our country’s social services and health programs. I believe every political voice on both sides of the aisle as well as business, education and community leaders can all unite on this issue to not only save lives, but to also contribute positively to the growth and education of every citizen. To complete in the growing global economy, we need everyone in our country to contribute to their full capabilities. It is good for every person as well as our
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Dec. 11-24 . 2010
more of his own humanity, particularly a more private and sincere side of him I’d never seen before. I’m now convinced that Brown honestly does believe everything that comes out of his mouth. Of course, it takes truly honest belief to make the sorts of outlandish and ridiculous statements Brown airs publicly in debates, in commentary and on his radio show. Comparing homosexuality to child rape, for example, takes some sort of deeply-rooted dislocation from reality. In a recent commentary on his blog, “Voice of Revolution,” Brown digs into recent reports from the respected Southern Poverty Law Center’s naming of several anti-gay religious organizations as hate groups. His words provide more than ample evidence of a journey into delusion. “There was a time when the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) was highly respected for its exposure of hate groups, such as those of the neo-Nazi and KKK brand,” Brown writes. “Today, however, it’s almost a badge of honor to get a place on the SPLC listing, be it as an official ‘hate’ group or merely as an ‘anti-gay’ group. After all, now that the American Family Association, Concerned Women for America, Coral Ridge Ministries, the Family Research Council, Liberty Council, the National Organization for Marriage, and the Traditional Values Coalition qualify, it’s
actually a little disconcerting to be left off the ‘anti-gay’ list.” This worldview that allows Brown to paint gay people in the same light as child rapists also allows him, somehow, to think of being named a hate group as some kind of honor. It’s this kind of thinking that truly defines Brown’s unique brand of lunacy. I’ve struggled immensely with my thoughts, opinions and feelings toward Brown, especially in recent weeks. Since his debate on homosexuality with Orthodox Jewish Rabbi Shmuley Boteach in early November, I’ve often sat alone thinking about my interactions with Brown. I’ve gone back and read many of his writings, my writings and our interactions. It’s hard to despise a man when pity starts to take over. Brown tells us that it’s his goal to see gay and lesbian people’s lives transformed and brought to Christ. I think he honestly has faith in the power of Christ to transform. So do I. In this instance, however, I’m afraid it is Brown, not LGBT people, who really needs the transformation. He’ll never recognize or admit his words are hateful or hurtful because he’s blind to the truth, the kind of truth that really sets people free and brings them into a radically inclusive communion with each other, the world around them and the Divine. That is a truer, more Christ-like Gospel message I hope Brown one day hears and receives. : :
country for each person to pursue education and vocational development with passion, not having to fear bullying in these same places they attending for this education. Every leader needs to step up to strongly advocate for strong laws as well as in depth education to
stop all bullying of all people. : : — Originally posted on Nov. 29, 2010, on Stan Kimer’s blog, totalengagementconsulting.com. Submitted to qnotes and republished with permission.
talkback
Letters to the editor and comments from goqnotes.com. Web comments are not edited for grammar or punctuation. ’Gay Disease’ In response to last issue’s commentary on HIV/AIDS, gay men and people of color, readers say: BULLS**T!! The racism in the white and gay community has been going on FAR longer than the supposed ‘homophobia’ in the black community so who the f#*k are you kidding?! Until I hear the RACISM address nobody and I mean nobody has a damn thing to say about black people ‘hating’ gays!! — Lauren, web, Nov. 29 We are each responsible for the oppressions we support. “There is no hierarchy of
oppression” – Audre Lorde — Chris, web, Nov. 29 I love how Lauren refers to the “white and gay community” like they’re the same thing. Sure, Lauren, all black people are straight. Your amazingly articulate argument has moved me. — Blue, web, Nov. 30 College application In response to Brett Webb-Mitchell’s Nov. 27 column, a reader responds: What a breath of fresh air. As if gay see next page u
by leslie robinson :: qnotes contributor
Transgender steps forward Recently our community marked the 12th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, a somber day devoted to memorializing those murdered for their gender identity. Also, recently, however, we’ve seen transgender breakthroughs that are, in a word, fabulousgreatwonderful. College basketball season has begun and many a media outlet has covered the story of Kye Allums, a junior guard at George Washington University. At 5-foot-11, Allums won’t be shattering glass, but his story is. “Yes, I am a male on a female team,” Allums, 21, told USA Today. “And, I want to be clear about this. I am a transgender male, which means feelings-wise, how it feels on the inside, I feel as if I should have been born male with male parts. “But my biological sex is female, which makes me a transgender male.” This was a college student taking great pains to educate a sportswriter, who’s accustomed to X’s and O’s, on X’s and Y’s. The sportswriter can expect a midterm. When Allums’ college playing career is over, he intends to transition. He planned to keep quiet until then, but “it just got too tough not to be me.” His teammates, coach and university all appear to be supportive. The NCAA probably thought not long ago that it would have to deal with this issue the day the Rhode Island School of Design won the Rose Bowl. But the NCAA has a policy, explained a spokesman: “A female who wants to be socially identified as a male, but has not had hormone treatments or surgery, may compete on a women’s team.” So, this college basketball season begins with an African-American, openly transgender person playing Division 1 hoop. This represents so many steps forward it’s practically traveling. Turning to a different sport, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) will soon have a different understanding of “lady.” GolfChannel.com reported the LPGA will propose in a Nov. 30 player meeting to axe its “female at birth” requirement. It’s not that association honchos experi-
VIEWS
general gayety
enced an epiphany. It’s that they have drivers aimed at their heads. Lana Lawless, 57, who had gender-reassignment surgery five years ago, filed suit in San Francisco over the LPGA declining her application for tour membership. Her suit claims the organization discriminated due to her transgender status, a violation of California’s anti-discrimination statutes. The LPGA has landed in the rough indeed. A change to the constitutional bylaws requires two-thirds of the LPGA membership to agree. The association has already told players the old gender rule was established “in a different time,” and defending it legally today would be harder than putting with your eyes closed. Also, the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Golf Association and other golf entities now allow transgender participation. The fairways are getting fairer. Victoria Kolakowski, who had reassignment surgery in 1991, has scored big in a different arena. In a race so tight it couldn’t be called until two weeks after the election, voters in California chose Kolakowski for Alameda County Superior Court. An openly transgender woman wins a popular election. Thank you California for being . . . California. Kolakowski, 49, told the San Francisco Chronicle that the election result “speaks well of our ability to look past differences and look to the things that matter: our ability and experience.” Here’s hoping she has both, because she’ll be scrutinized like an “American Idol” finalist. Two days after Kolakowski declared victory, transgender LGBT activist Phyllis Frye was appointed a municipal court judge in the Houston City Council chamber, the same room where 30 years ago Frye helped repeal Houston’s “crossdressing ordinance.” Frye, 63, said to the Houston Chronicle, “Things have changed, and it’s pretty wonderful.” Two judges in two days. That’s the right kind of order in the court. : :
Meeting Date: Program:
Time: Cost: To Reserve:
Thursday, December 16, 2010 Annual Holiday Event Don King Community Service Awards Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. Sponsored by Frances Richter, www.francesrichter.com Dinner, Refreshments & Cash Bar, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. $20, Advanced Reservations Appreciated Accepting donations for Time Out Youth Call 704.565.5075 by 12 pm Friday, December 10, 2010 or email businessguild@yahoo.com to request tickets for this event
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info:
LesRobinson@aol.com . generalgayety.com
TalkBack continued from page 4 students didnt have enough of a tough time growing up in a heterosexual world where their sexual identity is often unintentionally thrown in their faces on a daily basis. It does get better! I have been a college admission counselor for 24 years. To reinforce Professor Brett Webb-Mitchell’s comments on the essay, it is extremely important not to tell what happened growing up as in …”this happened then this happened..” And, to talk about the struggle, how hard it was, how you had a hard time dealing with the prejudice, speak in postive terms. Describe how you actually handled a specific situation which shows the reader how you have grown from the experience as opposed to just talking about what happened. It is more interesting to read and increases your chances to get in. They are trying to predict your college survivability and your level of maturity when you get to college. Seeing this
at the high school level raises this predictability factor. Making the essays tone come across that you are dealing with the prejudice you may feel in constructive ways. The student who starts a Gay and Lesbian club on their campus, the one who calls their peers on their homophobia which they might not even be aware of, the one who spoke metaphorically about when it finally clicked on them that being gay is being normal; one does not have to cow tow to the heterosexual norm. The essay on your application should be fun and only describe one instance, one time in your life. You should NOT try to pack in as much as you can. Boring. The app is read quickly. Make it an easy read. And when you finish all that writing and filling out your name, address etc for the 100th time, you will say to yourself, “it will get better!” — cmarkiemark, web, Nov. 29
Dec. 11-24 . 2010
qnotes
BRIEFS
news notes: from the carolinas, nation and world compiled by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com | David Stout :: david@goqnotes.com | Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
Charlotte Pride readies for 2011
CHARLOTTE — Pride Charlotte 2011, a project of the Lesbian & Gay Community Center, is in its early planning stages and is looking for committee chairs and members. Those interested in leading a committee for next year’s Pride Charlotte, should send a letter and resume in confidence to the board chair at chair@gaycharlotte.com. In other news, the center is requesting community involvement and more importantly, they want to know what programs, etc., would make it a more viable entity. They are only limited by the support from its volunteers, grants and donors. With community assistance and vision, it can offer the same types of programs and services as the biggest LGBT community centers in the nation. Send feedback directly to the board chair at chair@gaycharlotte.com. Note in your communication if you’d like the feedback kept confidential, otherwise it will be shared with the board and other relevant parties. — L.M.
Eastern ECU chancellor speaks out
GREENVILLE — An attack against two women on the East Carolina University campus may be considered a hate crime. The victims were not students at the school, but were attacked coming out of a dorm in the early morning on Oct. 14. One received a broken jaw and the other one was spat upon and hit in the head, WITN reported. Chancellor Steve Ballard remarked a month after the October incident that “the anti-gay verbal and physical abuse” was “unacceptable behavior,” said WNCT. It appears that “sexist and homophobic slurs” were blasted at the women outside Tyler Hall. Media reports say that they were “targeted because of their perceived orientation.” “This type of behavior is completely inappropriate and will not be tolerated. The campus community has every right to be bothered by this act and my administration shares in their frustration and disappointment,” Ballard said in his statement as reported by WNCT. Kathy Ross, president of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered Student Union at the university, praised Ballard for his move. The perpetrators have been identified and will be subject to punishment. And, Bryan Berg has had criminal charges filed against him. He was released on Oct. 15 from jail on a $27,000 bond posting. — L.M.
Triangle ENC seeks communications director
RALEIGH — Equality North Carolina (ENC) has initiated a search for applicants for a communications director. Interested parties should be experienced, articulate and mission-driven to work full-time in the Raleigh office. The communications director is a member
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Dec. 11-24 . 2010
of the organization’s senior staff, reporting to the executive director. Working closely with the organization’s program and development staff, the communications director plays a leadership role in communications strategy and media relations, utilizing both traditional and new media to promote LGBT equality throughout North Carolina. For a full list of qualifications and job description, visit equalitync.org/news1/jobs. Applications submissions should include a cover letter, resume, two writing samples (one informal, such as an email alert or a sampling of social media posts, and one formal, such as a press release or issue brief) and list of at least three professional references, including contact information for each. Submit applicant packets to Ian Palmquist, executive director, by email to hr@equalitync.org. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled beginning Dec. 15. — L.M.
White Rabbit closes store
RALEIGH — Gay and lesbian bookstore White Rabbit closed its Raleigh location on Nov. 29. qnotes publisher Jim Yarbrough and qnotes associate editor David Stout bought the business in 2007. They moved the Raleigh location from Martin St. to the Hue condo development on Hargett St. in January. “This building has been a nightmare,” Yarbrough told Raleigh’s News & Observer on Nov. 30. “There’s supposed to be other retail tenants, and that never materialized. That’s not what we were told when we moved in here.” Yarbrough also said a bad economy has also hurt business. The store, which sells books, CDs and DVDs, gifts, clothing and other items, has had a presence in the state since 1985, when former owner John Neal opened its first location in Greensboro in 1985. The downtown Raleigh location opened on Martin St. in 1991, followed by Charlotte a year later. The Raleigh location’s merchandise, equipment and other items will be transferred to the Charlotte location. “For now this is it in Raleigh,” Yarbrough told the daily newspaper’s .biz blog. “I’d love to come back one day. We do have our Charlotte store and hopefully that one will survive.” — M.C.
Duke student win scholarships
DURHAM — Duke University senior Nicolas Altemose has netted a Marshall Scholarship which will assist in his education after graduation in his field of study. Altemose, Temuecula, Calif., is a biology major concentrating on research in genomics and is planning on continuing his research at the University of Oxford. He is an A.B. Duke Scholar and is interested in understanding the functioning of heterochromatic regions of human chromosomes. His studies have been under the tutelage of Huntington Willard, director of the Institute for Genome Sciences & Policy. He co-founded an organization at Duke dedicated to fostering interest in science
and research for high school students, as well as serving as a teaching assistant in the computer science department. He previously received a Goldwater Scholarship in Science, Mathematics and Engineering. “I am drawn most to questions of structural and functional variation in the human genome,” Altemose wrote in his Marshall application, “whose answers will enhance our understanding of human evolution and human health,” Duke’s Office of News & Communications reported. Altemose ultimately hopes to pursue a career in academia as a biology professor and continue research on the human genome. He is a member of the LGBT Center Advisory Board. The scholarship was established in 1953 to commemorate the Marshall Plan and are awarded to maximum of 40 “talented, independent and wide-ranging” young Americans to finance graduate level studies at a college or university in the U.K. Duke President Richard H. Brodhead said that it was proud that Altemose had been named a winner of one of the highest of academic honors, the Marshall Scholarship and has enriched Duke’s “campus life immeasurably and will have a major impact on the world in years to come.” — L.M.
HIV/AIDS film premieres
CHAPEL HILL — “Heart to HAART: The State of the HIV/AIDS Movement” was unveiled to audiences on Dec. 1, as part of a World AIDS Day observance. HAART, a drug combination treatment for the disease, stands for Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. The film, directed by Julian Wooten, a University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy graduate student, examined HIV/AIDS in the Tar Heel state. qnotes ran a story on the subject in August and can be viewed online at goqnotes. com/7789/. According to The Chapel Hill News, Wooten wanted to “move it back from being a secondary topic.” John Paul Womble, executive director of the Alliance of AIDS Services, said that the film “‘will help people recognize that HIV/AIDS is still a huge problem. We forget about it; no matter what the disease, no matter what the issue, over time it seems to be ingrained in us to be apathetic.’” To read the full story, visit chapelhillnews. com/2010/12/01/61044/new-film-focuses-onhivaids. — L.M.
Transition not easy
CHAPEL HILL — The University of North Carolina-Greensboro has an unusual class offering. For those who are transitioning from male to female or female to male, this one could come in handy. The school’s speech pathologists are training transgender people to speak in their future or newly acquired sexual gender during a two-hour, once-a-week class for a semester. In a news story by The Associated Press, Nicole Hatch had spent six figures to become a woman (including a Thailand trip for surgery) and facial hair removal. At 57, she wanted
to sound like a woman rather than being addressed as “sir.” Voice pitch lessons are enabling her to become more feminine sounding. “‘Each semester, speech pathologists within UNCG’s School of Health and Human Performance teach about eight or so transgender people in a program that began 12 years ago,’ says Dean Celia Hooper, who taught the transgender voice classes at UNCG for five years until she became dean in 2008,” AP reported. “The classes concentrate a lot on pitch, but the clients also learn about loudness, quality of voice and movement, especially facial and hand gestures.” For more information, visit uncg.edu/csd/TG. — L.M.
Western Bigotry detailed
HICKORY — Faith in America released its ground-breaking report on Nov. 9 that shares information on the harms caused from religious-based bigotry toward LGBT people. The goal of achieving full equality is the clarion for the LGBT community. “For several years, we have researched and tested messaging and strategies to successfully address the harm caused to gay people by the misuse of religious teachings, and how we can truly change hearts and minds and lift people up,” Mitchell Gold, founder of Faith in America told Windy City Times. The report addresses the way to speak to those who are harmed by anti-gay views when “based on religious teachings or beliefs.” There is specific language targeted at dealing with youth. All this comes at a particularly crucial time, especially in the aftermath of the recent suicides and bullying incidents. For more information or to read the full report, visit faithinamerica.org. — L.M.
Subjects requested
BOONE — Denise Levy, an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work at Appalachian State University is conducting a study on the issue of gender identity and Christian upbringing conflicts and experiences, entitled “Exploring the Process of Resolving Conflict between Gender Identity and Christian Upbringing.” She is interested in talking with participants about experiences of being a transgender, gender queer or gender non-conforming individual with a Christian upbringing. She is interested in the process by which issues were resolved or addressed between gender identity and religious beliefs. In order to participate in the study, all of the following must apply: must be at least 18 years of age; have a high school education, GED or equivalent; live within 120 miles of Boone; self-identify as transgender, gender queer or gender non-conforming; have a Christian upbringing; have experienced and addressed conflict between religious beliefs and gender identity; be willing to participate in a face-to-face interview, lasting no more than 90 minutes; and be willing to participate in a follow-up interview if necessary. This fol-
low-up interview will be by phone and will not exceed 10 minutes. Private and confidential interviews will take place at a site mutually comfortable for both participant and researcher. Audio recording will be used for transcription, but destroyed after the research is complete. Names and any other identifying information will be removed from the transcripts, and fake names will be used in the report. For more information, call Levy from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday through Friday at 828262-6934 and leave a voice message with contact information. — L.M.
National Civil unions approved in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — On Dec. 1, the Illinois Senate followed the lead of the Illinois House of Representatives in voting to approve civil unions. Gov. Pat Quinn has already pledged to sign the legislation into law, which means beginning July 1, 2011, gay and lesbian unions will be legally recognized with all the protections and responsibilities currently offered only to opposite-sex couples who marry. The bill, the Illinois Religious Freedom and Protection and Civil Union Act, was introduced by Rep. Greg Harris. It passed the House by a vote of 61-52 and the Senate by a vote of 32-24 with one abstention. In addition to Illinois, nine states offer varying degrees of statewide recognition for gay and lesbian couples through civil unions or domestic partnerships. Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington D.C. provide same-sex couples full marriage rights. New York and Maryland recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages. — D.S.
Study finds unfair punishment
BOSTON, Mass. — LGB adolescents are about 40 percent more likely than other teens to receive punishment at the hands of school authorities, police and the courts, according to research published in the January 2011 issue of Pediatrics. The analysis, conducted at Yale University, found that the disparities in punishments are not explained by differences in misbehavior. Youth who identified themselves as LGB actually engaged in less violence than their peers, for example. Nonetheless, virtually all types of punishments — including school expulsions, arrests, juvenile convictions, adult convictions and especially police stops — were more frequently meted out to LGB youth. For instance, adolescents who self-identified as LGB were about 50 percent more likely to be stopped by the police than other teenagers. Teens who reported feelings of attraction to members of the same sex, regardless of their self-identification, were more likely than other teens to be expelled from school or convicted of crimes as adults. Girls who labeled themselves as lesbian or bisexual were especially at risk for unequal treatment: they experienced 50 percent more police stops and reported about twice as many arrests and convictions as other girls who had engaged in similar behavior. Although the study did not explore the experiences of transgender youth, anecdotal reports suggest that they are similarly at risk for excessive punishment. — D.S.
Lambda opposes biased student
ATLANTA, Ga. — Lambda Legal has filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the 11th Circuit opposing a legal claim against Augusta State University by Jennifer Keeton, a graduate student in counseling at the school. Keeton claims her first amendment rights were violated when the school required her to complete a remediation program to better understand LGBT issues after she expressed her intention to promote conversion therapy for gay students as a school counselor. “It is unethical and dangerous for a counselor to not respect the dignity and promote the welfare of her LGBTQ clients,” said Greg Nevins, Supervising Senior Staff Attorney in Lambda Legal’s Southern Regional Office based in Atlanta. “When Georgia’s LGBTQ youth are being bullied or thinking about committing suicide, we want them to be speaking with trained counselors who will help not harm them.” According to affidavits filed in the case, Jennifer Keeton repeatedly expressed a desire to avoid LGBT students or to subject them to conversion therapy. She subsequently refused to comply with the remediation program required by the University. The American Counseling Association Code of Ethics clearly proscribes conduct harmful to patients, imposition of the counselors’ views on patients, and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. — D.S.
Family support affects health
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. –– For the first time, researchers have established a clear link between accepting attitudes and behaviors of parents toward their LGBT children and significantly decreased mental health and substance abuse risk and better overall health among them in adulthood. A new study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing shows that specific parental and caregiver behaviors — such as advocating for children when they are mistreated because of their LGBT identity or supporting their gender expression — protect against depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in early adulthood. In addition, LGBT youth with highly accepting families have significantly higher levels of self-esteem and social support in young adulthood. The study, authored by Dr. Caitlin Ryan and her team from the Family Acceptance Project at San Francisco State University, has critical implications for changing how families relate to their LGBT children and how LGBT youth are served by a wide range of providers across disciplines and systems of care, including custodial care systems such as foster care. — D.S.
Global World LGBT conference held
SAO PAULO, Brazil — Activists from around the globe gathered here Dec. 4-9 for the 25th International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) World Conference. The theme of the conference was “Building the way forward in times of crisis.” Workshops and panels addressed how the movement can be vulnerable to political, social, and economic crises and how it can adapt and succeed during these times. At the previous world conference, held in Vienna in 2008, Rio de Janeiro was selected to host the 2010 gathering. However, due to logistical problems, the Executive Board of
see Briefs on 27 Dec. 11-24 . 2010
qnotes
NEWS
Naughty or Nice: The heroes, villains and foes of 2010 Organizations, politicians and activists land on Santa’s ‘Naughty’ and ‘Nice’ lists by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
Naughty
Operation Save America and Flip Benham (OSA) and its fringe leader Surprise, right? Absolutely not. Operation Save America gathering in July to their al nation their From year. Flip Benham have made waves this hout the year, Benham and throug clinics health n’s wome and on regular protests at aborti the fires of hatred and stoked and his merry band of blind sheep have caused chaos, fear tion for stalking convic ber Novem m’s Benha bigotry. Need proof? Look no further than ted” posters including the Charlotte-area abortion doctors. Benham had put up “Wan at their homes. After the them of doctors’ names and addresses and protested several justified his actions, telling m Benha tion, proba of conviction, which landed him 24 months . He does it for a living. babies “kills ing target was he doctor the Charlotte’s WSOC-TV that ds of their mothers’ orhoo neighb He has no respect for life of children in the safety and wombs.” rights to speech and that Benham says the conviction violates his First Amendment he’ll appeal the ruling. Dr. Michael Brown bit more sincere (see this Though less in-your-face than Benham and probably a rightly earned his place heless nonet issue’s Editor’s Note on page 4), Dr. Michael Brown on this year’s Naughty list. pedophiles, adulterers, Regular comparisons of LGBT people to child rapists and in. What really sealed the him do to h murderers and other outlandish claims was enoug pastor Martin Ssempa, poo” poo “da an Ugand with deal was Brown’s March interview harsh penal ribed presc a chief advocate of a strict legislative bill that would have ty. Despite havexuali homos for — sentences — and, in some cases, capital punishment mn the bill. conde to or ssion compa for call a make ing the opportunity, Brown failed to Following y. societ culture and Brown’s reason? It isn’t our place to judge Ugandan law, ity; human t agains crime any judge Brown’s line of argument, no one should be able to know. you re,” “cultu of xt” “conte the after all, such crimes are best seen in Christian Action League of North Carolina e of North Carolina continues Despite their best attempts, the Christian Action Leagu LGBT folk. The group is Heel Tar for news menal pheno to struggle financially. That’s amendment in the state and has one of the loudest advocates for an anti-gay marriage ullying legislation far and wide. anti-b ive pushed their propaganda against LGBT-inclus Rep. Larry Brown (R-Forsyth) made a splash Former Kernersville, N.C., mayor, state Rep. Larry Brown e GOP colleagues, 60-som ssing Addre press. the to out when an email of his leaked Speaker Joe House cratic Brown called LGBT people “fruitloops” and blasted Demo rship Award. Leade ative Legisl 2010 na’s Hackney for his receipt of Equality North Caroli In fact, stride. in it took NC ty Equali with ates advoc s, Despite the slurs and offensivenes s as Seem ents. statem ay ’s anti-g they were able to raise a small bit of money from Brown rhetolled hate-fi the of tired are nians though bigots might not ever learn: North Caroli ent for equality. Keep talkin’, ric, and every time you spew it you embolden our movem friends.
When jolly St. Nick wraps up his Naughty and Nice lists this year, he’ll be including some names familiar to the LGBT community. Unfortunately, a lump of coal is the only thing some of them will find in their stockings.
Nice
nroe sits Rodney Monroe Police Chief Rodney Mo y of Charlotte this year Cit Charlotte-Mecklenburg the in y tor his e list. He made ian & Gay Community sb squarely on Santa’s Nic Le the at um for en op ting an sit d y en an att e to tim d the first when he agreed rticipation there marke pa t d an tha e ce nc Sin . ara ity pe un ap Center. His LGBT comm d met publicly with the unity ha mm ief co ch e BT lic LG po th e wi ott et Charl ed to me his staff have continu re inclusive meeting, Monroe and elves to creating a mo ms the d itte mm co d an rs de lea d an members force. and receptive police House y cratic North Carolina Speaker Joe Hackne p. Larry Brown is Demo the public Re in ay ing ti-g be an on g sin en ke po s Op and not alway ed erv res , iet gress and Qu y. pro , ne on inclusion Speaker Joe Hack gave a rousing speech s les uality the Eq ne m no fro y ne ard ck adership Aw limelight, Ha his 2010 Legislative Le of e ed us eiv Ho rec ina he rol en Ca wh rth equality rship in the No de lea his re, ure mo fut t’s for ha se ssive ba NC in November. W providing a solid progre r, lla ste en be s ha es Representativ w on. North Carolinians to gro unity Center John Stotler Lesbian & Gay Comm the of air ch me ca be r , the community This year, John Stotle s he’s been at the helm nth mo ort N.C. sh few the nter’s location at the of Charlotte. In just emanating from the ce ge an sich po n of ca ve he wa n al has seen a tid feet wet, has prove r’s not afraid to get his ity and respond Music Factory. Stotle mbers of the commun me th wi te ica un mm co ’re looking forward to tively and receptively d where they arise. We an en under wh s ern nc co arlotte’s LGBT center to community d advancements at Ch an nts me ve pro im re many mo dership. Stolter’s refreshing lea be fair and more Anthony Foxx ng to the contrary (to lizi ria ito s ed n’s tio ca thony Foxx actually ha For all of this publi ), Charlotte Mayor An ng lizi es ria lud ito ed inc t r’s tha ite specific: this wr a progressive vision city forward. He has changes, done a bit to move the y serious or concrete an e se to t ye ’ve we h outspokenness in LGBT citizens. Althoug s year’s Nice list. His thi to on it has s ke ma s National Convention Foxx nonetheles the 2012 Democratic for y) to the bid ne e’s mo ott d arl (an n Ch tio pushing for rely bring atten su uld wo t en ev an att center of ention! been astounding. Such otte likes being at the arl Ch , ns ee qu all like Queen City. And, berta Dunn, honored Roberta Dunn mmunity advocate Ro co is st lea in bridgt no ly ite nn was instrumental Last but defin r work in Charlotte. Du he nburg for kle ec NC lity e-M ua ott Eq arl recently by ers and the Ch mb me ity un mm co BT LG at the ing the gap between Chief Monroe’s forum r conversations led to d incluan ity ers div on ks tal Police Department. He r and to further nte Ce ity lf of LGBT un ha mm be Co on y rk Lesbian & Ga best civic wo the of me so in d ge ga , en sion. Dunn has, by far long time. : : ’ve seen in a very, very Charlotteans that we
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Holiday donors beware:
Choosing inclusive charities Keeping your donor dollars out of anti-gay hands by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
Handbells are ringing. The red kettles are out. We’re deep into the holiday season and charities across the country are extending their calls for helping hands and dollars. But many non-profit charities, especially those tied to religious organizations, have anti-LGBT policies and practices. While it’s true many of their services provide muchneeded housing, food or other resources to the less-advantaged, it’s also a fact some groups discriminate against LGBT people. When giving this holiday season, be aware of the policies and practices of the organizations to which you donate your hard-earned, queer dollars. Making a difference in the world, feeding the hungry or caring for the sick mustn’t come at the price of discrimination. Among some of the groups to watch out for: Salvation Army No one can doubt the great amount of good work the Salvation Army does. They clothe the naked, provide shelter for the homeless and help in ways mostly unimaginable for those of us lucky enough to never experience homelessness, alcoholism or substance abuse. Yet, the group is also one of the most virulently anti-gay charities across the globe. The group routinely lobbies against progressive pieces of local and national legislation (in the U.S. and abroad) meant to curb discrimination, calls homosexuality a “rebellion against God’s plan for the created order” and calls all LGBT people to “embrace celibacy for life.” Back in 2001, there was, perhaps, a slimmer of hope for the Salvation Army. They approved domestic partner benefits for their gay and lesbian employees. Yet, the progressive streak was short-lived. Shortly after the policy went into effect, the group rescinded the benefits under pressure from various groups among the religious right. In 2004, they threatened to close their New York City soup kitchens if the city council passed legislation that would have required those doing business with the city to offer domestic partner benefits. Roman Catholic Church Joining the Salvation Army as one of the most virulently anti-gay charitable organizations across the globe is the Roman Catholic Church. While many of the Salvation Army’s and Catholic Church’s anti-gay policies and practices are the same, there’s really just one major difference: The Church has been doing it for centuries. There’s really no need to go into detail about all the anti-gay doctrines of the Church. Most of them you probably already know. If, by chance, you’re Catholic and offended that your religious institution is
included in this list, perhaps you might consider dropping your affiliation with an organization that has persecuted people like you for millennia, subjugates women as property, covered up a worldwide child rape scandal (then blamed it on the gays), worsened the AIDS crisis in Africa and so on and so forth ad infinitum. Mercy Ministries This worldwide charity has garnered it’s fair share of controversy. Operating from an anti-LGBT, evangelical and charismatic world-view, the organization offers longterm residential and therapeutic services for young women under 28. The group largely deals with issues like eating disorders, cutting, sexual and emotional abuse, substance abuse and pregnancy. Many of their clients also receive so-called “ex-gay” treatment. The ministry has locations in Nashville, Tenn.; Monroe, La.; St. Louis, Mo.; and Sacramento, Calif. Future locations are planned in Destin, Fla.; Houston, Texas; and Charlotte. International affiliates are based in Canada, the U.K. and New Zealand. Charlotte Rescue Mission On a more local level, the Charlotte Rescue Mission is doing it’s best to uphold values of anti-LGBT bigotry and hate. Despite its good works, the organization, like the Salvation Army, upholds anti-gay policies and practices. Such beliefs extend so far into their organization’s operations that they once rebatted members of the Metropolitan Community Church of Charlotte who offered to do volunteer work at the group’s soup kitchen. In 2003, members of the church were turned away when they approached the Charlotte Rescue Mission. The mission’s executive director, Rev. Tony Marciano, told local media at the time, “We cannot endorse a church that openly teaches that homosexuality is an acceptable lifestyle.” After a personal conversation with Marciano, then-MCC pastor Mick Hinson told qnotes, “Even after a personal conversation with Marciano, the Rescue Mission hadn’t changed its mind. I told him that we weren’t looking for them to support our church. Just the opposite, I explained that we wanted to support them and their mission of feeding the hungry. ‘Well, we can’t support your church,’ he kept saying. He never could get past that.” : : your voice: Do you know of other anti-LGBT charitable organizations? Have experiences with such groups? Click over to goqnotes.com and share your thoughts at goqnotes.com/9403.
Giving wisely
There are several ways you can ensure your money will be spent well and kept out of the hands of anti-LGBT religious organizations. Here are a few questions to ask of your potential donees before handing over your cash or checks: 1. Does the charity’s non-discrimination policies include sexual orientation and gender identity? 2. Do they offer domestic partner benefits to their employees? 3. What is the group’s beliefs or doctrines on homosexuality and/or human sexuality? 4. Does the organization support other anti-LGBT and/or anti-choice organizations (many anti-choice organizations also participate in virulently anti-gay initiatives)? 5. Would the organization provide services, food, clothing or shelter to a family headed up by a same-sex couple? 6. What is the organization’s policy/practice when encountering LGBT young people? Does the organization believe in or support so-called “ex-gay” or “reparative” therapy?
Calling all resolutions! qnotes will feature your feedback in a special issue in January Calling all community members, leaders and qnotes readers. The new year is just around the corner and we want to get a jump on hearing what you think your New Year’s resolutions might be. In our Jan. 8, 2011, print edition, we’ll feature the New Year’s resolutions of our readers, community members and leaders. The resolutions can be for the betterment of yourself or your favorite organization or be for the general welfare of the community-at-large. Log on to goqnotes.com/newyear2011/ and share your New Year’s resolutions with us. Just enter your information in our easy form. Be sure to upload a high resolution photo of yourself near the end of the form.
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‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told’ is not for one and all Despite play’s shortcomings, ATC’s stellar cast and crew deliver a comical holiday escape by Tyler DeVere :: tdevere@goqnotes.com
The Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte (ATC) brings the purely comedic “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!)” to the local stage. If you’re tired of “A Christmas Carol” every year, and you really love extremely silly, upbeat shows, this might be the one for you. The show opened Dec. 1 and continues through Dec. 18.
The play is very high-paced and packs in a vast amount of content into two hours of a superficially entertaining show. Though it’s clearly not every Christmas story ever told, it’s not that far off either, and it might not be an exaggeration to say the volume of content is near equal. Three actors play characters who are themselves actors. Chip is fixed on repeating
an age-old classic but his co-stars mutiny and instead improvise an entire series of Christmas stories. What follows are countless comedic characters, mini-plots and props. The first moments are very slow but the action rapidly accelerates to a blazing speed until intermission. The entire show consists of the actors exiting and entering the stage as different characters in different costumes and they do it without missing a beat. As Maret says in the play, it can be an entertaining show whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Hannukah or Chanukah. Faith is irrelevant to the value of this production, but it’s extremely dependent on individual taste. With varying portions of slapstick, adult (some slightly profane innuendo coming from a snowman) and child humor, along with a dose of winter holiday excitement, this production will appeal to some and repulse others. ATC recommends the play for ages 13 and older, but it might be better suited for ages 4-13, simply because children tend to be more en-
tertained by this brand of comedy. A highlight of the production is its fantastic audience involvement at various points. This feature has its potential drawbacks but if its premiere is any indication, it won’t be a problem for ATC. A particularly witty, and initially reluctant, audience member hauled onto stage made for a couple big laughs, but the whole audience played an important role in the overall success of the show. Luckily, audience members had great energy and were very responsive to the cast. Speaking of which, it’s worth noting that regardless of some of the faults of the play, the cast had a nearly full audience laughing heartily throughout the whole show. It’s fair to say that “Every Christmas Story” is high quantity, low quality. It’s designed to deliver quick laughs in even quicker succession and ATC does a brilliant job of that. As far as this type of production goes, there can’t be much better. Without a doubt, ATC and its as-usual stellar cast and crew are not to be blamed. The cast and director both do a remarkable job given what they’re working with. Actors Joe Klosek, Maret Decker Seitz, Chip Bradley and director Craig Spradley all receive high marks for this show. In the end, this production is perfectly tailored for those who want something a bit different this year. If you’re not in the mood for the same old rendition of [insert classic holiday tale], then “Every Christmas Story” is just for you. “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!),” written by Michael Carleton, Jim Fitzgerald & John K. Alvarez with original music by Will Knapp, runs through Dec. 18. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit actorstheatrecharlotte.org. : :
qpoll Cover of the Year Next issue, qnotes profiles the best and worst of 2010 in our annual year in review. We’re asking readers to choose our 2010 Cover of the Year. qnotes staff has narrowed the choices down to five covers from this year. We’ll run the poll through Dec. 30 and feature readers’ selection in our Jan. 8 print edition. Make your votes at goqnotes.com/2010coveroftheyear/.
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For many folks, connecting with nature has calming and invigorating effects. However, cold and short days make getting outside a little more difficult. If you find yourself coming down with a case of cabin fever every winter, try bringing the outside in and decorating your home in a way that will make you feel more connected with the outdoors in the comfort of your own living room. There are many ways to make your home seem less like a sheltered fortress and more like a cozy connector to the natural world. From incorporating natural elements in your home decor to splashing your walls with open air scenes, here are a few ways to beat the winter doldrums through earthy embellishments: Landscape indoors through art. A great way to make your home feel cozier in the winter is to decorate with landscape art that reminds you of the beauty of the season. If you live in a warmer destination and are missing the white wonderland created by snow, decorate to get your fix of winter. Take it a step further and transform an entire room of your home with a wall mural. From holiday-centric Santa scenes to beautiful snowy landscapes, Murals Your Way offers numerous holiday wall murals that can transform your living room into a lovely winter escape. Their SmartStick repositionable wall fabric allows easy install
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HOME
How to bring the outside in when the weather cools and removal. Just store your mural with the holiday decorations and reapply it year after year. Feed the fire. There’s nothing better than the natural heat and aromas created by a flame burning
also use other natural elements to create scents that can tie you back to nature. For example, venture outside and collect perfect-looking pine cones and embellish them with natural oils or spices to give your home a warmer fragrance.
in a fireplace during a cold winter day. Don’t have a fireplace? Not to worry, as there are other ways you can create a toasty ambiance. Download a fireplace application that can be displayed on your TV or computer screen; just the vision of dancing flames may be able to warm your soul. Or find some candles that emit earthy aromas that will have you feeling comfortable and cozy. Bring the forest inside. There’s a reason why people go to the trouble of cutting down trees and lugging them into their homes for the holidays. The natural smell of pine is invigorating and reminds us of being outside. Take it a step further and gather a bundle of sticks from birch or aspen trees for a winter-themed arrangement of your choosing. Potted trees and plants can also add life to an otherwise lackluster room. Making scents. In addition to scented candles, you can
Winter can be cold and dreary in some parts of the country, but if you spend more time connecting yourself with nature and celebrating the season, you’ll be shocked at how the time flew by when you hear the first birds chirping in the spring. : : — ARA Content
Change.org’s 2010 Holiday Gift Guide A social justice fighter’s guide to life-changing gifts by Maria Tchijov :: Change.org 455
Welcome to the 2010 Change.org Holiday Gift Guide! Across the Change.org network, we’re featuring great gifts that advance the causes you and those close to you are passionate about. While the holidays can be a time of excessive consumption, this guide is filled with ideas for using our resources to do a lot of good: For the Educator: Give a gift card through DonorsChoose.org, where teachers across the country can ask for classroom supplies and gadgets that they can’t afford on their own, and your love ones can choose a specific project to fund. For the Environmentalist: Gift the gift of a junk-free mailbox. Tonic (precycle. tonic.com) will remove a name from most junk mailing lists for a mere $10. Not only will your gift reduce someone’s junk mail by at least 80 percent, it will save some of the 93.5 million trees destroyed each year to create all that clutter. For the Modern-Day Abolitionist: Made By Survivors (madebysurvivors.com) sells beautiful, handcrafted jewelry, bags, and home goods made by survivors of human trafficking in India and Nepal. This type of craft, traditionally developed by men, gives female survivors an empowering skill to keep them out of slavery and generate income to rescue and protect others.
For the Animal Lover: Want to support animals this holiday? Consider adopting a virtual pet from Defenders of Wildlife (defenders.org) or National Wildlife Federation (shopnwf.org), which offer virtual adoptions of wildlife with kits including photos, certificates, stuffed animals and more. It’s the perfect way to honor your pet or animal-loving friend. For Human Rights Activists: Artsy designs and compelling causes make Rosa Loves (rosaloves.com) T-shirts great gift ideas. Each design is tied to a specific story and human
rights-related need, and the profits go toward meeting that need. Once the goal has been met, the shirt goes out of production, making each design a limited edition. For the Sustainable Foodie: Sign up for a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership. A CSA entitles members to a regular delivery or pick-up of fresh, seasonal produce from a farm near them — a healthy choice for consumers and for the planet. To find a CSA near you or your loved ones, use LocalHarvest’s online CSA locator: localharvest.org/csa/.
For LGBT Equality: Your purchases can count toward LGBT equality, not just more airline miles. Over at LoveandPride (loveandpride.com), you can pick up an Erase the Hate pendant, with a portion of proceeds going to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. And if that’s not enough love, you can pick up an Erase the Hate T-Shirt, too (app.etapestry. com/cart/MatthewShepardFoundation/default/). For Women Around the World: Global Girlfriend (globalgirlfriend.com/gifts/) offers women-made, fairtrade, eco-friendly gifts, and donates a portion of each purchase toward micro-finance grants for rural women in Africa. Almost every item identifies who and where it hails from so that you can tell your recipients exactly who their gift is benefiting. For Good Health: Relatives might feel slighted if you give them a piece of paper with the message, “take a hike!”, unless it comes with a gift of outdoor activity and recreation. Give a membership to America’s National Parks to anyone on your list with an outdoorsy streak — or anyone looking to burn off that holiday pie: nps.gov/fees_passes.htm. For Criminal Justice: One of the least reported injustices in America is the racially colored criminal justice system. For anyone
who cares about social justice issues, consider buying them “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander (amazon.com/ dp/1595581030/), a critically acclaimed look at how the racial caste system has evolved from slavery to criminal justice policies that disproportionately affect minorities. For the Homeless: Over the next few weeks, the post office will be a little busier as millions of folks mail out holiday cards to their friends, family and loved ones. Why not make sure those holiday cards do more than just travel through the mail? Check out these great holiday card options that not only say “Season’s Greetings,” but help fight homelessness by supporting the work of the National Alliance to End Homelessness: goodcausegreetings.com/Products. aspx?CategoryID=13. Looking for more ideas? Don’t worry, we have more in-depth guides for gifts across all of our causes including Education, Environment, Human Trafficking, Animals, Human Rights, Sustainable Food, Criminal Justice, Gay Rights, Women’s Rights, Health and Homelessness. Just visit blog.change. org/?p=472 for more. Happy holiday shopping, and warmest wishes for a safe, fun-filled holiday to you and your loved ones. : : — Originally published Nov. 30, 2010, at change.org. Reprinted with permission.
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AIDS still thought of as a gay disease in black America Feature commentary by Rev. Irene Monroe :: qnotes contributor
[Ed. Note — Rev. Irene Monroe provides this commentary on HIV/AIDS. It’s perfectly suited for the Dec. 1 commemoration of World AIDS Day and as a follow-up to our feature commentary, “’Gay disease’ or not, HIV is our responsibility,” (goqnotes.com/9371) featured in the Nov. 27 print edition’s “Life, Positively”, sponsored by Alliance of AIDS ServicesCarolina.] To date, more than 230, 000 AfricanAmericans have died of AIDS. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 22 African-Americans will be diagnosed HIV-positive in their lifetime. And, it’s the leading cause of death among African-American women between the ages of 25-34 and African-American men between the ages of 35-44. The inception of World AIDS Day began, many would say, when the world was in need of prayer. But that was all we had at the time. In 1988, the World Health Organization designated Dec. 1 as the day to pause and reflect on the magnitude of the devastating effect this disease was having on domestic and global communities. Because there is still neither a vaccine nor a cure, a prayer is sometimes all a person thinks he or she has in the face of an epidemic that shows no sign of abating. But, in 2010, we can do more than just pray now. We can act! “If we don’t work together to stop the
spread of HIV/AIDS in our community, then who will? Let’s take matters into our own hands and stop the spread of the epidemic. It is a new day,” Roslyn M. Brock, chairman, NAACP National Board of Directors, wrote in an open letter in November to the Harvard University Center for AIDS Research two-day symposium “The Forgotten Epidemic: HIV/ AIDS Crisis in Black America.” The symposium examined the increasingly critical HIV/AIDS epidemic in black America. This symposium was the first in what will be a series of meetings, exploring how and why HIV/AIDS has become an overwhelmingly black disease in the United States. According to the Black AIDS Institute’s August 2008 report entitled “Left Behind,” the number of people living with HIV in black America exceeds the HIV population in seven of the 15-focus countries in the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiative, an initiative helping to save the lives of those suffering from HIV/AIDS around the world in countries like Haiti, Dominican Republic, India, South Africa, to name a few. In other words, if black America were its own country, standing on its own like Haiti or Nigeria, black Americans would rate 16th with the epidemic in the world. And, the epidemic is heavily concentrated in urban enclaves like Detroit, New York, Newark, Washington, D.C. and the Deep South. There are many persistent social and
economic factors contributing to the high rates of the epidemic in the African-American community — racism, poverty, health care disparity, violence, to name just a few — but the biggest attitudinal factor still contributing to the epidemic and showing no sign of abating is homophobia. While we know that the epidemic moves along the fault lines of race, class, gender and sexual orientation and that HIV transmission is tied to specific high-risk behaviors that are not exclusive to any one sexual orientation, homophobia still continues to be one of the major barriers to ending the AIDS epidemic. And, although famous HIV-positive heterosexual African-Americans, like tennis great Arthur Ashe, news anchorman Max Robinson and rapper Eazy all died of AIDS and basketball giant Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who is still living with the virus, highlight the fact that anyone can contract the virus, many still see the epidemic as a “white gay disease,” suggesting being gay or having sex with someone of the same gender puts you immediately at high risk. One of the reasons, in my opinion, is how data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is read and reported on the epidemic that perpetuates the confusion. For example, “MSM,” is the CDC clinical control-coined acronym for “men who have sex with men,” but it should not be used to depict openly gay or bisexual men individually or collectively. And the controversial term
“Down Low” (DL) wrongly accusing black MSMs for spreading the virus throughout the African-American heterosexual community should not be used to depict openly gay or bisexual men individually or collectively. But, many conflate the subgroups to be a synonym for “MSMs.” So, when the CDC puts out the data that MSM of all races remain the group most severely affected by HIV and white MSMs account for the largest number of annual new HIV infections of any group in the U.S., followed by MSMs of African descent, many in the African-American community still think of the epidemic as a “white gay disease.” And, with more than 18,000 people with AIDS still dying each year in the U.S. where gay, bisexual and MSM represent the majority of persons who have died, the homophobia stays in place. While the data may be accurate about this subgroup of men in the African-American community, the story is, at best, incomplete, and, at worse, intentionally skewed. Although awareness of HIV/AIDS in anemic throughout communities of the African diaspora, it is gay, bisexual and MSM who are more easily identified with having the virus because they have been and are continually tracked in CDC studies; thus, there is more data on these groups. But, the truth is this: while nearly 600,000 African-Americans are living with HIV and as many as 30,000 newly infected each year, there is still within the black community one in five living with HIV and unaware of their infection; and, they are disproportionately heterosexuals. As long as we continue to think of HIV/AIDS as a gay disease, we’ll not protect ourselves from this epidemic. : : Check out our events calendar online at goqnotes. com/qguide/ events!
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t-notes by robbi cohn :: qnotes contributor
Ready to pass out! With all the topics you’d think would be open for discussion in the trans community, it seems we always get stuck on a certain few: bathrooms, nomenclature, ENDA and trans etiologies. I presume the reason is that we’ve made the least progress in these specific areas. This time I’m recycling the “passing” issue. I started rethinking about this after reading a blog from Dyssonance (dyssonance. com/?p=10558). Synchronicity being what it is for me, the same subject became a repetitive theme over the next few weeks. Bilerico. com’s Tobi Hill-Meyer wrote on a similar topic recently: bilerico.com/2010/11/ disclosing_trans_status.php. I don’t need to be hit in the head to realize that recycling will continue until we deal with the issues. Here‘s my latest attempt. Passing may be described as an effort to keep others unaware regarding certain essential truths about oneself. This is an oversimplification of a more complex issue. The fact is that in some sense these essential truths belong to no one but the individual. And, it should be up to the individual whether to choose to pass or whether to disclose or not. Dyssonance cited a corollary to passing, namely “outness.” It would seem that the two may be different sides of the same coin. It would also seem that the better one passes, the less out one might be perceived to have (or want) to be. One problem is the obvious trap of hierarchical thinking; those who pass, who are less out, may self-identify as somehow superior. There’s even a word for it in the vernacular: passability. Furthermore, there appears to be some kind of inverse relationship that this mindset engenders, namely that the more passable a person is, the less need there is to be out. Conversely, those who are less passable are consigned to be more out. This is fallacious logic which has its roots in patriarchalism. Dyssonance is spot on to remind us about the historicity of passing. It’s certainly not new to LGB or specifically Trans individuals. Passing has roots racially, culturally and religiously. It has always been a red herring intended to divide and conquer and is steeped in fear, hate and violence. It still is today. The principal rationale one can posit for a desire to pass is a desire to remain safe. A secondary rationale is to be able to partake of the same opportunities that should be available to everyone. Being out and passing are both closely related to individual safety and privilege, as is disclosure. A child of the only Jewish family in an entirely Christian neighborhood, I learned about passing early on. My older brother was bullied, verbally and physically (he came home and took his frustrations out on me). As the smallest kid in class, I learned to distance myself from both my brother and his perceived “Jewishness.” How sad that I felt compelled to pass as a non-Jew so that I, too, wouldn’t be bullied and hit. Certainly, there may be some whose desire to pass is vanity driven, but I suspect that there would have never been talk of passing in a society that wasn’t so invested in ignorance, intolerance and bigotry. This brings us to the question of how passing manifests in a patriarchal society. I’ve been rereading Joan Roughgarden’s
book “Evolution’s Rainbow.” Passing has been ascribed by some as an oft used ploy by individuals to deceive or get over and this “logic” has found expression in the theories of some behavioral geneticists. Dr. Roughgarden articulately postulates that Darwin’s very specific theory of sexual selection is inaccurate. This theory seems to support passing as a technique to fool or misdirect; it’s traction derives from a mindset which elevates competition over cooperation. In a competitive environment, all’s fair in love and war, as the expression goes. But, according to Dr. Roughgarden, this is another example of fallacious thinking. She writes “Sexual selection theory has been long used to perpetuate ethically dubious gender stereotypes that demean women and anyone else who doesn’t identify as a gender-normative heterosexual male.” Diversity and dignity seem to threaten the foundations of theories which demand normativity and abhor variety. The only way to incorporate so called anomalous (they aren’t really) ways of being is to either pathologize or marginalize them. Dyssonance suggests that, even though there may always be a spectre of a desire to pass, those individuals who find congruence between brain and body at an early age seem to have less of a cognizant desire or need to pass. So, it may be that a new paradigm is unfolding. I have not fully resolved how passing affects me. This is partially because I have a marked sadness that we are judged by something as superficial and distasteful as passability and partially because, in my effort to be as authentic a “me” as I can be, I am, by some people’s estimations, reinforcing ”behavior” we find so distasteful in patriarchally dominated social orders. I self-identify as woman — not “real woman” (patriarchical thinking), but the “real me,” whatever that is. I suspect that’s what we all desire: self discovery and the expression of some kind of genuine way of being in the world. My efforts to be that person could be construed as an attempt to bolster those gender stereotypes proffered by academia wherein transgressing gender stereotypes and reinforcing gender stereoptypes are offered as the only two choices. This is a false dichotomy, as baseless as the presumption that an essentialist gender binary is the only option. It’s not that I choose to pass; rather, my presentation derives from a drive to externalize something within me. A gender deconstructionist might counter that my inner “picture of myself” is a societal construct and certainly nothing sui generis. That may or may not be the case, but then you’re faced with the much bigger challenge of defining originality. The bottom line is that it’s my life and I have free choice in how I express; or whether I choose to disclose. Any other perspective has appropriated my free will. The primary benefits one might derive from passing are safety and privilege. Any society which makes safety and access to opportunity objects of passability is one that I find abhorrent. Wouldn’t we rather reframe our points of reference? : : — Comments and corrections can be sent to editor@goqnotes.com. To contact Robbi Cohn, email robbi_cohn108@yahoo.com.
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FOOD
Contemporary twists on holiday baking favorites
A cookie can be more than your average treat this holiday season. Outdo yourself and step outside your comfort zone with delicious detours and tasty twists on some favorite holiday baked goods. This year, add a little spice and a dash of zing to the traditional with new recipes sure to tempt the taste buds. Try one of these holiday recipes that feature a mix of familiar flavor
with contemporary style: • Gluten-Free Allspice Gingerbread: treat yourself and cater to dietary needs at the same time with these thin and crispy cookies, full of the flavors of ginger, cinnamon and cloves. • Raspberry Limoncello Linzers: This easy-to-make Linzer cookie tops the traditional raspberry filling with a bright Limoncello glaze.
Visit ButterIsBest.com to find more holiday cookie and candy recipes courtesy of America’s Dairy Farmers. While there, sign up for the daily holiday cookie e-newsletter, “Better Baking with Butter,” available to subscribers through Dec. 25. : : — ARA Content
Gluten-Free Allspice Gingerbread Makes three dozen cookies.
Raspberry Limoncello Linzers Makes two dozen cookies
Ingredients: 2 1/3 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour mix 1 cup almond meal or almond flour 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum powder (optional) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed 2/3 cup natural, unsulfured molasses 1 large egg Colored sugar, for decoration
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup light brown sugar, packed 1 egg yolk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 2 3/4 cups flour 1/2 cup cornstarch 1 1/2 cups seedless raspberry jam 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 3 tablespoons powdered egg whites 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1/2 to 3/4 cup Limoncello liqueur
Directions: In medium bowl, combine flour mix, almond meal, xanthan, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, pepper and salt; set aside. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg; blend well. Add dry ingredients in three batches, blending just until fully incorporated. Dough will be stiff. Divide dough into two balls, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least three hours or up to three days. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove one dough disc from refrigerator and roll out between two pieces of parchment paper or on lightly gluten-free floured work surface to 1/8-inch thick. Cut into desired shapes and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle cutouts with colored sugar, if desired. Bake nine to 13 minutes, until edges of cookies are crisp. Cool cookies on sheet two to three minutes. Remove cookies to wire rack to cool completely. Store in airtight container for up to one week. Notes: Gluten-free flour mix and almond meal or almond flour can be found in the gluten-free or natural food section of most stores. Xanthan gum powder will improve texture of cookies but is not required to make this recipe. It can be found in health food stores and baking or gourmet markets.
Directions: In large bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese and brown sugar using electric mixer. Add egg yolk and extracts; mix well. Gradually add flour and cornstarch; mix just until blended. Divide dough in two pieces, flatten into discs and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to 1/8-inch thick and cut into desired shapes. Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake nine to 11 minutes, until edges begin to brown and cookies are firm. Cool cookies on sheet three to four minutes. Remove cookies to wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, in small saucepan, bring raspberry jam to simmer over medium-high heat, insert candy thermometer. Simmer, stirring constantly, until jam reaches 225 degrees; cook one minute more. Remove from heat, cool slightly. Spread one heaping teaspoon jam in center of each cookie. In medium bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar and egg white powder. Add lemon juice and zest; stir in Limoncello beginning with 1/2 cup, add more, if necessary, to reach desired consistency. Pipe or drizzle cookies with frosting; allow frosting to set before serving or storing. Store cookies in airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to one week.
Move over wine and cheese, a new party pairing is in town With football time in full swing, and family and friends gathering to celebrate the season, the pressures to host this year’s best game-day or celebratory party can be stressful. Avoid a staid, run-of-the-mill celebration and try the new entertaining trend that is certain to add a taste adventure to your next gettogether. Move over, wine and cheese … hello, beer and jerky. Instead of old party pairing standbys like “chips and dip” or “crackers and cheese,” a beer and jerky get-together offers your guests the palate-pleasing experience of tasting an assortment of ice-cold brews paired with a bevy of jerky. Not your grandpa’s jerky anymore, today’s meat snacks are offered in an array of flavors and forms from traditional-style jerky to soft and tender nuggets in beef, turkey, chicken and pork varieties. When making your beer selections, try unique options from local and regional craft or microbreweries. There is a certain artistry to pairing the perfect flavors, and Brian Carter, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky flavor expert, has chosen his meat snack favorites to be paired with the beer selections of a certified master brewer, resulting in four quick, yet tasty beer and jerky pairings. Let the taste adventure begin. Barbecue bliss: Barbecue beef jerky and full-flavored, dry stout. For a big, full-bodied blast of flavor, nothing beats the
combination of beer and barbecue. But forget the grill; just tear open a few bags of ready-to-eat, tender jerky. Strongly flavored jerky, like barbecue, hickory-smoked or steakhouse-style, has multiple dimensions and is recommended for pairing with a fairly complex, rich beer with some of the same characteristics. A full-flavored dry stout with a good body works best. The burnt, roasted notes of the stout provide the flavor to accompany the barbecue, grilled or smoky jerky taste. East meets west: Teriyaki jerky and German kolsch or U.S. golden ale. If the tempting taste of teriyaki beckons you to the table, enhance the experience with a traditional German kolschstyle beer or American golden ale. The low hopping of this style of beer allows the aroma and umami of the teriyaki to remain present, while the fuller body complements the flavor of the beer. Avoid overly hoppy or malty beers with this flavor of jerky. Taste of home: Ham or turkey jerky and doppelbock or medium-bodied lager. Who can resist the down-home flavor of tender, oven-roasted turkey or perhaps maple-glazed, baked ham? The honeyed and savory tastes of turkey or ham jerky pair wonderfully with the rich, full-bodied traits of a doppelbock. The slight caramel notes of the bock couple well with the sweetness of the jerky, while the maltier, sweeter notes of the beer contrast with the savory nature of the meats. A medium-bodied lager such as
an Oktoberfest or marzenstyle beer is recommended. These beers are brewed with spicier German hops and work well with poultry or pork dishes. Spice it up: Peppered or spicy jerky and English ale or English India pale ale. Pick up a package of buffalo-style chicken or peppered beef jerky to spice up the party. The robust seasonings of hot- and spicy-style jerky pair well with Englishstyle ale or English India pale ale. The assertive presence of the hops helps balance the spiciness of the peppery notes, especially at the finish. English Ale or India pale ale are both full-bodied beers that hold up well to the flavor of the peppery beef or spicy chicken, while the fruity, spicy hops complement the peppery, spicy overtones. Whether your party includes just one of these flavor pairings or all four, a “beer and jerky tasting” gathering is certainly a twist on the ordinary entertaining fare. For more tips on how to host a beer and jerky tasting adventure, visit www.jacklinks. com/beerandjerky. : : — ARA Content
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MA Lambert gets his crush on “American Idol” pop star Adam Lambert, 28, is setting sail on a cross-Atlantic love boat with openly gay “X Factor” winner Joe McElderry, 19. Celebrity gossip blogs and websites across the globe have picked up on the blossoming love. “I saw Joe’s video the other day and I thought he was very cute,” Lambert told the Daily Star. “Joe is very attractive. It would be fun to meet up.” Meet up? Uh, huh. We all
know what that means. Lust before love, right? (Can we watch?)
Will Adam (r) soon be stealing from the chicken coop?
Senator to gay kids: It’s okay to shower with your straight pals Cue the ambush reporting. Mike Stark, prolific video blogger and reporter, caught up with Alabama U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (yup, a Republican) and asked him about “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” You see, Sessions, like most Southerners stuck in the 1950s, has a little problem with what might happen if one of those hot and buff marines or sailors happens to drop the soap in the shower. So, Stark met Mr. Senator head on. What about gay student athletes, Stark asked. Should they be allowed to shower with straight student athletes? Surprisingly, Sessions said yes, but wouldn’t answer Stark’s follow-up question about gay student wrestlers. Despite Sessions’ later non-answer, at least we know one thing for sure: Sessions thinks gay+straight teen nakedness is okay. Shame on you, Sessions, letting teenagers get involved in such steamy, adult affairs. See the video: starkreports.com/jeff-sessions. : :
Photo Credit: Lambert: starbright31, via Flickr. McElderry: BBC Radio 1, via Flickr. Licensed under CC.
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FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY
Thanksgiving for hot boys Media kingpin Barry Diller, former head of the IAC internet media empire (Ask.com, Match. com so on and so forth), is perhaps one of the biggest corporate closet cases in the world (or so we’ve read). Though married, that didn’t stop him from jetsetting out on a twink-filled vacation this Thanksgiving. Gawker.com reports (and has photos!) that Diller set out to Papua New Guinea with a set of über-hot blonde boys. What did they do, you ask? Oh, of course: They lounged around half-naked on Diller’s $200 million 300-foot yacht (which just happens to be the world’s largest sailing vessel). That’s a vacation, boys. Read more and see the pics: gawker. com/5701857/.
tell trinity
Hello Love Hurts, Sometimes a lover thinks he or she deserves it all, needs by trinity :: qnotes contributor to make you pay for it all or is just a down right crook and Getting back together steals it all. It happens on “Court TV” all the time. So, try to get your things back, try to get some peace of mind and, for the second time? honey, try to accept that sometimes love gives and sometimes it takes away! (My cartoon shares some insights into Dear Trinity, being taken!) I broke up with my ex-boyfriend almost two years ago. Now he wants Dearest Trinity, to get back together, but it’s always just I’m a 42-year-old guy dating a 27-year-old guy. I always want to to see if the relationship will rework. pay for dinner, but I’m afraid he’ll think because I’m older this is Should I give him another chance? how it should always be. How do I not create a pattern? One More Go, Utica, NY Setting Young Patterns, Minneapolis, MN Dear OMG, Dearest Patterns, If you have a chance to make a bad thing The fact is, when two people worse, then run, meet, immediately patterns begin but if you have a to form depending upon who’s chance to make a cuter, older, pushier or more adbad thing better, dictive. It’s human nature. Now, then yes. Taking chances is sweetie, if one is older and/or what life’s all about! However, baby, financially better off then why don’t move in together right away and not pay? After the third date, (at don’t harp on past things. This is about a cheaper diner) hopefully, he’ll a new start, not an old fight! This time, say, “I’ll get this one.” By gently insist on outside counseling, on talking supporting him in picking a cheap through everything and insist on taking place and paying now and then your time. Remember, a good man is you’ll create a healthier balance. hard to find, but a bad relationship is In my book older and/or wealtheasy! ier men should pay for (much) younger men, it’s natures way of Hello Trinity, keeping everyone well fed. I broke up with my girlfriend only to come home one day to find that she Hey Trinity, moved out and took everything. I loved I’m gay, bearded and I have a belly. How do I know if that her, but now I hate her. I’m in court to get my stuff back, but, makes me a “bear?” Trinity, why do relationships always have to end so cruelly? Bearly Sure, Atlanta, GA Love Hurts, Phoenix, AZ
Hey Bearly Sure, There are many ways to know if you’re a bear. So, to start you off on the right paw, here’s: Trinity’s Hairy Tips For Knowing If (YAB) You’re A Bear (gay-bearded-hefty-man) 1. If you have a hairy face, chest, butt and/or back (YAB). 2. If you have a girth, a belly or if you look like a childbearing man, then (YAB). 3. If you and all your friends look like the wrestler Bill Goldberg or variations of a cute Santa Clause (YAB) and should email me soon! 4. If you have a thick goatee, a sculptured beard or a full beard, then (YAB). 5. If you hang out in gay bars called The Jackhammer, The Stud or The Thump, then (YAB)! 6. If most of your shirts have some sort of reference to bears, bear paws or hibernation, then guess what? 7. If most of your other clothes consist of leather, Western or Army wear, then guess what again? 8. If you use the word “woof” or “grrrr” at least once a day, then (YAB). 9. If you’re “big-boned” and gay and haven’t dieted in y-e-a-r-s, then (YAB). 10. And, lastly, if you shave your entire face, but still feel like a hairy, 200 pound plus girl then (YAB)! : : — With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity was host of “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama, and now performs globally. info: www.telltrinity.com . Trinity@telltrinity.com Tell Trinity, P.O. Box 23861 . Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33307 Sponsored by: Provincetown Business Guild 800-637-8696 . www.ptown.org
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audiophile by david stout :: david@goqnotes.com
A look at the 53rd Grammy noms The nominations for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards have been revealed and surprises abound — starting with the overall noms count. Eminem, the gay community’s former public enemy number one, leads the field with 10 nods on the strength of his post-addiction comeback album, “Recovery,” and the massive hit single it yielded, “Love The Way You Lie.” Pop crooner Bruno Mars comes in second with seven noms, while there’s a three-way tie for third between Jay-Z, Lady Antebellum and gay fave Lady Gaga who
score six nods apiece. The Grammy Awards will be presented live Feb. 13 on CBS. Here are the nominees in the Big Four categories and for Best Dance Recording. Record of the Year “Nothin’ On You” — B.o.B Featuring Bruno Mars “Love The Way You Lie” — Eminem Featuring Rihanna “F*** You” - Cee Lo Green “Empire State Of Mind” — Jay-Z & Alicia Keys “Need You Now” — Lady Antebellum Album of the Year “The Suburbs” — Arcade Fire “Recovery” — Eminem “Need You Now” — Lady Antebellum “The Fame Monster” — Lady Gaga
“Teenage Dream” — Katy Perry Song of the Year “Beg Steal Or Borrow” — Ray LaMontagne, songwriter (Ray LaMontagne And The Pariah Dogs) “F*** You” — Cee Lo Green, Philip Lawrence & Bruno Mars, songwriters (Cee Lo Green) “The House That Built Me” — Tom Douglas & Allen Shamblin, songwriters (Miranda Lambert) “Love The Way You Lie” — Alexander Grant, Holly Hafferman & Marshall Mathers, songwriters (Eminem Featuring Rihanna) “Need You Now” — Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley & Hillary Scott, songwriters (Lady Antebellum) Best New Artist Justin Bieber
Drake Florence & The Machine Mumford & Sons Esperanza Spalding Best Dance Recording “Rocket” — Goldfrapp “In For The Kill” — La Roux “Dance In The Dark” — Lady Gaga “Only Girl (In The World)” — Rihanna “Dancing On My Own” — Robyn Two more categories to keep an eye on include Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals (where “Don’t Stop Believin’” by the cast of “Glee” is in contention) and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry face-off for diva supremacy). : : info: audiophile@goqnotes.com
looking for up-to-date news & views? Then visit us online at goqnotes.com.
qomunity qonexions u
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out in the stars by charlene lichtenstein :: qnotes contributor
December 11 - 24 Even the vagaries of life become more controllable and manageable as Uranus redirects and Mars moves into Capricorn. Opportunities abound for those who know how to play the odds while remaining on an even keel. Be steady and be at the ready, but don’t behave. SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.22) Money can be the root of all evil, but it can also be liberating. Gay Archers who keep their eye focused on the bottom line can make great inroads into improving their monetary situation. And, with this newly earned largess, you improve your home with spiffy new stuff and a spiffy group of guests. Entertain and throw some of your dough around. Do I see a rise? CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) You are the center of the storm. The focus of attention. The player in center stage. So, what will you do to make the best first impression on folks? Pink Caps should practice their personal spiel to see if what they say can be shaped by how they say it. Also, dress for success. That means a new wardrobe or at least clean underwear for a change. AQUARIUS (01.21-02.19) There is lots of activity swirling around in the background. Did you get a glimpse of what is happening behind the scenes? If not, go with your gut before you make any drastic moves. Jumping before careful thought could cost you more than you expect. And, no one wants to pay retail when life is currently one big wholesale event. PISCES (02.20-03.20) Your social life heats up and Guppies are ready to jump in the frying pan. Sizzle with a variety of interesting company. You
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know that appearances are everything and you look good. Also, find opportunities to worm your way into the most exclusive clubs and organizations. The early bird gets the worm, but what about rainbow trout? Watch what you swallow. ARIES (03.21-04.20) It will be much easier to avoid life’s potholes., especially those that loom large on your professional superhighway. Proud Rams can avoid missteps and blind spots if they keep their eyes open and attention focused. So, make your best moves. Who knows? The fates may hand you the keys to the corner office. Flex your muscle. No, not that one. TAURUS (04.21-05.21) Queer Bulls can find novel and impactful ways to expand their world view. This can be done either through travel or a new course of study. Don’t stay cooped up in your mind’s closet. See where life can lead you when you are open, footloose and fancy free. And, it will be especially fun if you find ways to travel fancy for free. But, isn’t that what friends are for? GEMINI (05.22-06.21) Massaging and maneuvering around the power elite has never been as easy as it is for you right now. Pink Twins score points by mixing some schmooze with their best moves to butter up the big turkeys. Now, learn to roast without becoming toast. Will you find a good way to ascend into the star chamber? Catch a shooting star and put it in your pocket. No names, please. CANCER (06.22-07.23) Gay Crabs planning a holiday getaway can avoid the worst travel mistakes by waiting until the end of this time period to get going. Disruptions in service, mistakes in bookings and forgotten items will be avoided through careful planning. One potential mistake would be to exclude partners from tagging along. Why not? After all, someone has to help with the expenses. LEO (07.24-08.23) Do you feel an inexplicable surge of energy? It might be due to a helping hand you receive from some outside funding sources that increases your audacity of hope. Proud Lions could feel flush, but take each penny in stride. What you have today could be easily spent down to the nub tomorrow. Try to capture a little for a rainy day. Opps, I just felt a drop. VIRGO (08.24-09.23) Life is full of fun and gaymes. Queer Virgins hop the train to Party Central and won’t know when to stop until they run out of gas. When is too much, too too much? You may not know. A light flirtation could escalate into a full-fledged relationship if you are not careful. Or, maybe this is the plan? Keep your eye on a hot date for New Year’s. LIBRA (09.24-10.23) Putting more elbow grease into your home environment could have great pay off during the holiday party season. Rearrange, renovate or even move to make your place a showplace. Your efforts to make your surroundings glitter will rub off on your reputation and impress the A-list. Who knows what new circles will let you through the velvet rope? That is what it is about. SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) Your powers of persuasion are in rare form. Use it to your advantage to finesse any intricate negotiation. It seems so easy — Queer Scorps only have to ask and they shall receive. But, think carefully before you ask. The more creative you get with your “asks,” the wilder things can become. What is this I hear about your need for a fully appointed yacht? : : © 2010 Madam Lichtenstein, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Entertainment. info: Visit www.TheStarryEye.com for e-greetings, horoscopes and Pride jewelry. My book “HerScopes: A Guide To Astrology For Lesbians” from Simon & Schuster is available at bookstores and major booksites.
Time to jazz it up Thru Dec. 19 • Raleigh Art Tatum Doc Hanley, a Harlem jazz club owner, reminisces about the jazz greats who played his hotspot including his good friend, Art Tatum. As Hanley spins colorful yarns about the good old days, a custom-built, state-of-the-art piano performs more than a dozen Tatum songs from one of the most revered jazz recordings ever made, “Piano Starts Here.” This one-man show is a time-travel journey back to the days of smoky juke joints, cutting contests, and blistering hot jazz. Kennedy Theatre, 2 E. South St. 919-831-6011. zenph.com/art-tatum-piano-starts-here.
Dec. 11 • Charlotte All On A Winter Night The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte and Charlotte Pride Band join forces to present a special holiday extravaganza. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 1510 E. 7th St. 8:04 p.m. $15. gmccharlotte.org. Dec. 11 • Charlotte Twirl to the World Just Twirl hosts their annual “Twirl to the World” dance party with DJ David Marc returning for a second year. A portion of proceeds will benefit Time Out Youth. Tickets, event locations and other details available at justtwirl.com. Dec. 11 • Charlotte Men of Petra’s Petra’s continues its ongoing Men of Petra’s contests, this time narrowing the field from the top eight to the final four. Petra’s Piano Bar and Cabaret, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. 10 p.m. 704-332-6608. petraspianobar.com. Dec. 11 • Raleigh Warmest Wishes Triangle Gay Men’s Chorus presents a second performance of their annual holiday concert, “Warmest Wishes.” Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, 3313 Wade Ave. 8 p.m. tgmchorus.org. Dec. 11 • Winston-Salem Where the Heart is Triad Pride Men’s Chorus presents a second performance of “Where the Heart is,” their annual holiday concert. UNC School of the Arts Watson Chamber Music Hall, 1533 S. Main St. 8 p.m. $15/advance. $20/door. 336-589-6267. triadpridemenschorus.org. Dec. 14 • Raleigh George Galloway British politician, author, broadcaster and for-
mer member of Parliament George Galloway speaks at N.C. State University. The founder of the Respect Party and a social justice and peace advocate, Galloway is best known for his views on Palestinian rights. McKimmon Conference and Training Center, N.C. State University, 1101 Gorman St. 6:30 p.m. RSVP online at mlfa.org/rsvp.
Dec. 15 • Durham A John Waters Christmas Comedian and actor John Waters (pictured) is “putting the ‘X’ back in Xmas” in his special Christmas performance at Durham’s Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St. 8 p.m. For tickets and more info visit carolinatheatre.org. Dec. 16 • Charlotte Messiah The Charlotte Symphony and Oratorio Singers present their annual production of Handel’s “Messiah,” from “For Unto Us a Child is Born” to the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Knight Theater. 7:30 p.m. Various Prices. 704-972-2000. charlottesymphony.org.
qnotes will feature special event listings for New Year’s Eve and Day. Submit them no later than Sunday, Dec. 19, 5 p.m. at goqnotes.com/qguide/events/submit/.
ILGA and the Brazilian organizers agreed to move the conference location to Sao Paulo. — D.S.
Thai activists demand equality
BANGKOK, Thailand — LGBT rights group The Sexual Diversity Network has issued a list of human rights demands in the form of an open Letter to the Thai government. The demands, which include calls for freedom from discrimination and violence and legalization of
Jan. 20-23 • Boone NC Gay Ski Weekend NC Mountain Boys and JustTwirl. com present the 2011 NC Gay Ski Weekend at Blowing Rock’s Crestwood Resort and Spa, including JustTwirl’s SnowBall 2011 with DJ Seth Cooper (pictured). For more information and to register or purchase tickets visit ncgayskiweekend.com.
Dec. 18 • Raleigh Drag Brunch Crape Myrtle Festival hosts it holiday drag
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Dec. 21 • Charlotte Messiah The Charlotte Symphony and Oratorio Singers present their annual production of Handel’s “Messiah,” from “For Unto Us a Child is Born” to the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Knight Theater. 7:30 p.m. Various Prices. 704-972-2000. charlottesymphony.org.
Dec. 16 • Asheville Ave Maria Asheville’s Cantaria presents their annual holiday concert, “Ave Maria.” Location and time to be announced. Visit cantariaasheville. org for more.
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brunch. Featuring Purina Chow, Scarlett Dailey, Dana St. James and Ebony Summers. 12 p.m. brunch/1 p.m. show. Humble Pie, 317 S. Harrington St. $10 donation exclusive of meal/drinks. crapemyrtlefest.org.
same-sex marriage, were launched at the end of November during two events held here. On Nov. 27, 150 people participated in the second Rainbow Umbrella March, which concluded with a first-time reading of The Sexual Diversity Network’s “Open Letter to the Government.” Two days later, the letter was formally presented in a workshop at the offices of the National Human Rights Commission. It is hoped that the workshop will mark a new era of cooperation with the Commission. Two commissioners attended the workshop along with a few government officials. Observers representing the embassies of France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, the
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CLT, Durham set for Her HRC The Human Rights Campaign will present two Her HRC events on Jan. 15, 2011 in Charlotte and Durham. The event will celebrate women and equality. In Charlotte, Her HRC will be held from 1-8 p.m. in the Plaza Central Business District. Restaurants, shops and bars will be open offering entertainment, music, discounts, specials and more. Families are welcome and those 17 and under will be admitted free. General admission is $10 in advance/$12 day of. Cost includes an annual HRC membership. To purchase tickets, visit hrcactioncenter.org/site/ R?i=VUrBhUjvH2_LHSWM0zFGDw. In Durham, the event starts at 8 p.m. at Casbah, 1007 W. Main St. Doors open at 7 p.m. Mama’s Black Sheep is a female duo comprised of a musical collaboration of singer-songwriters Ashland Miller (guitar/vocals) and Laura Cerulli (drums/vocals) cross over boundaries between the genres of pop, rock, country and blues. A DJ and dancing will be available both pre- and post-show. General admission is $10 for those with Casbah membership and is limited to those 21-year-old plus. An additional fee of $5 will be secured for those who need a Casbah membership. Space is limited and is expected to sell out. Cost includes an annual HRC membership. — Lainey Millen
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Philippines and the EU were also in attendance. The speakers at the workshop were LGBT academics and activists. — D.S.
Campus Scene Summer camp faculty sought
CHARLOTTE — Campus Pride has announced it plans for its fifth annual Summer Leadership Camp to be held at Vanderbilt University from July 19-24, 2011. It is currently seeking faculty and Pride leaders to assist in the success of the event. Deadline for application submittal is Jan.
4, 2011. Registration for the informative session will begin shortly. Cost for attendees is $795 for happy camper discount (by Apr. 16, 2011) and $895 afterward. It includes all lodging for five nights, breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, as well as all educational program materials and entertainment. For more information, email info@campus pride.org or visit campuspride.org/camp. — L.M. info: Have news or other information? Send your press releases and updates for inclusion in our News Notes: editor@goqnotes.com.
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Dec. 11-24 . 2010