QNotes, December 11, 2020

Dec. 11-24, 2020

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Dec. 11-24, 2020

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Dec. 11-24, 2020 Vol 35 No 17

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Tell Trinity Frank Talk

life 8 Allyship is Alive and Well 12 Housing in Uncertain Times

PFLAG Founder Honored on Her 100th Birthday

Jeanne Manford, the founder of PFLAG, the organization that helped support and champion LGBTQ children, has been honored on the centennial observance of her birthday.

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views 5 Political Voices: HB142 Sunset: The Path Forward 5 Coronavirus Journal: This Awful Year 15 Spiritual Reflections: Community — Finding, Losing and Reshaping 15 Mental Health: Managing Your Mental Health and Your Pets

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

Paul Macdissi has a major role in the Amazon Studios production of ‘Uncle Frank” and shares his experience working on the production, as well as how he reached this time in his life and career.

6 PFLAG Founder Manford’s

100th Birthday Celebrated 6 RAIN Names New Leader 6 News Briefs 7 Governor Signs ‘Parents’ Day’ Proclamation 7 HRC, EFI Release 2020 Municipal Equality Index

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The focus of QNotes is to serve the LGBTQ and straight ally communities of the Charlotte region, North Carolina and beyond, by featuring arts, entertainment, news and views content in print and online that directly enlightens, informs and engages the readers about LGBTQ life and social justice issues.

Frank Talk

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Mykah Buff, Kendra R. Johnson, Lainey Millen, Jesse Monteagudo, Stanley Popovich, QNotes Staff, Chris Rudisill, Gregg Shapiro, Trinity, Rev. Paul Whiting

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views

HB142 Sunset: The Path Forward Political Voices

BY Kendra R. Johnson, Equality North Carolina Executive Director | CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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n Tuesday, Dec. 1, a key prong of House Bill 142 (HB142) reached sunset, ending a years-long moratorium that blocked cities and towns in our state from protecting their LGBTQ residents through local non-discrimination ordinances.

For those who don’t know, HB142 passed in 2017 and replaced sections of HB2, the infamous anti-transgender bill passed by the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) in 2016.

HB142 reaffirmed many of the antiLGBTQ elements of HB2, including blocking local cities and towns in North Carolina from protecting their residents with LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinances.

LGBTQ folks across North Carolina who lived here in 2016 and 2017 undoubtedly remember House Bills 2 (HB2) and 142 all too well. Many people tend to focus on the economic impact of the fallout: companies pulled their businesses from our state. Sports teams refused to hold high-profile tournaments. Some estimates bring the gross economic toll to over $3 billion in lost revenue for the state of North Carolina.

But for most LGBTQ North Carolinians, the economic toll comes second to the trauma faced by our transgender and gender non-conforming brothers, sisters and siblings.

The state they loved suddenly became thought of as one of the worst places to be LGBTQ on an international scale.

The news about HB2 traveled far beyond the borders of the United States.

But even worse, the heightened discourse surrounding this bill had placed a proverbial target on the backs of any visibly queer or transgender person in the state of North Carolina.

Years later, the pain still lingers. But we have an opportunity to begin chipping away at the horrific legacy that HB2 and HB142 have left in their wake.

Mayors, city council members, and county commissioners in North Carolina are finally able to adopt local nondiscrimination ordinances to protect their LGBTQ residents.

Supporters of LGBTQ equality should now begin contacting their local elected officials and encouraging them to pass protections on the municipal level. Moving forward, we also need the NCGA to fully repeal the remaining parts of HB142 and we need the U.S. Congress and the NCGA to enact comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for all LGBTQ people through state and federal laws.

It’s time for us to move forward, both as a community and as North Carolinians, and help build a more compassionate future for those who call this place home.

To help with the process of contacting your elected officials, Equality North Carolina (ENC) and the Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) have launched a digital campaign called NC is Ready for LGBTQ Protections, a platform through which North Carolinians can easily contact their elected leaders and voice their support for non-discrimination.

It’s broken down by individual cities and streamlines the process for you in only a matter of minutes.

It’s imperative that we all voice our support for non-discrimination protections and ensure that our elected leaders are keeping the LGBTQ community front-of-mind as we head into 2021.

On a final note, it’s important for all of us to remember that HB142 is not completely dead — only one prong of the bill regarding non-discrimination sunset on Dec. 1. The first prong of HB142, unfortunately, continues to prevent local governments and other political entities from regulating multiple occupancy restrooms, even after Dec. 1. To address this, HB142 needs to be fully repealed by the NCGA or found unconstitutional by the courts. ENC and CSE are calling for the full repeal of HB142 as soon as possible.

We know it’s been a terrible year, to say the least, but it’s our hope that you’ll view this next chapter of LGBTQ life in North Carolina with a bit of optimism. If we work together, we have the opportunity to ensure that LGBTQ folks from all walks of life are protected in their homes, jobs, places of worship and in public. No one deserves to feel unsafe for simply being who they are or loving whom they love. We hope you’ll join us in this fight at ncisready.org. : :

Coronavirus Journal: This Awful Year Jesse’s Journal

BY Jesse Monteagudo | Guest Contributor

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n 1978 the historian Barbara W. Tuchman published “A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century.” This awful century, Tuchman wrote, was one of “plague, war, taxes, brigandage, bad government, insurrection, and schism in the [Catholic] Church — a violent, tormented, bewildered, suffering and disintegrating age.” Though there is no schism in the Church today (that we know of), those of us who are alive in 2020 suffer instead from the effects of climate change: a largely man-made catastrophe that threatens to destroy this planet and every living thing in it.

That 2020 is a plague year there is no question. There are still wars going on in Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen (among others) and Armenia and Azerbaijan are currently going at it over Nagorno-Karabakh. Taxes keep going up (except for those who can avoid it). Violent murder (by brigands and others) continues to rise, especially against minorities.

This has been a veritable annus horribilis for transgender people, especially transgender women of color, with at least 37 murders (so far) in the USA. Bad government is as prevalent as ever, especially in governments led by self-proclaimed, populist autocrats. America’s systemic racism was laid bare by the police murders of AfricanAmerican men and women like Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd, Daniel Prude and Breonna Taylor. Governmentsanctioned violence, here and abroad, led to a series of spirited, sometimes violent insurrections which increased public consciousness but which, alas, were as successful

(including COVID) worse. as the ones in Tuchman’s On the other hand, 14th Century.

Donald Trump refused to And don’t get me started concede, his supporters about the (non-COVID) kept (maybe) a majornatural disasters of 2020: The ity of the Senate and most hurricanes and tropical won seats in the House storms in history; wildfires of Representatives in Australia and the western and in statewide races, USA; floods in Indonesia; and Florida cemented earthquakes everywhere — its status as the most all caused in large part by Trumpian of all states. climate change.

Unlike Trump, who Of course, not everything ignored COVID-19 to that happened in 2020 was look out for Number bad. For one thing, we are One, President Biden still alive. Though COVID-19 might decree a new continues to plague humanThe challenges brought on during 2020 have it marked as an (pre-vaccine) lockdown to ity, 95 percent effective ‘awful year.’ (Photo Credit: zimmytws via Adobe Stock) bring down the newly invaccines are being developed creased casualty figures.

by Pfizer, Moderna and other Meanwhile, many of us are grabbing as much toilet paper pharmaceutical companies. Immunization might be availas we can find and once again retreating to our homes. able next year if we do not make foolish choices in the Characteristically, 2020’s holiday season will be a bleak one. meantime. Enforcing lockdowns to fight the pandemic, Meanwhile, I want to end this article on a positive note though economically and socially disastrous, has had by thanking those who made this year tolerable for me: some ecological benefits, like allowing other species to Zoom, Facebook, PBS, Congregation Etz Chaim, my family move more freely (coyotes in Tamarac?). And American and friends and, most of all, Ron Farago. May 2021 be a voters elected Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, putting an end better year. : : to a four-year reign of terror that only made everything

Dec. 11-24, 2020

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BRIEFS

news PFLAG Founder Manford’s 100th Birthday Celebrated

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Dec. 4, Jeanne Manford, the mother who inspired a movement of parents, families and allies to advocate for their LGBTQ loved ones would have been 100 years old. The organization she helped to found honored Manford who showed a strong commitment to the advocacy that resulted in establishing what is the nation’s first organization of its kind, PFLAG National shared.

The organization partnered with the Making Gay History podcast to highlight archival interviews with Jeanne and Morty Manford and an interview with Suzanne Swan. These interviews are featured on both PFLAG National and Making Gay Manford’s story and the story of PFLAG, in addition to re-elevating the speech given by President Barack Obama (bit.ly/3mR4rwu).

PFLAG National sent a letter to President-Elect Joseph Biden from the parents on the PFLAG National Board of Directors, committing to working with the incoming administration in support of Manford’s legacy, and in service of PFLAG’s nearly 50 years working to create “a country where equality and justice for all really IS for all.”

“The world for LGBTQ+ people was vastly different in the 1970s when a schoolteacher from Queens joined the 1972 Christopher Street Liberation Day march carrying a sign that read, ‘Parents of Gays: Unite in Support for Our Children,’” said historian and family friend Eric Marcus, creator and host of the Making Gay History podcast (bit.ly/3lMTL0q). “When Jeanne co-founded an organization for parents of gay people nine months later — with her son Morty and husband Jules — she risked her job and public scorn, but she did it because she knew that parents had a key role in protecting their children from harassment and unjust laws.”

In the early 1970s, laws in 43 states prohibited homosexuality. It was illegal to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Official penalties, if caught in a romantic or sexual relationship, ranged from jail time to chemical castration. Unofficial penalties included public shaming, loss of employment, loss of housing, discrimination in healthcare and death. Yet, despite the social stigma, Manford and about 20 other parents, LGBTQ individuals and allies gathered at what is now the Church of the Village in New York City and held what would be the first of many meetings to support and advocate for LGBTQ individuals.

“LGBTQ+ rights have come a long way thanks in part to Jeanne Manford’s advocacy and the ally movement she inspired. She urged parents, families, and allies to take action, to remove barriers, and to demonstrate love for their LGBTQ+ children, family members, and friends. In celebrating her 100th birthday, PFLAG National commits to continuing to carry that torch of advocacy until equal rights are extended to all people, inclusive of LGBTQ+ people,” said PFLAG National Executive Director Brian K. Bond.

Manford was born in Flushing, Queens and was a graduate of Queens College. In her career, she was a math teacher from 1964-1990.

In recent years, the Manford family has taken its place in history. Shortly after her death in 2013, Manford was honored with the 2012 Presidential Citizens Medal by President Barack Obama. A plaque now marks the historic site of the first PFLAG meeting at Church of the Village in Manhattan. In 2014, the street in front of the Manford family home at 171st St. between 33rd and 35th Aves. in Flushing, Queens was renamed “Jeanne, Jules, Morty Manford PFLAG Way.” On May 20, 2017, the Jackson Heights Station of the U.S. Post Office was dedicated to Jeanne and Jules Manford. The Manford family, including granddaughter Avril Swann, continues championing the work of PFLAG. info: pflag.org. Photo Credit: PFLAG (Jeanne Manford with photo of son Morty, 1993) — Compiled by Lainey Millen

RAIN Names New Leader

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Chelsea Gulden, a longtime HIV advocate and service provider, will become president and CEO of RAIN, following the retirement of the organization’s founder, president and CEO Debbie Warren in January 2021.

Gulden, who currently serves as vice president of Operations at RAIN, joined the organization in 2010 after creating and implementing Empowering Positive Youth (EPY), the first comprehensive program serving HIV positive youth in North Carolina.

EPY regularly receives national attention for its peer leadership model. The program has served more than 1,000 positive youth through individual case management and support groups.

“Through all of my years volunteering with RAIN, I’ve seen Chelsea Gulden become a respected leader when it comes to HIV and the Charlotte community,” said Robert Dogens, a board Member of Equality North Carolina, past RAIN board treasurer and retired Wells Fargo executive. “She is recognized on a national level for her expertise and knowledge. Chelsea is ready to lead RAIN into the future, and I am pleased to see her hard work rewarded.” Gulden began working in the HIV service sector shortly after her own diagnosis. She is an expert in HIV service delivery, programming and prevention. She brings 15 years of experience in coordinating programs for optimal health.

“I am deeply humbled to be selected as President and CEO of RAIN,” Gulden shared. “It’s an honor to follow the legacy of Debbie Warren, a mentor and a friend.

RAIN is a pillar in the Charlotte community, and my life. With ongoing medical advances, an amazing staff, board, and a host of volunteers at my side, we are ready to fulfill RAIN’s mission and work towards ending the HIV epidemic. I know we can continue to touch the lives of those most impacted by HIV and help everyone live fully, with or without HIV.” Gulden has spoken at meetings for National Institutes of Health and at the National Ryan White HIV Care and Treatment Conference, and was a panelist on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2006. She is currently co-chair of the Ryan White HIV Planning Body for Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Union and York counties.

Additionally, Gulden has conducted prevention work in Ghana and participated in the U.S. Executive Summary Report advocating for comprehensive sexual education in schools.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Chelsea for over 15 years and thus witnessing first hand her dedication, compassion and vision for engaging communities and addressing health inequities in both research and care,” said Lisa Hightow-Wideman, M.D., M.Ph., professor of Medicine and Health Behavior, Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “She has been an inspiring collaborator and I can think of no one else more qualified to lead RAIN into the 21st century.” Gulden holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her research focused on the intersection of intimate partner violence and HIV. She has additional training in trauma informed care.

In addition to Gulden’s new title and duties, two RAIN staffers will take on new roles in 2021. Darlena Blackwell, currently the medical case manager, will be elevated to director of Client Relations. Johnny Wilson, the peer retention specialist, will be elevated to director of Outreach. info: carolinarain.org.

— Compiled by Lainey Millen

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Dec. 11-24, 2020

Org names fund beneficiaries

On World AIDS Day, the Crape Myrtle Festival has announced the 2020 recipient beneficiaries of the organization’s annual funds awards. They are: A Place Called Home, $1,195; CAARE the Healing Center, $3,000; Carolina CARE Partnership, $5,000; Loving Food Resources, $2,500; NC AIDS Action Network, $7,500; RAIN, $3,000; Triangle Empowerment Center, Inc., $2,500; El Centro Hispano, $6,000; LILA, $1,700; and Gays for Good, $1,000.

info: crapemyrtlefest.org.

Org welcomes new leadership

Heats Beat as One Foundation has announced new leadership roles for the philanthropic organization. Names are: Chad Turner, director of communications; Kimberly Brent, board member; Leah Graham, board member; Holly Newton, United for Animals chair; and Nate Turner, food pantry chair. Turner is president of the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Brent is senior marketing manager contracting at TIAA. Graham is a financial aid social worker at Childcare Resources Inc. Newton is an animal rights and welfare activist.

Turner is owner of Your Custom Catering & Events.

info: heartsbeatasonefoundation.org.

FCSJ sells holiday cards

The Freedom Center for Social Justice has introduced a holiday card line, the Butterfly Collection, for the 2020 season.

Sales help support transgender and gender non-conforming artists. The Butterfly Collection is an Artist Entrepreneurship Program for transgender and gendernon-conforming artists. The first cohort of designers are Cory Rattrovo, Tobias Dean and Lena Gray. Over the course of the program, these graphic/visual artists will learn how to monetize their creative talents and launch a business.

The Holiday Collection is a limited edition run and will allow participants to gain hands-on experience from concept to production. In addition to a stipend while in the program, they receive a portion of all sales. Packets of eight cards are $18 and can be purchased online at bit.ly/39ORM9G. Bulk orders of 25 cards or more can also be secured by emailing butterflies@fcsj.org with order details.

info: fcsj.org.

Hanukkah candle lighting goes virtual

SONiA disappear fear is hosting livestream candle lighting and blessings from her Facebook page during the annual celebration of Hanukkah. “Everyone is welcome to join in … regardless of religion, nationality, politics, sexual orientation and other categories too often used to divide us,” the artist said. A song honoring the event is available for listening at bit.ly/3ghniOw.

info: facebook.com/disappear.fear.

Bar properties get new owners

The property that houses Raleigh, N.C.’s Legends Nightclub Complex has new ownership. CityPlat purchased the real estate for $4.3 million for two properties located at 330 E. Hargett St. and 119 S. Harrington St., the Triangle Business Journal reported. The bar will continue to lease the space from CityPlat for the time being. The new owners said that there were no plans currently to make changes to the property, but redevelopment is likely at some point.

info: bit.ly/2InNYkc.

Governor Signs ‘Parents’ Day’ Proclamation

RALEIGH, N.C. —During the first week of December, Governor Roy Cooper signed a proclamation declaring Dec. 6 as Gender Expansive Parents’ Day. Rep. Vernetta Alston’s office requested the proclamation to celebrate and acknowledge families in North Carolina with gender expansive parents.

“Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations often exclude gender-expansive parents, neglecting the valuable roles they play in the lives of their children,” Rep. Alston said.

“Becoming a more inclusive state will require … making the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people more visible. This proclamation does that.”

Between 2 and 3.7 million children under the age of 18 in the U.S. have at least one LGBTQ parent, and about 200,000 of those children are raised by a same-sex couples, Alston’s office shared. LGBTQ parents are six times more likely to foster and four times more likely to adopt.

Yet, LGBTQ parents are marginalized by discriminatory adoption and child custody processes.

Many groups have proposed inclusive celebrations of non-traditional families. In 2012 the United Nations recognized Global Parents Day. That same year, International Family Equality Day was born to celebrate LGBTQ families around the world. Gender Expansive Parents’ Day follows the national and global trends of centering the celebration of parents who may not fit the traditional stereotype.

“All parents, regardless of their gender identity or expression, deserve to be celebrated for their sake and for the sake of their children,” Alston said. “Gender Expansive Parents’ Day recognizes any supportive relationship that a child has with their parent and honors gender expansive parents.”

In other news, on Dec. 1 North Carolina’s HB142 reached its end that allowed a ban on non-discrimination ordinances across the state. With this milestone, cities are now looking at enacting or re-enacting ordinances. The Charlotte Observer’s Editorial Board penned a piece that foreshadowed whether or not another HB2 would be on the horizon. info: vernettaalston.com. bit.ly/2IpwFiT. Photo Credit: Chris Seward via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 license — Compiled by Lainey Millen

HRC, EFI Release 2020 Municipal Equality Index

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the Equality Federation Institute have recently released their Municipal Equality Index that touts a record-setting national average for localities who continue to lead the way on equality, “even in times of national crisis and absent state and federal leadership,” the organizations said.

In its ninth annual reporting, 94 cities earned perfect scores.

“The results of this year’s Municipality Equality Index show definitive evidence that our local leaders across the nation are standing up for equality — even as they faced headwinds from state governments or the Trump-Pence administration,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “There is no question that the Trump administration made every effort to attack laws aimed to protect LGBTQ people, and our cities have responded with inclusivity and innovative public policy.

Although there is newfound optimism sweeping the country with the incoming BidenHarris administration, there is still work to be done and ground to make up. Adopting the measures outlined in the MEI will not only help cultivate more united and safe communities, but it will foster economic growth by signaling to residents, visitors and outside investors that their region is welcoming to all.”

The report contains two new issue briefs for policymakers: Addressing Systemic Racism Through Municipal Action, and another detailing the landmark Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia Supreme Court decision that explains why it is “imperative that localities continue enacting non-discrimination laws that explicitly include both sexual orientation and gender identity.” Additionally, the report includes HRC’s Pledge for Local Elected Leaders to End Violence Against Black and Brown Transgender Women.

Rankings for North Carolina are: Carrboro, 76; Cary, 0; Chapel Hill, 86; Charlotte, 62; Durham, 65; Fayetteville, 39; Greensboro, 79; Raleigh, 64; Wilmington, 29; and WinstonSalem, 54.

Rankings for South Carolina are: Charleston, 81; Clemson, 0; Columbia, 60; Greenville, 33; Mount Pleasant, 32; Myrtle Beach, 52; North Charleston, 40; and Rock Hill, 17. info: hrc.org/mei.

— Compiled by Lainey Millen

Dec. 11-24, 2020

qnotes

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life

Allyship is Alive and Well LGBTQ Support Mounts as Allies Emerge

By Mykah Buff | QNotes Staff Writer

Michel, who commissioned the piece, said he knew he chooses to be an ally, as well as the extent wanted a big version of the “Solidarity Sign” when Nguyey of support exercised, all forms and levels of first started on the allied-inspired creation he described as allyship hold value. “saying it all without saying a word.” “When Irene Nguyen GLAAD (an American non-governmental began making her wonderful solidarity signs that said it all media monitoring organization, formerly without saying a word, I knew I wanted a big one for our known as the Gay and Lesbian Alliance building,” said Michel. “Just to put it all out there and show Against Defamation) explains what an ally is pride for all of the diverse communities that intersect at and the different ways allyship can be pracour shop. In general, once you become aware of inequity ticed. “A straight ally can merely be someone and oppression and you’re, hopefully, not cool with it, you who is supportive and accepts an LGBTQ can’t put that genie back in the bottle.” person,” says GLAAD. “Or a straight ally can Not only are small businesses like the Tip Top Market be someone who personally advocates for showing their LGBTQ allyship, but also places of worequal rights and fair treatment. Allies are ship such as Myers Park Baptist Church. The prominent some of the most effective and powerful Christian-based church has a longstanding track record voices of the LGBT movement. Not only do of showing support for the LGBTQ community, according allies help people in the coming-out process, to Senior Pastor Rev, Dr. Benjamin Boswell who spoke to but they also help others understand the qnotes about an initiative implemented through a camimportance of equality, fairness, acceptance paign by the church that launched during December 2019. and mutual respect.”

Boswell said the initiative was the church’s way of presentIn her 2020 Columbia University doctoral ing a message to the community he called “a bold expresthesis titled “Bible Belt LGBTQ Allies in Their sion of love and inclusivity.”

Own Words,” Bernadette Barton, Ph.D., says “We really feel like we have a safe and affirming comallyship plays a particularly important role munity that’s empowering for LGBTQ people,” Boswell in the South due to a heightened level of said. “Many of whom we know don’t really have a church, discrimination and intolerance experienced been alienated by the church, have a lot of baggage with

by LGBTQ individuals, which she attributes the church, or been hurt by the church,” added Boswell. to the distinct influence that evangelical Knowing that these barriers to worship freely and comProtestantism has on community values, fortably existed, Myers Park Baptist Church began explorbeliefs and politics in the region. “With less ing ways in which it could help bridge this gap between LGBTQ visibility in the Bible Belt region, the LGBTQ community and the church. Boswell said Myers allies may be more influential in their roles Artist Irene Nguyen alongside her ‘Solidarity Sign’ artistry that is on Park Baptist wanted a way to convey its unique identity tackling systemic oppression and engaging in display at Tip Top Market in Charlotte, N.C. Inset is the store owner Jason and inclusive message of love and inclusiveness. everyday activism to combat prejudice and Michel who commissioned the piece.

Resulting from the church’s determination to share discrimination,” said Barton, Ph.D. its message and share it loudly came a high-spirited As mentioned earlier, allyship can take campaign led by two of the church’s members, Laurie the shape of many forms. Whether it’s supating back to the Stonewall riots, allyship has been Donato and Ruben Lopez who are partners. The campaign porting a friend or loved during their journey of coming a vital component in the continued fight against out, marching in a Pride pathe oppression, discrimination, social injustice and rade, participating in a peaceful inequality plagued by the LGBTQ community. Simply put, protest or displaying a piece an ally, also referred to as a straight ally to distinguish of expressionistic artwork repfrom other types of allyship, is someone who in some way resenting an artist’s belief and supports LGBTQ people. support of equality for all.

Perhaps one of the most influential and iconic acts of For those who have been allyship is that of PFLAG (the United States’ first and largto the Tip Top Market in Plaza est organization uniting parents, family and allies with Midwood lately, they have had people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and a chance to view a piece of queer) founder Jeanne Manford. In response to a brutal art by Irene Nguyen that the attack on her gay-activist son Morty that took place in store’s owner Jason Michel reNew York City in 1972, Manford lodged several grievcently commissioned. Nguyen ances and relentlessly fought for the justice of her child. said she hasn not given the She continued defending the rights of her son and his piece an official name yet, but community throughout her life, efforts that evolved into that it is becoming known as movements and initiatives made by a blossoming coalithe “Solidarity Sign.” tion of allies standing up and fighting for and alongside The piece consists of a laythe LGBTQ community. ered image depicting a raised During a 2019 interview with NBC News, a PFLAG fist (the universal symbol of representative discussed the impact of Manford’s love and solidarity and support) made support for her child shown through her efforts of activof hand-cut signs with multiism. The career educator is remembered for being the first colored stripes (meant to mom to publicly support her gay child, Liz Owens, PFLAG represent different skin tones) director of communications, told NBC News. “She is the set on a round board covered mother of the LGBTQ ally movement,” Owens said. She is with a hand-painted transgenthe mom who made it OK to love your LGBTQ kid.” der Pride flag. The completed Members of Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C. show their pride at a community One mother’s choice to defend the equal rights of her work is trimmed in black as a event wearing the church’s allied-inspired T-shirts. son gave birth to the first LGBTQ ally group in the U.S. — type of frame.

PFLAG. Decades later it continues making headway in its The allied artist is a efforts. PFLAG shows how one person’s decision to do consists of two displayed banners outside the church. One San Antonio, Texas native who studied fine arts at the what many may consider to be quite natural as a strength reading, “Jesus was an undocumented immigrant, just sayUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte. She said she was to those whom the organization supports. It also shows ing…” and the other having a stream of different messages inspired to create the piece following the death of George compassion and empathy for those who lack the privilege on topics such as environmental justice written on colored Floyd. “This summer when tensions were really high, of receiving the same treatment and consideration affordpencils representing the rainbow. One message reads, especially after the killing of George Floyd, my boyfriend ed by everyone else. (See page 6 for more on Manford.) and I wanted to show our support for Black Lives Matter, Today, allyship is alive and well and has proven to be a gay and trans rights, and to show our community that we significant part of the continued progress toward achievsupport the human rights of all,” said Nguyen. see Allies on 17 ing LGBTQ equality in the U.S. Regardless of why someone

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Dec. 11-24, 2020

The PANDEM!C

Charlotte Journalism Collaborative Brings Artist and Journalists Together to Tell the Stories of COVID-19

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BY Qnotes staff

n October, the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative (CJC) and BOOM Charlotte launched a graphic novel telling the stories of people in the Charlotte region who have been impacted by the coronavirus. In addition to qnotes, the CJC is a partnership with The Charlotte Observer, La Noticia, QCity Metro, WCNC-TV, WFAE-FM, the James L. Knight School of Communication at Queens University, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Free Press.

“COVID-19 is affecting the lives of everyone,” says Chris Rudisill, director of the CJC. “This creates an opportunity to translate local news reporting and scientific information in a new and dynamic way that will reach audiences who are typically not regular news readers or viewers.”

The multimedia reporting project pairs local reporters and local artists to translate stories from the Collaborative into a graphic novel, or comic book. Each chapter is based on a different real-life story from the local community. Chapters are released every two weeks through February and appear online at charlottejournalism.org and on the group’s Instagram page, @CLTJournalism.

Rudisill, who is also a contributor to qnotes, said “This project is something new. It transforms storytelling and is creating collaborations that are unique to the city of Charlotte.” Like all forms of media, comic book artists have started addressing the pandemic through their work. Just last week, Marvel Comics announced a new comic book that will celebrate real-life healthcare heroes from Allegheny Health Network in Western Pennsylvania.

In the most recent Chapter of The Pandemic, presented here, artist Gil Croy took our story by David Aaron Moore about a gay couple in North Carolina who both tested positive in June. The two were less than 100 feet away in separate rooms of the hospital. “Even knowing that Brian was in the same hospital as I was, I didn’t know where he was or that it was possible for us to see each other,” Tom Costales told Moore, speaking of his husband. The couple know first-hand how devastating the impact of COVID-19 can be.

“Hopefully this project, in some small way, may help to inform and educate our community on the importance of listening and learning from others’ experiences, not just with the Pandemic, but with every situation that we as the human family face,” said Croy.

He is one of eight artists working with local reporters. The others include Marcus Kiser, Wolly McNair, Kiana Mui, Matthew Clayburn, Josh Henderson, Makayla Binter and Chris Taylor. BOOM Charlotte is sponsoring and leading the diverse group of artists. BOOM has been producing an annual three-day festival of avantgarde and grassroots performances in Charlotte since 2016, and their mission is to transform the way art is created and shared, and how people connect to causes and community.

“I hope that the project supports those needs within our community and serves as a testament to our experiences during the pandemic,” says Rudisill. “This information is vital for people to remain healthy and safe — if we can begin to connect these dots between the news and the community, the CJC can be an amplifier of collaborative work that makes a difference in the daily lives of people who live here.”

So far, the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative has released an introduction and the first three chapters, which are available in both English and Spanish through its website. : :

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qnotes is part of six major media companies and other local institutions reporting on and engaging the community around the problems and solutions as they relate to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a project of the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative, which is supported by the Local Media Project, an initiative launched by the Solutions Journalism Network with support from the Knight Foundation to strengthen and reinvigorate local media ecosystems. See all of our reporting at charlottejournalism.org.

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Housing in Uncertain Times Time Out Youth Continues to Serve Those in Need During COVID-19

By Chris Rudisill | QNotes Contributor

Shakira Clarke, left, a youth housing specialist for Time Out Youth Center, works with a prospective Host Home Program applicant. (Photo Credit: Time Out Youth Center)

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he impacts of COVID-19 on a community can be complex. People across our region have experienced its myriad effects on life the past several months, from unemployment to housing instability, but for LGBTQ youth those factors are often multiplied.

“People of color and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ)-identified people, irrespective of age, are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases and be at a higher risk of COVID-19,” states a recent report from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which outlines the rehousing of LGBTQ young people as a critical component to its Emergency Solutions Grants recipients’ COVID-19 response. “Additionally, typical experiences of many youth and young adults who experience homelessness result in greater challenges to obtain stable housing and increase the likelihood of contact with more people, widening the spread of the virus.”

Time Out Youth Center (TOY) has been serving the LGBTQ youth population of the Charlotte region for decades and their housing support programs have never been more important than in 2020, as a pandemic rages on across the region.

“The lack of resources afforded to the poor people or marginalized communities — COVID has exposed that,” says Shakira Clarke, the youth housing specialist at TOY. Since March, the organization has housed 28 people. Youth range from 18 to 24 years old in the housing program, while those 11 to 20 years old can access the services of the organization.

Clarke is happy that everyone that has been housed in the program is still housed, despite reduced working hours for people. “No one has lost their job due to COVID,” she says, speaking of their current clients. While October and November are typically slower months for TOY, she says that numbers have been picking up again. Just this month, they have added one more young person to a Host

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Home Program and two additional individuals who are renting on their own with support from TOY. There are two more currently looking for housing.

Housing Programs

I first spoke with Clarke in July and she explained the process for a young person in need. Staff were busy juggling virtual programs, delivering food and scheduling appointments for people to access services like laundry, fresh showers, a food pantry or “life essentials closet” in a safe way.

According to the organization’s website, they provided over $1,000 in financial assistance to clients in its housing case management before March 26. Clarke says they have definitely had to go into their budget to support folks during the pandemic since then. Many in the program have had their work hours cut and have relied on financial assistance to pay rent, saying they have likely doubled their expenditures in this area.

TOY has benefited from community partnerships as well. “Because of my connections in the community, it has allowed me to get access to some funds,” says Clarke. “So, instead of tapping into Time Out Youth’s funds, we’ve been able to tap into some community funds and it has allowed us to help individuals … that’s been helpful.”

There are four key types of housing support in Charlotte. Emergency housing, which includes short-term placement in hotels or other facilities, transitional housing which is from 60 days up to two years, permanent housing which is income-based and often for those experiencing chronic homelessness, and renting-on-your-own programs.

The Host Home Program at TOY is considered a transitional housing program. For those that are eligible, they can stay for up to 90 days.

Individuals first go through a general intake with Clarke, where they gather demographic information and assess what resources are needed. “If you are eligible

for housing outside in the community, then we’re talking through all the options that are available,” she says. Clarke explains that some people may not be ready for independent housing, and the realities of someone’s experiences and potential barriers may differ at any given moment.

Those entering the Host Home Program then look through a binder with information on individuals or families that have been vetted and trained in the program. A meet and greet follows and if everyone agrees, a 30-day contract is signed and evaluations take place to determine if further housing is possible or needed.

There’s more to these programs than just a roof over your head, however. “Coming into the program, the goal is housing stability,” says Clarke. Those enrolled in housing support programs at TOY have to apply for 10 jobs a day if they are currently unemployed and at least four to six jobs a day if they are employed part-time.

TOY provides groceries and transportation, and Clarke checks in every week to make sure living spaces are tidy.

Folks also complete a “Right to Rent” class as they exit the program. This teaches them how to read a lease and know their rights as a renter. It also provides them with basic life skills, like paying rent on time or getting repairs completed. “There’s things that we think are simple, it’s not something they have thought about or even learned — or seen a healthy example of,” says Clarke.

Innovative Ideas

It’s been nearly a year since the first positive case of COVID-19 hit the United States and Clarke worries about what lies ahead for the young people she is trying to help.

“Beginning of January — it’s going to be extremely hard to house folks,” she says. “There’s [a] shortage of affordable housing. Landlords are still fighting right now and will continue in January to get backpay on the rent that see next page u

hasn’t been paid because of the pandemic, and a lot of landlords are going to be raising their prices maybe $50 to $100 more on their rent just to get back the money they’ve lost.” She makes a point to stress the definition of affordable housing and how that definition isn’t the same for everyone. She also thinks that, despite the legality of such practices, the community is going to see unfair housing restrictions placed on those seeking to rent from landlords that will have larger pools of individuals vying for housing. She is trying to move as many of the youth in need as possibleinto some sort of housing before the end of the month.

Point Source Youth, a national non-profit dedicated to ending youth homelessness, promotes host home programs as well, but is also working to raise awareness of Direct Cash Transfer programs in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Larry Cohen, co-founder and executive director of Point Source Youth, talked about innovation during times of disruption, like what is being seen now with COVID-19, during a recent webinar with Funders Concerned About AIDS, Funders Together to End Homelessness and Funders for LGBTQ Issues.

“One example of innovations with housing…if youth can’t get housing or if we can’t get hotel rooms, can we give youth cash and case management to help them conavigate and self-direct their own housing?” he asked.

A pilot program in New York will draw on evidence around cost effectiveness, youth experience in the program, services and program evaluations, housing stability

and well-being to build a model that can be replicated in communities across the country. “If this current crisis has proven anything, it’s that there is a limit to our ideas around helping people,” said Gabriel Maldonado, CEO of TruEvolution, in an April webinar. “There needs to be an evolution in our approach and an extension of trust to the people we serve.”

More than 3.5 million young adults in the U.S. experience homelessness or housing instability each year. This population — including LGBTQ, HIV positive and Black and Brown young adults experiencing homelessness — is also disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Mahlon Randolph, a youth advocate, public health educator and community organizer working in Georgia, also participated in the webinar and pointed to the disjointed landscape in serving a vulnerable LGBTQ youth population that is at risk of homelessness. “These things are actually now at the height of our focus in our human condition,” said Randolph.

“The determinants that put LGBTQ people and people of color into those situations that make us require housing and HIV services and healthcare services, that are supplemented by the government in the first place because we can’t afford them — all of those things now are the first to go.”

“The lack of resources has been here,” says Clarke. “If we don’t take the measures to do the prevention work, the intervention is going to be much harder.”

But how does the program work? Government and funding regulations can sometimes be inhibiting to community organizations. Utilizing direct cash transfers to end youth homelessness during COVID-19 is a growing global intervention that provides promising options. Programs like that at Point Source Youth give youth cash in a frequency that works best for them for up to two years with additional support like financial literacy training, employ-

ment services, education planning, benefits and housing counseling. Most importantly, they are focused on the individual needs of youth. Someone’s needs often differ from what “we” think they need, and circumstances affect frequency and success. These programs work in tandem with direct cash payments and allow young people to make the best decisions with their own lives, while working with support staff like case managers.

Clarke spoke of this flexibility to understand the individual needs of young people that TOY serves. “It really depends on the actual young person and if there are any presenting barriers,” said Clarke. “We want to make sure we are addressing the immediate need, but we always want to make sure that young people are aware that housing resources in Charlotte are extremely limited.” She explained that this scenario is not new since COVID-19.

“There’s no place in Charlotte that you can walk through the doors and get housing right away.”

To support the housing programs at TOY, visit timeoutyouth.org. Clarke says the biggest needs are items for their life essentials closet, bus passes and gift cards that help offset a client’s expenses. TOY also has a “Give the Gift Campaign” that helps make someone’s house a home, helping clients transition into the community. Lists are available at timeoutyouth.org/youthwishlist.

For more information, or for those interested in joining the Host Home Program, email Clarke at sclarke@ timeoutyouth.org. : : qnotes is part of six major media companies and other local institutions producing I Can’t Afford to Live Here, a collaborative reporting project focused on solutions to the affordable housing crisis in Charlotte. It is a project of the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative, which is supported by the Local Media Project, an initiative launched by the Solutions Journalism Network with support from the Knight Foundation to strengthen and reinvigorate local media ecosystems. See all of our reporting at charlottejournalism.org.

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Community — Finding, Losing and Reshaping Spiritual Reflections

BY Rev. Paul Whiting | Guest Contributor

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came out to a plethora of support groups: icebreakers; faith groups; outdoor groups. Of course, there was no global Internet then. Even with the emergence of AIDS, a year later, communities came together to support, protect and care for one another. I worked for a group in the UK, MESMAC — Men Experiencing Sex with Men: Action in Community, later to evolve into Heathy Gay Manchester.

It was an aggressive safer-sex education program in the community. STDs plummeted as people took precautions to protect themselves and each other from a devastating virus.

Almost 40 years on, the world has faced a new pandemic. For nine months this has impacted our lives in ways most of us hadn’t conceived. However, community has changed; and instead of being able to rise up in support, we find ourselves detached and isolated. Within my own circle of community, my younger brother was the first fatality to COVID-19. None of his family could be with him until his last 24 hours, by which time he was in a coma. Six months on, we’re still wrestling to come to terms with the pain and loss. With so many people whose coming out became a topic of separation with the family, death has triggered many other issues. Sadly, in my family, religion lay at the heart of our disconnect. Ironically, that community has

Find ways to stay connected, maintain faith and reshape the concept of community in the chaos of the pandemic.

(Photo Credit: shine.graphics via Adobe Stock) also faded, leaving me as the sole religious survivor in the family. My brother had a Humanist funeral.

How do we support our community, when we’re not

sure who that community is? Do we have core values that connect us to each other? At Metropolitan Community Church of Charlotte, we have been doing a live broadcast since May. Throughout, we have maintained strict protocols around social distancing; but for 45 minutes each Sunday we provide a focus point around music, thought and virtual community. This was a dramatic change in what we considered community. Instead of a 50 in-person community, we have 150-200 unknown viewers each week. It’s different. How do we interpret love when touch is reduced to bumping elbows, after touch has been so integral to our community?

This year is teaching us that we can’t be everything to all people, and therefore should not promise what we can’t deliver. We’ve been forced into dismantling many of our old concepts of community, but with the opportunity to upcycle them with a redefinition of values we can live into. Be passionate with redesign; be careful with people’s hearts; be kind even when you’re irritated; pray inclusively, but, above all, pursue love boldly and safely. : : Rev. Paul Whiting is pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Charlotte.

Managing Your Mental Health and Your Pets Mental Health

BY Stanley Popovich | guest WRITER

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any people who struggle with depression, anxiety and other mental health issues sometimes have a difficult time taking care of their pets.

As a result, here are six ways on how to take care of your pets while you deal with your mental health issues.

1. Do what is most important.

It is important that you take care of your pet’s main needs when you are struggling with your anxieties. Feeding your pet, making sure they are healthy and making sure they are living in a safe environment are most important.

Remember to focus on your pet’s basic needs when you are having a difficult time in managing your anxieties.

2. Ask for help.

If you have trouble taking care of your pets, ask a friend or relative for some help. Some days can be tough to manage when your mental health issues get the best of you. Your friends or relatives will be happy to help you out if you are struggling with your anxieties and fears.

3. Consider using a pet sitter.

There are many pet sitters who would be willing to

basis. Try to learn from your experiences provide some assistance in makon how you can take care of yourself and ing sure your pet is taken care your pets. This will help you the next time of while you are struggling with you struggle with your mental health your mental health. Anxiety and because you will be better able to take depression can come and go for care of your pets when your anxieties are some people. As a result, some out of control. days are better than others. Use 6. Talk to your veterinarian. the services of a pet sitter when Talk to your pet’s veterinarian on how you need it. to take care of your mental health and 4. Plan ahead. your pet at the same time. Remember If you know you struggle with Taking care of oneself and one’s pets in the that many people who deal with depresyour mental health, don’t wait midst of a mental health crisis is essential. sion and anxiety have pets. The key is until the last minute to figure (Photo Credit: Halfpoint via Adobe Stock) knowing what to do when your mental out how to take care of your health issues get the best of you. Now pets. Develop a plan so when is the time to plan ahead when it comes to taking care of your mental health issues get the best of you, you will your pets. : : know what to do. This will give you the peace of mind that your pets are being taken care of while you get back on Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing your feet.

Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant 5. Learn from your past experiences.

Methods.” For information, visit managingfear.com.

Many people struggle with their anxieties on a regular

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Moving Beyond The Evil Queens Tell Trinity

BY Trinity | CONTRIBUTING WRITER Dear Trinity, I’m a drag queen who competes in pageants.

So many of the queens are so evil to me for some reason. Is there hope for a nice queen?

Drag Dramas, Fort Lauderdale, FL Dear Drag Dramas, Let me read you, “A Drag Queen’s Tale.”

Long ago on a small island ruled by drag queens and their admirers, there lived the talented Nicely Nicely. One day she entered a pageant with Hatefully Yours, the island’s most evil queen. But because everyone was so jealous, no one told Nicely Nicely just how evil Hatefully Yours could be.

One stormy, pageant night Hatefully Yours switched out Nicely Nicely’s lip-sync CD just before she hit the stage. To make a long pageant short, Hatefully Yours won and was flown to Las Vegas for an International Pageant. Nicely Nicely, who lost, was flown to a rehab clinic in West Hollywood, Calif. where she met and married Moses, a rich, Jewish, gay doctor, and they lived happily ever after. Unfortunately, while Hatefully Yours was in Vegas, her hotel room caught fire, destroyed all her CD’s, makeup and drag, and she was never able to recover again. So remember, pumpkin, “It’s not as important why someone is nasty but rather who, in the end, marries the doctor.”

Kisses, Trinity

Q-mmunity

connections

Hey Trinity, When this pandemic is over, I want to go to my first circuit party. What should I expect?

Sincerely, Circuit Wonders, LA, CA Hey Circuit Wonders, Circuit parties are full of really cute, hunky and “happy” guys. There are often drugs and alcohol and lots of famous DJ’s. Plus, there’s usually an outfit or color theme, i.e., Montreal’s Black & Blue and Miami’s Winter (White) Party. Have fun, but, darling, be aware that if the eye candy doesn’t kill you the drugs just may. (Oy! So many men, so

much trouble one can get into. Check out my cartoon for some guidance!)

Hello Trinity, My new boyfriend invited me to go with him on a business trip to Alaska. When he discovered my matching earmuffs, mittens, boots and coat, he sweetly asked me to “upscale” my wardrobe. What should I do?

Yours, Wardrobe Woes, Madison, WI Hello Wardrobe Woes, Love means compromising, not accessorizing. Matching winter outfits work great at the annual Antarctica Gay Pride Ice Parade, but for everywhere else a nice leather, tweed or lamb skin jacket, over anything

smart, will entice him into inviting you on more trips. Remember, honey, simple (and I mean simple) but stylish scarves, hats and gloves can promise you’ll see the world with him. Lastly, forget loud patterns on business trips, it trips out the straight businessmen.

Good luck, Trinity Dearest Trinity, I recently got laid off again thanks to COVID-19. I have some money saved, but I’m bored to death. What now?

Jobless, Seattle, WA Dearest Jobless In Seattle, Besides signing up for unemployment, sweetie, here’s:

Trinity’s Smart Tips For What To Do Once You’ve Been Laid Off

1. VOLUNTEER for a religious group, soup kitchen, retirement home or a political campaign.

2. V ISIT and social distance with friends or family, go to museums, virtual concerts or cultural events and enjoy this time off.

3. TAKE online classes in American history, art history, world history or the history of how you keep getting laid off.

4. M OVE to a new location. Turn this challenge into an adventure.

5. C LEAN out your basement, closet or garage and have a yard sale.

6. S tart a HOBBY like painting, drawing, sculpting or making art from the junk you discovered while cleaning out your place.

7. P UT DOWN the anti-depressants, get on the Internet and LOOK for a full-time J.O.B.!

8. J OIN a gym, get a yoga teacher or join a “post COVID-19 vaccine” athletic group, i.e., hiking, baseball or (job) hunting.

9. B ut DON’T start exercising your addictions for drugs, sex or becoming a couch potato!

10. L astly, BECOME an advice columnist, writer, comedian, actor and recording artist. It worked for me! : : With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries. org, Gay Spirituality for the Next Generation! Learn more at telltrinity.com.

Send emails to: trinity@telltrinity.com.

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Your Card Can Go Here for as little as $22 Every Two Weeks

life Allies

continued from page 8

Brittany and Michael Kelly, owners of The Mercantile store in Rock Hill, S.C., store show their support for the LGBTQ community while sporting a set of rainbow wings.

man who was Michael’s landlord and boss at the time “a pastor, an atheist and a transgender woman and were also heavily involved in the fashion industry and walk into a church. No joke. Courtesy of Myers Park were around a lot of individuals who were LGBTQ. Just Baptist Church.” keeping those relationships alive and staying connected Considered a suburb of Charlotte, N.C. just across with the good friends we made during that time was a big the state line is Rock Hill, S.C. where an LGBTQ allipart of why Michael and I became LGBTQ allies.” ance has begun sprouting with local business owners Another business owner in Rock Hill, Rob Masone, chef doing their part as allies of the community. and owner of Kre8 Events & Xperiences Inc. is another local Brittany and Michael Kelly, owners of the eclectic ally of the community. Masone said from meeting people general store-inspired gift shop, The Mercantile, who were LGBTQ individuals through his involvement in the hosted a drag race/drag show event earlier this year entertainment and event industry had a lasting impression to promote LGBTQ youth anti-bullying. The Kelly’s and played a big part in him becoming an ally. both have deep roots in the LGBTQ community that “Through my work, centered in the entertainment and inspired them to become allies. event industry, I have met so Michael Kelly said his many wonderful and amazclose relationship with a ing members of the LGTBQ colleague who was like a community that have touched mentor to him sparked his my life in many ways,” said affinity for LGBTQ people Masone. “Listening to them and doing what he could speak about their specific jourdo to show his support. neys, along with the trials and Brittany Kelly, a former field obstacles they face on a daily director in Washington, basis, is extremely touching.

D.C., said that it was the This has helped motivate me to people she came to know stand up and help speak out on and love in her social circle their behalf when necessary.” and professional network From businesses to reliwho were LGBTQ people gious organizations, people that fueled her fight and have started standing up and inspired her allyship and speaking out on behalf of the advocacy efforts.

LGBTQ community. With each “In 2005, Michael and measure of compassion and I had just met and were empathy shown by these allies hanging out a good bit in Rob Masone, chef and owner of Kre8 Events & the ripple effect of LGBTQ alCharlotte,” said Brittany Xperiences Inc. in Rock Hill, S.C. prepares food using lyship and advocacy continues Kelly. “We spent a lot of molecular gastronomy. to spread. : : time with a prominent gay

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Frank Talk

An Interview with Actor Peter Macdissi

BY Gregg Shapiro | Guest Contributor

Paul Bettany (center) in the lead roll of ‘Uncle Frank’ along with Sophia Lillis (left) and Peter Macdissi (right) in a scene from the film. The production is a project of Amazon Studios and comes from screenwriter and director Alan Ball. (Photo Credit: EPK TV)

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ncle Frank” (Amazon Studios), the second fulllength feature from gay, Oscar-winning screenwriter and director Alan Ball (“True Blood,” “Six Feet Under”), takes us back to the last half of the 20th century, and the less tolerant South.

Frank (Paul Bettany) escaped the strangulation of his southern roots and headed for Manhattan, where he could be himself. During a family visit, he bonds with his bright, young niece Beth (Sophia Lillis), whom he encourages to consider applying to college in New York when the time comes. His words of support pay off and she gets into New York University. But Beth’s education doesn’t only take place in the classroom, as she is soon immersed in the world of her uncle and his lover Walid (Peter Macdissi).

Following the death of Frank’s homophobic father Mac (Stephen Root), the unlikely trio returns to the family homestead, leading to lots of emotional fireworks. Even with a cast that includes Bettany, Margo Martindale, Steve Zahn and Judy Greer, it is Macdissi (who is also Ball’s life partner) from whom we are unable to look away. Viewers who recognize him from previous roles, including those in “Six Feet Under” and “True Blood,” will be surprised and delighted at his performance, which is sweet, sassy and the source of much-needed comic relief. I spoke with Macdissi about the movie in November 2020.

Gregg Shapiro: What was it about the character of Walid in “Uncle Frank” that appealed to you as an actor?

Peter Macdissi: As an actor, what appealed to me is that it was something I had never done before. It was a character who was super positive, super loving and generous. He was sunshine. He was a ray of light. I even asked Alan [Ball], “Are you sure I’m the best actor for this part?” Because I’m normally cast as edgy, intense characters. That was very refreshing and original to play something like that, that I had never done before.

GS: Because of the late 1960s and early 1970s setting of “Uncle Frank,” the characters get to wear some groovy period clothing. Did you have a favorite ensemble that you wore in the movie?

PM: [Laughs] Actually, I did! There were a couple of items I really enjoyed. The scene in the car when he follows Frank,

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and they have this discussion outside the car. There was that super-cool shirt that I really wanted to keep after wrapping, but I didn’t get to. There were some cool [costume] pieces.

GS: Uncle Frank, the title character, takes a genuine interest in his niece Beth and encourages her to explore the world beyond her small South Carolina town. Did you have an Uncle Frank or someone like him in your life?

PM: Oh, absolutely! But it wasn’t an uncle; it was my older sister Laura. She was my mentor in so many ways. I was younger than Beth. I was maybe six or seven years old.

She would buy me a book every week from the book shop, and I would read the book. I would be excited for the next book she would bring me. I guess she was my mentor in terms of the importance of reading and being knowledgeable and things getting better in life. It was she who was the first person to instill these principles in me.

GS: Do you have any nieces and nephews, and if so, are you an Uncle Frank to any of them?

PM: I do have one niece, but she’s like 10 months old. I haven’t gotten to be an Uncle Frank to her yet, but I’m looking forward to it.

GS: Beth and her friend Bruce crash a party at Walid and Frank’s which results in Frank coming out to Beth in front of Walid in an emotional scene. Later, Walid talks about how what Frank did aroused him. What did you think of the way that the movie strikes a balance between seriousness and humor?

PM: Alan Ball is the king of that. If you check his work, not just Uncle Frank, all his work, he’s a master of marrying the drama with the comedy. His work is very deep, very moving, very empathetic to the human condition. He has tremendous amounts of compassion for his characters.

Nevertheless, he never forgets the importance of entertainment; getting laughter in between. He’s super at that. I don’t think anybody does it as well as he does.

GS: After Frank’s father dies, “Uncle Frank” becomes a road movie with some surprises. The road movie comes from a long cinematic tradition. Do you have a

favorite road movie?

PM: I keep getting asked this question. “Lady Bird,” about the mother and daughter, with the actress Laurie Metcalf who was in Roseanne. That was a kind of road movie. That was the last one I saw.

GS: In a diner, Frank tells Beth how he met Walid. How did you meet your partner, writer/director Alan Ball?

PM: I shy away from private stuff because I don’t think it has anything to do with the work. But [I will say] it was an introduction agency. At the time, we didn’t have all these apps and all this technology. But I think it was through an introduction agency, how we met.

GS: There is a touching scene when Walid calls his widowed mother in Saudi Arabia from a payphone. Do you or did you have a good relationship with your family?

PM: Yes. I am very close to both my siblings and my parents. We’re quite close, I would say.

GS: Would you say that there are rewards and challenges to working with Alan, as you have done for several years?

PM: We sometimes have different opinions about things that we fight for. But not major things. It’s never like a crucial element about the project. Little things, here and there, sometimes crop up. We share the same sensibility in so many ways. We understand each other and we complement each other. I feel super lucky and privileged to have a job like that, actually.

GS: Have you started working on or thinking about your next movie project?

PM: We are working on the next project, but I cannot say anything about it because it’s not yet greenlit. It’s a very exciting project. Completely different from “Uncle Frank.” I can’t wait to be able to start working on it because it’s super original and exciting. It’s really cool. You would never guess what it is. Seriously, I’m going to remind you next time I talk to you when the project comes out!

GS: That’s a deal! : :

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