QNotes, Dec. 20, 2013-Jan. 2, 2014

Dec. 20 . 2013 - Jan. 2 . 2014

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qnotes news & features

arts.

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Austin leadsnews. withviews. passion 6 News Notes: Regional Briefs 7 Leaders say schools must be safer 10 Charlotte center board makes changes 11 News Notes: National/Global Briefs 13 2013: Banner year 15 2013: People of the Year 16 2013: Most read stories 18 2013: Community milestones

a&e / life&style

❝ I think one of the things we are understanding is that people are people, and at the end of the day, people want an elected official who will listen to them, try to address many of their problems and hopefully they can share in the prosperity of Charlotte. ❞ — Charlotte City Councilmember Al Austin on his public service.

See story on page 5.

20 Tell Trinity 22 Q Events Calendar 23 Jane’s World

❝ She taught us that leadership didn’t have to be about your title ... It was about lifting people up, inspiring them, embracing them and picking them up when they fall and, yes, it was about making them feel like they really, really matter. ❞

opinions & views

— Nation Hahn on his late wife, progressive strategist Jamie Kirk Hahn, who passed away this year.

See more on page 16.

4 Editor’s Note 4 Spiritual Reflections 19 QPoll

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qnotes connect Dec. 20, 2013-Jan. 2, 2014 • Vol 28 • No 17

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

contributors this issue Paige Braddock, Matt Comer, Lainey Millen, Bishop Tonyia M. Rawls, Trinity

front page

Graphic Design by Lainey Millen Photography: Matt Comer Mission:

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

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editor’s note

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

A Boy Scout remembers a powerful 2013 As each year comes to a close, each of us have the opportunity to pause and reflect on what the passing year has meant to us. For me, the year was especially powerful and memorable.

Nearly 14 years ago now, I was a 14-yearold, recently-out Boy Scout, admitting to my friends and family that I am gay, just a mere three months before the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in BSA v. Dale, in which the justices upheld the Scouts’ right to set their own membership and leadership standards discriminating against gay youth and adults. I hadn’t a clue that being gay was forbidden by Scout policy, but after coming out, the deal was done. The next fall as a freshman in high school, I began a gay-straight alliance, news of which was reported by my local hometown paper. For standing up against bullying and for fairness and equality, I was dismissed from Scouting.

The fellow boys in my troop and our leaders had become family to me and Scouting gave me a creative outlet in which to learn and explore what it meant to be a good citizen, student, son and brother. Indeed, I would not be the person I am today without the life-long lessons and principles I learned as a Scout. When I was dismissed, the feeling of rejection was astounding and it informed much of my adolescent activism and still affects me greatly today.

So, it was with great excitement and anticipation that I digested the news early this year that the Boy Scouts were considering dropping their anti-gay ban. I followed the news closely, and began working again with current and former Scouts I knew, many of whom had banded together in various advocacy groups, like the Inclusive Scouting Network and Scouts for Equality, along with the help of GLAAD and others, to push for inclusion.

In May, we met near Dallas, Texas, for the 2013 Equal Scouting Summit. In our hotel, across the street from where the Boy Scouts of America National Council would determine the fate of thousands of young gay boys and men, we turned to raising awareness and inviting National Council members to speak with us on matters of inclusion.

Awaiting the Council’s decision on May 23, I was sitting next to Zach Wahls, the straight ally Eagle Scout who had brought so much attention and awareness to the issue, and my good friend Mark Noel, whose dedication to inclusive Scouting is nearly unmatched, when we received the first text message sharing the news. Applause, smiles, hugs and tears followed. I had once imagined that when the news came I’d be similarly ecstatic and overjoyed. But, I sat silently, almost in shock. Could it really be, I asked myself.

I later reflected on that moment on my personal blog (interstateq.com/archives/5476/), three days after the national vote and after I’d returned home to Charlotte.

I had finally had the time to begin fully digesting what had happened and had received a special note via Facebook.

I wrote at the time, “On my way back home from Texas, I read a message from a young Scout: ‘Thank you for standing up for me and all like me,’ he said. And, that’s when it began to hit. I’ve re-read that message over and over and over, my eyes watering more and more each time. I’ve cried more during the time I’ve written this reflection. Because, now, I’ve realized that all this work, all this time, all this pain and all these memories — all of it last week culminated after thirteen years to make a difference for someone else. Someone I might never know.”

I continued, “Somewhere, in some troop in some city in this great nation, a young boy just now growing into a young man who realizes he is different will be spared the rejection I once faced.

He will be able to look his peers in the eyes with pride and honesty. He will be able to work with his childhood friends to achieve a dream he’s had since elementary school. Together, they’ll become better leaders, better citizens, better neighbors. And, they’ll do it, because a Scout is a friend to all. They’ll do it, because a Scout is kind. They’ll do it, because a Scout never turns his back on those in need of support and help.

They’ll do it because they will realize that what is best about Scouting is also what is best about America, a place where all are created equal, where all are respected, where all are endowed with certain rights no one else can take away.”

The work to make the Boy Scouts a more equal, inclusive space for all youth is not over. It’s not over by a long shot. Gay leaders — including young adults as young as 18 — are still denied participation. The work for change will continue.

But, this year was a start — a phenomenal, life-altering change for boys and young men in Scouting and just another example of the ways we are all working together to make change for the better. I am proud to be a part of that legacy and able to live out today the lessons taught to me as a young Scout.

I hope that you, too, can look back over the past year and see the ways in which you helped to create your own change — in your family or among your friends, in local or state government, among communities in need of social or economic justice or in national or international advocacy work. Because, it’s with our personal involvement, courage and commitment that movements for change will outlive 2013, carrying on into the next year, the next decade and longer. : :

Editor: Matt Comer, x202 editor@goqnotes.com Copy Editor: Maria Dominguez Production: Lainey Millen, x205 production@goqnotes.com Printed on recycled paper.

Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2013 and may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of the editor or publisher. Advertisers assume full responsibility — and therefore, all liability — for securing reprint permission for copyrighted text, photographs and illustrations or trademarks published in their ads. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, cartoonists we publish is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or photographs does not indicate the subject’s sexual orientation. qnotes nor its publisher assumes liability for typographical error or omission, beyond offering to run a correction. Official editorial positions are expressed in staff editorials and editorial notations and are determined by editorial staff. The opinions of contributing writers and guest columnists do not necessarily represent the opinions of qnotes or its staff. qnotes accepts unsolicited editorial, but cannot take responsibility for its return. Editor reserves the right to accept and reject material as well as edit for clarity, brevity.

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spiritual reflections

by Bishop Tonyia M. Rawls :: guest contributor

The true Spirit of Christ is about more than things When thinking of the holiday season, I remember the weeks and days leading up to Christmas as some of the most exciting of the year. As a child raised in a Baptist home, I liked the colors of Christmas, the sounds, smells and lights; but most of all I, like all of the kids I knew, loved the giving and receiving of things. Over the years, I grew to understand that it is not things, but a spirit of broad welcome, service and love that reflects the true Spirit of Christ at Christmas.

Over the past several years, I have been in deep reflection about the power of Christian ministry as a whole. As the founding pastor of Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte, a predominately LGBTQ African-American congregation, I have entered into a space that I believe Love draws many of us to, if we continue to follow its path.

This place leaves us with the question — what more is God calling us to give and receive?

The Christ Spirit is not denominational in its construct nor is it owned by any one faith tradition. It does not boast of its membership numbers nor condemn people based on narrow views of who God is and what God accepts.

The Christ Spirit is universal and consistently challenges us to reach further, dig deeper and

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never rest on what or who we last understood God to be. God will always be bigger.

The Christ Spirit called the Apostle Paul to reach beyond the Jewish community to the gentiles. It called Catholic nun Mother Theresa to this place she called “the call beyond the call,” which led her to leave the convent and venture out to live among the poor in India. The same Spirit called Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. beyond the walls of the Black church and into the domestic struggle for workers’ rights and the international fight against the Vietnam war.

The Christ Spirit has also called me to serve in a broader pasture. While I have served within the Unity Fellowship Church Movement for the past 16 years and served as pastor of Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte for 13, the still speaking God has now called us to open the table more broadly so that space is made for more of the human family. This mission has led to the establishment of Sacred Souls Community Church, a progressive Christian ministry that will also reach out to our heterosexual neighbors and others. Our work will be done at the intersections of faith and justice.

Dec. 31, 2013, will be my last service as

pastor of Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte. It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve as shepherd of that flock. The church will continue under new leadership and will be relocating to a soon-to-be announced location in Charlotte. God’s love has blessed us all tremendously during this transition and for that I am grateful. Jan. 5, 2014, will be the first service of Sacred Souls Community Church. Services will be held 11a.m. on Sundays at 2127 Eastway Dr., in Charlotte. The table is now truly set for the “whosoever will” of the human family.

This holiday season, why not think of more than things. Instead, think of the true Christ Spirit that always challenges us to look at the sacredness of every soul and find ways to give and receive more joy, peace, support, and most of all, love. Happy Holidays from our family to yours. : : — Bishop Tonyia M. Rawls is a national religious leader, social justice activist and strong supporter of LGBTQ rights. She is pastor of Sacred Souls Community Church and founder and executive director of The Freedom Center for Social Justice, which recently launched the region’s first LGBTQ Law Center and Transgender Employment Program.

news

Austin has local roots, passion Charlotte Council’s Al Austin becomes third openly gay rep, seeks to focus on public safety, housing, transporation and revitalization

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com CHARLOTTE — For native Charlottean Al Austin, his election to help lead his hometown on City Council is the realization of a dream two decades in the making.

“I had worked on a couple of campaigns — Patrick Cannon, James Mitchell, George Dunlap,” Austin told qnotes, sitting in his 15th floor government center office overlooking the Uptown skyline. “I realized it’s a great way to serve the community.”

But, first, Austin said he focused on his career. After more than a decade with the YMCA, most recently as executive director at the McCrorey YMCA, he said “everything kind of fell into place,” and he threw his hat into the ring.

Austin, who works as the major gifts officer at Johnson C. Smith University and lives in Third Ward, had to wade through a challenging primary. He did so successfully, winning a later run-off and the election in November to represent District 2, and now wants to work with his past primary opponents to better the community he’ll represent among his City Council colleagues.

“District 2 is very diverse,” Austin said. “We have some really, really nice communities and then we have some that need help. I want to focus on those.”

Austin is a part of his community’s history; he was raised in the Lincoln Heights Community near Lasalle and Erie Sts. He’s also among Charlotte’s rich diversity, making history by becoming the third openly gay or lesbian person to serve in public office in the city, following District 3’s Councilmember LaWana Mayfield and the temporary service in District 1 by businessman Billy Maddalon.

But, Austin’s sexuality was never an issue in his campaign this fall.

“I look at this way, and my sister put it best — I don’t run away from it, but I don’t put it on a billboard, either,” Austin said. “I think one of the things we are understanding is that people are people, and at the end of the day, people want an elected official who will listen to them, try to address many of their problems and hopefully they can share in the prosperity of Charlotte.”

Austin, who spoke with qnotes on the record for the first time about his sexual orientation, said his desire to run for office was informed by a chance to serve and represent all people. He said he focused on important issues needing solutions. “I focused on the issues,” he said. “Public safety was an issue, affordable housing was an issue, the LYNX Gold Line and its ability to transform our community was an issue. We stayed on message and on focus.”

The result was that most voters cared more about Austin’s solutions than his personal identity.

“Many people in the community were aware of my sexuality, but it really wasn’t a big thing to them,” Austin said.

And, ultimately, that’s a good sign for progress in Charlotte, Austin said.

The community is moving forward on a wide range of issues, including LGBT acceptance. Austin wants the city to move forward in building community and growth, particularly for portions of West Charlotte he now represents.

He’s especially fond of the Gold Line, a new streetcar line planned to run from East Charlotte, through Uptown and into West Charlotte. “[It] could be very transformative for the West side,” Austin said.

“Nothing has really changed or transformed that northwest corridor in many, many years.

We now see Johnson C. Smith and other businesses along there working to help revive it, to transform it.”

That corridor, said Austin, is one of “the main arteries into the city once you come off I-85.”

Austin added, “It should reflect a very prideful community that is an African-American community. Many of those residents fought in the community through the Civil Rights era.”

From the time he was young, growing up in Charlotte in the 1970s, Austin said he has seen the city change for the better. He wants that change to come to West Charlotte.

“We are becoming a melting pot and I think that’s a good thing,” he said. “We are seeing communities now that in District 2 have historically been African-American and now we are having more Caucasians move into those communities and more Hispanics. We have a great diversity of people along Beatties Ford, and I don’t think people have realized that.”

In order to really affect change, Austin wants to see new corporations and businesses invest in the West. To do that, he’ll first focus on public safety and other important, immediate needs.

While he works, he’ll be constantly reminding people to unite and pull together to make Charlotte a better place for all.

“I do think people need to overcome some perceptions,” Austin said. “Right or wrong, there are perceptions about the West side. It’s a great place. We’ve got communities of retired teachers and professionals.”

Austin added, “There have been some notso-great things that may have happened in the area, but don’t paint the whole community as being bad.” : :

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Freedom Center celebrates one year of successes

Fundraiser jump starts new year

WINSTON-SALEM — Theater Alliance will mount a staged reading of “As Is” as a special fundraiser for the Adam Foundation in observance of its 25th year on Jan. 3-4, 8 p.m., at 1047 W. Northwest Blvd.

This Tony-nominated play by William H. Hoffman is set in 1985 in New York City. It tells the story of Rich and Saul, who, after breaking up, find out that Rich has AIDS. It is a poignant piece that is both humorous and moving as it traverses their tale.

The project is being funded by the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth.

Though the admission is free, contributions will be accepted at the door. info/reservation: wstheatrealliance.org.

— L.M.

ASO kicks off social event

Kelly Durden, left standing, and Sarah Demarest, right standing, discuss the work of the LGBTQ Law Center, with Freedom Center for Social Justice founder Bishop Tonyia Rawls seated left.

CHARLOTTE — An organization founded to address the needs of low-income and diverse members of the LGBT community celebrated its first year and accomplishments at a fundraiser in Charlotte on Dec. 12.

About 40 people gathered at the historic Wadsworth Estate in Wesley Heights for the Freedom Center for Social Justice’s Free to Shine fundraising event. There, founder Bishop Tonyia Rawls and center staff shared many of their accomplishments this year and asked for the community’s support as it grows into next year.

“I’ve been impressed not only with the [center’s] vision but also the great people behind that vision,” said Jessica, a volunteer and client who received support from the Freedom Center’s LGBTQ Law Center. “They see the need for positive change in the community.”

Jessica, who is transgender, received support in legally changing her name and her gender marker. She’s also since enrolled in community college. The support she received, Jessica said, has been instrumental in her personal achievements.

“The more people who get involved the greater the vision will become,” Jessica said, noting that center staff have a “spirit full of hope, selflessness and aspiration.”

The Freedom Center for Social Justice has its roots in several local and national projects, like local tutoring for students and the annual TransFaith In Color conferences held 2010-2012.

But, the organization was fully established early in 2013. The group has since formed the LGBTQ Law Center, under lead attorney Kelly Durden and attorney Sarah Demarest. The group has also established its Transgender Employment Program and its Transgender Faith and Action Network will take up the work previously done by the annual TransFaith conferences.

The LGBTQ Law Center has taken a front-and-center role this year, working with local partners and traveling the state for free legal clinics and presentations. Demand for its services has remained steady, said organizers. Low-income people and others without the resources to access traditional legal counsel have been coming to the center, which charges either no consultation or legal fees or places people into a sliding fee scale based on income level.

“We want to make sure people get the information they need and the help they are entitled to,” said Durden. “We want to make these services available to all people.”

The Freedom Center has several local partners, including the PowerHouse Project, the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte and Time Out Youth. Freedom Center staff visit with clients and provide assistance at these satellite locations. The group said they are looking forward to growing community partnerships and collaboration in the future.

“Our vision is that we will have a Charlotte that is truly an inclusive space for all,” said Rawls. info: fcsj.org.

— M.C.

Charlotte Pride seeks support

CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Pride is saying goodbye to 2013 with an end-of-year giving campaign to support planning for the area’s 2014 festival and parade in the Queen City.

The funds will enable Charlotte Pride to continue to keep the event free, fun and

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fabulous, organizers said. They want to expand the size and footprint of the 2014 festival and add additional vendors, entertainment and attractions Tax-deductible contributions can be made online. info: charlottepride.org.

— L.M.

Dec. 20 . 2013 - Jan. 2 . 2014

WINSTON-SALEM — The AIDS Care Service will kick off its Dining for Friends event on Jan. 5, 2014, 5 p.m., at Sweet Potatoes, 529 N. Trade St. Attendees will be able to gather ideas, obtain materials packets and meet with others who also will be planning meals.

The fundraiser will culminate with it signature Grand Dessert Finale on Feb. 8, 2014, 8 p.m., at Old Salem Visitor Center, 900 Old Salem Rd. info/registration: aidscareservice. org.

— L.M.

Follow the yellow brick road…

WINSTON-SALEM — In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz,” Pride Winston-Salem is hosting a Wizard of Oz dance party on Jan. 25, 2014, 8 p.m., at Ziggy’s, 170 W. 9th St. A costume contest will take place at midnight.

Be on hand for the official announcement of the theme of the Pride 2014 event.

Admission is $10 at the door with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit Pride. info: pridewinstonsalem.org.

— L.M.

Triangle HRC benefit announced

2014. However, a $20 contribution is requested to cover expenses. All are welcome regardless of ability to pay. Once accepted, participants will receive details on the event location. A release form must be completed for each person attending.

In other news, Arjuna Palomar, a representative of the board, is asking adult allies to consider becoming an iNSIDEoUT sustainer with a monthly contribution to help the group further its work with LGBTQ youth. No amount is too small. Those who wish to participate may go online to pledge support. info/registration: insideout180.org. boardinsideout@gmail.com.

— L.M.

Center to moving to new digs

RALEIGH — The LGBT Center of Raleigh has announced that it is moving from its space at 411 Hillsborough St. to 324 S. Harrington St., effective Jan 2, 2014. They will welcome visitors from 12-6 p.m. and will hold a First Friday Art Reception from 6-9 p.m., when they will offer tours of the facility. Guest artist for January is Chuck Rose. “This will be a great opportunity to see the space and just how much potential it has!” said James Miller, center executive director.

The new location is in the Sperry Building and once housed the Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolinas. The center will continue to offer free and confidential HIV/STD testing from the Alliance.

The larger location offers several amenities, including a large activity room/gathering space, boardroom, kitchenette area, two executive offices, a private meeting room available for use by community organizations, ample storage facilities, gender-neutral restrooms and shared use of the parking lot behind the building. The new space enables the center to build upon its successful programming and outreach services to LGBT people and their allies across age, gender and cultural spectrums. Among these programs are the Transgender Initiative, Youth and Family Initiative, SAGE Raleigh senior outreach, and Affirming Faith Forum. The space also allows for the center’s library, already the state’s largest LGBT community lending library, to double the size of its holdings.

DURHAM — A night of spoken word and performance art event, along with a silent auction, will be held on Jan. 19, 2014, 7:30 p.m., to benefit the Human Rights Campaign at Fullsteam Brewery, 726 Rigsbee Ave. For those inspired, an open mic will take place after the presentations. info: fullsteam.ag.

— L.M.

Youth group to host retreat

DURHAM — iNSIDEoUT will hold Fab-U-Fest, a winter retreat, on Jan. 24-26, 2014, at a private location.

The festivities begin on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. and end on Jan. 26 at 8:30 a.m.

The weekend will be filled with workshops and activities run by GSA/QSA volunteers and various volunteer/non-profit organizations from across North Carolina. ORDS, a queer youth music group, will be on hand as well.

All participants are asked to bring a sleeping bag, as well as clothing, toiletries, medications, personal care items, cards, games and films. Food will be provided. No tobacco, illegal drugs or alcohol are permitted.

Registration is free and is due by Jan. 17,

“We’re one step closer to the community center that we’ve all dreamed about,” Miller commented. “We’re a small center located in the South and people may have preconceived notions about that, but our community is just as dedicated and committed as any other in the United States. And, with over twice as much square footage, we’re going to be able to do a lot more,” he added.

A virtual tour is available online. info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

— L.M. and releases

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news

Leaders say schools must be safer GLSEN celebrates completion of national Safe Space Kits Campaign with last kit delivery in Charlotte

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com CHARLOTTE — About 50 people gathered on Dec. 11 for a panel discussion on making schools safer for LGBT students, as the executive director of a national LGBT organization participated in celebration of her group’s successful nationwide safe schools campaign.

Eliza Byard, executive director of the New York City-based Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), came to Charlotte’s Time Out Youth Center on Wednesday to participate in the panel discussion. She spoke about GLSEN’s efforts to ensure safer climates for LGBT youth across the country and asked community members to help make change locally.

“We’ve see a lot of progress but that progress is under attack,” Byard said. “We have to be vigilant about efforts to roll back what we’ve achieved.”

In North Carolina, LGBT students are protected under a 2009 law which added sexual orientation and gender identity to statewide anti-bullying regulations.

But, Byard said nothing can be taken for granted. She pointed to Gov. Pat McCrory’s recent decision to appoint Winston-Salem/ Forsyth County and North Carolina Boards of Education member Buddy Collins to the state’s Task Force on Safer Schools. Collins has a history of anti-LGBT statements and an anti-LGBT

Panelists enjoy some light laughter after a student’s joke during discussion. L-R: GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard, Freedom Center for Social Justice’s Bishop Tonyia Rawls, school counselor Myque Harris and students Dean Hill and Brandon Perez. File Photo

record as a local school board member.

“Buddy Collins’ appointment is a slap in the face to the men, women and students across North Carolina who are trying to make our schools safer places,” she said.

Byard was joined at the panel by Equality North Carolina Executive Director Chris Sgro.

His organization has also spoken out against Collins’ appointment and recently brought attention to the state’s new private school voucher program, which will allow some private schools which discriminate against LGBT students to receive public dollars.

Sgro’s group had criticized Wilmington, N.C. Myrtle Grove Christian School for their anti-LGBT admission policy while also being eligible for state money. He called the such a possibility “disturbing.” Though Myrtle Grove has announced it will not accept new voucher program scholarships, other schools which discriminate are free to do so.

Bishop Tonyia Rawls, founder of the Freedom Center for Social Justice, said programs like the new vouchers don’t ensure equal access for all students.

“We must fight, at all costs, to ensure that this state remains equal not just for some, but

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News Notes continued from page 6

ENC seeks ‘friends’

RALEIGH — Equality NC (ENC) is on the hunt for a few more friends. They are trying to top the 50,000 mark on Facebook fans.

“If every Equality NC supporter…likes our page, we’ll easily eclipse 100,000 on Facebook and not only be able to more readily push out important information and activate folks around crucial LGBT issues, but also send a strong message that people from all over care about building a state of equality in the South,” said Jen Jones, ENC’s director of communications. In fact, she’s so dedicated to the cause that she pledged that for every “like” up to 50,000 (from 49,950), she will donate $1. She also encourages everyone to email their friends to join in the initiative. info: facebook.com/equalitync. equalitync.org.

— L.M.

Radio season begins

RALEIGH — The Gay Christian Network has announced the launch of its 2013-14 podcast season.

Carried on subscriber-based iTunes or via XML feed, Founder Justin Lee brings the latest features on music, discussion on issues and conducts guest interviews.

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On Nov. 13, he spoke with Jane Clementi, mother of Tyler Clementi, a gay university student who committed suicide. They talked about grief, loss and how to move on.

On Dec. 5, Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, who was associated with the Institute for Welcoming Resources and an United Church of Christ minister and a Side A (for those in gay relationships or wish to be someday) Christian leader, shared her reflections on her most current work. She also discussed how she gained her passion for social justice while growing up in a progressive church.

In other news, the network has compiled a free resource on Lee’s research and interview with secular and Christian students on 20 college campuses during his cross country travels. The project was made possible by a grant from the Arcus Foundation. The information and video are available online. info: gaychristian.net.

— L.M.

Students stand up for equality

CHAPEL HILL — Members of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Athletic Department have released a video for the national You Can Play Project, a Denver, Colo.based organization working to raise awareness of LGBT inclusion in athletics.

Chapel Hill’s video includes student athletes from the school’s basketball, football, gymnastics, golf, swimming and other sports teams. In it, students and staff tell all athletes, “If you can play, you can play.”

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The video release follows a similar video released by student athletes at Duke University earlier this year and two other videos made by professional hockey teams in Charlotte and Raleigh (goqnotes.com/23050/).

See the Chapel Hill “Tar Heels for Equality” video and others online at goqnotes. com/26538/.

— M.C.

Regional Jewish retreat slated

FALLS VILLAGE, Conn. — Keshet will be holding an LGBTQ and ally teen Shabbaton for ages 14-18 from April 4-6 in partnership with the Freedman Jewish Retreat Center, 116 Johnson Rd. This unique event is for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming, asexual, queer, pansexual, questioning and ally Jewish teens. More importantly, it embraces everyone no matter how observant they may be.

A Shabbaton is a weekend-long gathering that includes Jewish education, Sabbath celebration, fun, camaraderie and more. At this event, attendees will be encouraged to spend time in art or music-making projects, as well as be open to sharing their stories with others.

At the close of the event, participants will have the opportunity to commit to working for great inclusion in schools, synagogues and youth movements.

Welcoming and affirming Jewish congregations in the Carolinas, such as Asheville, Congregation Beth Ha Tephilia and Congregation Beth Israel; Charlotte, Havurat Tikvah and Temple Beth El; and Chapel Hill, Kehillah Synagogue, and others are encouraged to send their youth to this event.

Early bird registration is $18 for all programs if completed by Jan. 31, 2014. Afterward it rises to $36 until Feb. 28, 2014. Glatt Kosher meals and housing are included. Parents are required to sign a permission form, as well as provide their medical consent for treatment. Travel scholarship assistance is available on a limited-needs basis.

Sponsors for the event include Hazon, UJA Federation of New York, B’nai Brith Youth Organization, National Federation of Temple Youth, United Synagogue Youth, Camp JRF and J-Serve. info: keshetonline.org.

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

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TOY hosts GLSEN

National campaign celebrated in Charlotte Earlier during the day, Byard was joined by local students, educators and LGBT youth advocates at East Mecklenburg High School to celebrate the completion of GLSEN’s national

Meetings: Program: Time: Membership: Information:

What women shouldn’t retire without A practical financial checklist for the future

continued from page 7 for all of her citizens,” Rawls said.

The panelists were joined by school counselor Myque Harris and two local students.

Brandon Perez, a 16-year-old sophomore at East Mecklenburg High School, said more attention needs to be given to actually enforcing anti-bullying policies already on the books.

“Even though the policies are there, they are not being followed through,” said Perez, who serves as the president of East Meck’s gay-straight alliance and a Time Out Youth board member.

Teachers, Perez said, can’t be everywhere, and they don’t often see the bullying or harassment that happens in locker rooms, court yards or elsewhere on campus.

“It’s those little moments that eventually get to you,” he said, calling for more training and awareness, “We need to emphasize the importance of training school staff better and making them prepared for situations that come up.”

And, too many students, he said, still have no support.

“They have nowhere to go — no support from family, from schools, from friends,” he said. “They’re stuck in this bubble.”

Dean Hill, a 15-year-old sophomore at Olympic High School, said community involvement and events like that on Wednesday help make the change needed. They also give voice to young people.

“I have experience with issues being or needing addressed in the school system,” said Hill, who is president of his school’s gaystraight alliance and also serves as a Time Out Youth board member. ”So many times we are told that we don’t know what we’re talking about because of our age.”

Both Hill and Perez said students have had difficulties keeping their gay-straight alliance or other anti-bullying clubs operating because of continued lack of support and visibility.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Safe Space Kit Campaign, a project specifically designed to increase support and visibility.

The kits, provided to schools for free, include educational information for teachers and other school staff as well as safe space stickers and posters that can be displayed in classrooms as a sign of support for LGBT students. The group partnered earlier this year with Time Out Youth, a local LGBT youth services agency, to distribute the safe space kits to local schools.

Byard’s delivery yesterday marked the end of GLSEN’s three-year national campaign to provide safe space kits to each of the 63,000 middle and high schools across the country.

“We know that one of the single most important things for a student in school is to be able to identify a supportive adult,” Byard told qnotes prior to the panel. The kits’ safe space stickers and posters help students identify teachers or school staff who can help them when facing harassment or bullying. The kits also include educational materials to prepare school staff.

One supportive adult can “save a young person’s life,” Byard said. Having six or more supportive adults at a school can change school culture, trends reflected in GLSEN’s national school climate survey.

“Students who report five, six or more supportive adults available at their school, you see other indicators that they are better off,” Byard said. “They are more likely to feel connected to the school and experiencing less abuse at school.”

GLSEN’s national Safe Space Kit Campaign was assisted by local partnerships across the country. Byard noted the group has 37 chapters nationally and works with local groups like Time Out Youth.

“When it comes right down to it, schools are local institutions, and school governance goes right down to a local level,” Byard said. “What’s absolutely critical is building the kind of relationships that let people in the schools know that support will be there in their community.” : : more: Read more about GLSEN’s safe space campaign and their national shout out to student Brandon Perez and Time Out Youth online at goqnotes.com/26556/

by Judson Gee • JHG Financial Advisors When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. How different things are today!

The good news is that life expectancy for women — as measured by the Centers for Disease Control — is now 81.1 years. The Social Security Administration estimates that the average 65-yearold woman today will live to age 86.1,2 Given these projections, it appears that a retirement of 20 years or longer might be in your future.

Are you prepared for a 20-year retirement?

How about a 30- or 40-year retirement? Don’t laugh, it could happen: the SSA projects that about 25% of today’s 65-year-olds will live past 90, with approximately 10% living to be older than 95.2 How do you begin? How do you draw retirement income off of what you’ve saved, and how could you create other possible income streams?

How do you try and protect your retirement savings and other financial assets?

Talking with a financial professional may give you some good ideas. You want an advisor who walks your walk, who understands the particular challenges that many women face in saving for retirement (time out of the workforce due to childcare or eldercare, maintaining financial equilibrium in the wake of divorce or death of a spouse).

As you have that conversation, you can focus on some of the must-haves.

You should plan your investing. There are some women (and men) who retire with a random collection of investments, and no real strategy. Some may be big on “chasing the return” — assuming risk they really shouldn’t in pursuit of a double-digit yield.

Others may be very risk-averse, so fearful of what stocks might do that they stay out of the market entirely — and in a low interest rate environment, that represents an easy way to fall behind and lose purchasing power to inflation.

You need a middle ground. When you are in your fifties, for example, you have less time to make back any big investment losses than you once did.

So, protecting what you have may be a priority. At the same time, the possibility of a 15-, 20-, or even 30- or 40-year retirement means you may have to keep a foot, if not both feet, in some kind of growth investing. Your initial retirement nest egg would have to keep growing.

Consider long-term care coverage. It is an extreme generalization to say that men die sudden deaths and women die lingering ones; however, women often have longer average life expectancies than men and can require weeks, months or years of eldercare. Medicare is no substitute for LTC insurance; it only pays for 100 days of nursing home care, and only if you get skilled care and enter a nursing home right after a hospital stay of 3 or more days. Long-term care coverage has the potential to provide financial relief if and when the need for LTC arises.3

Claim those Social Security benefits carefully.

If your career and health permit, delaying Social Security could be a wise move for single women.

If you wait until full retirement age to claim your benefits, you could receive 30-40% larger Social Security payments as a result. For every year you wait to claim Social Security, your monthly payments get about 8% larger.4 Married women can look at spousal claiming strategies such as the “file and suspend” approach and claiming spousal benefits first. This may help to maximize the Social Security benefits you and your spouse receive.

Above all, retire with a plan. Have a financial professional who sees retirement through your eyes help you define it on your terms, with a wealth management approach designed for the long term.

Life insurance policies contain exclusions, limitations, reductions of benefits, and terms for keeping them in force. Your financial professional can provide you with costs and complete details.

This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Citations.

1 - cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr61/nvsr61_06.pdf [10/10/12] 2 - ssa.gov/planners/lifeexpectancy.htm [10/10/13] 3 - medicare.gov/coverage/skilled-nursing-facilitycare.html [10/14/13] 4 - money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2012/04/02/what-older-workers-dont-knowabout-social-security [4/2/12] 1-212327 Follow me on Twitter: @JhgFinancial.

Visit me on the Web: www.jhgfinancial.com.

Fee-based asset management and securities offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment adviser. Member SIPC/FINRA

Third Tuesday of every month, except when there is specialized programming, plus monthly socials to promote networking and friendship A wide variety of topics of interest to appeal to the diverse LGBT community After work with a cash bar social and heavy hor d’oeuvres with dinner and program following Visit the website for application options and benefits.

Call 704.565.5075 or email businessguild@yahoo.com for more details or write to The Charlotte Business Guild P.O. Box 33371 | Charlotte, NC 28233

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Charlotte LGBT center votes to open board meetings Also votes to reinstate member structure; Changes follow town hall, community’s call for more accountability

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com CHARLOTTE — The board of directors for the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte voted on Dec. 11 to begin the process of opening their board meetings to the public and reinstate a membership structure, among other changes, according to a summary of their December board meeting.

The summary of the meeting was released on Dec. 13, detailing several other changes decided upon by the center, which had come under scrutiny for their lack of transparency. On Dec. 4, nearly 100 people attended a town hall in which concerns over openness, transparency and board accountability were discussed. The town hall was planned in response to several commentaries from this writer at his personal blog last month.

The center board voted unanimously to open board meetings to the community.

Changes to the bylaws, which currently require closed meetings, will be considered by a bylaws sub-committee and voted on in January, with open meetings expected to begin on Feb. 19. The center noted that the bylaws committee will review “rules and regulations for open meetings,” with the full board approving the new rules in January.

The board also voted to reinstate membership for the organization. The center, founded in 2001, was originally started as member-based organization, but membership was disbanded sometime in 2006 or 2007. A new membership sub-committee will determine the specifics of the new member structure, with potential bylaws changes to be discussed in January.

The board also noted the need for uniformity in its space rental fees. That discussion

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will be held at the January board meeting.

One new board member, Patrice Shannon, was approved to join the board. Shannon, who was instrumental in organizing the center’s new Autumn Jubilee fundraising dinner in October, will serve on both the bylaws sub-committee and membership sub-committee.

She will also serve as a new public relations committee chair; Shannon works as a public relations and brand consultant.

Shannon will also serve on the programming and fundraising committees.

Board member Scott Coleman has resigned, effective Jan. 1, 2014.

Additionally, the center summary noted that the organization has submitted the necessary information to reinstate its charitable solicitation license with the North Carolina Secretary of State. The license expired in August.

The next board meeting is expected to be held on Jan. 15. It will not be open to the public, unless the board specifically votes to open the meeting that night.

To read the full summary of the center’s Dec. 11 board meeting, visit the center’s website at lgbtcharlotte.org or visit the online version of this article at goqnotes.com/26564/. : : Related Community calls for more open, transparent Charlotte LGBT center. Read more about the Dec. 4 town hall at goqnotes.com/26352/.

Annual non-profit survey shows fundraising diversity, strength among local LGBT nonprofits. Read our financial review of local groups at goqnotes.com/26407/.

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National/Global India court upholds sodomy law NEW DELHI — Reversing a 2009 order by a lower court, India’s Supreme Court on Dec. 11 upheld that nation’s colonial-era law criminalizing homosexuality.

The court said lawmakers, not judges, should change the law.

Activists in India reacted with surprise.

“We cannot be forced back into the closet,” said activist Gautam Bhan. “We are not backing off from our fight against discrimination.”

The current law dates back the 1860s during British colonial rule in South Asia. It prohibits “carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal.”

Those found guilty of violating the law can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.

A lower court ruling in 2009 said the law violated fundamental human rights and overturned it. That ruling resulted in a rare alliance between conservative A man holds a protest sign at an LGBT Pride event in New Delhi in 2010.

Photo Credit: Noopur28, via Wikipedia.

Licensed CC.

groups like the All India Muslim Law Board and Christian and Hindu leaders.

An Indian legislator has said the issue may come before Parliament.

India is the world’s largest democracy and, with the ruling, re-criminalizes homosexuality for 17 percent of the world’s total population.

Seventy-seven nations across the globe penalize homosexuality. In some, violations can result in death. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned its crimes against nature statutes in the 2003 decision in Lawrence v. Texas.

— M.C.

Report details Ethiopian struggle

Newsweek published an in-depth report by writer Katie J.M. Baker on Dec. 13, exploring the current struggle for LGBT equality in the African nation of Ethiopia. There, homosexuality

news

is illegal and punishable by prison time, but Baker reports that U.S. and European Christian organizations are funding efforts for harsher laws, similar to those proscribing lengthier prison sentences or death for homosexual behavior passed in nations like Uganda. Activism for LGBT equality is also illegal, and many nongovernmental organizations fear discussing other issues like health and HIV prevention with LGBT residents. Read Baker’s full report online atbit.ly/1fvSVhK. — M.C.

QUICK HITS —————————————————————————————— Shreveport, La., has adopted a new LGBTA New Jersey Senate committee has inclusive non-discrimination ordinance that approved a bill that would require the state protects individuals in employment, housing health officials to issue new birth certificates to and public accommodations. transgender individuals who have completed more: bit.ly/1c5iwPI gender confirmation surgery. more: bit.ly/JnMfHg A European Union commissioner for justice, citizenship and fundamental rights said on Dec. Hearings have begun in a court case chal10 that she would not attend the 2014 Winter lenging Arkansas’ anti-LGBT marriage bans.

Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Commissioner more: bit.ly/1kMlbgD Viviane Reding joins German President Joachim Cauck, who became the first world Northern Ireland has repealed a ban that leader to announce he would boycott the prevented same-sex couples from adopting games over Russia’s human rights record. children. more: bit.ly/1kMlKHi more: bit.ly/1ff5QUp

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2013 YEAR IN REVIEW

A banner year for progress The top stories of 2013 reflect significant local, national achievements compiled by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com 2013 was a year of remarkable change and progress, from the national level all the way down to the local. LGBT community members and organizations saw gains in local and national policy and law, celebrated big with historic wins and came together for forward progress like never before.

Through it all, qnotes was keeping tabs of some of the biggest stories of the year. And, as is tradition, we’re reviewing the biggest news stories and newsmakers of the year in our last print edition of 2013. Below, is our recap of some of the most memorable events and stories this year. We hope you’ll also check out our 2013 People of the Year feature on page 15, our most read online stories this year on page 16 and staffer Lainey Millen’s collection of community milestones and news on page 18.

community members were quite often asking for more transparency. In our Feb. 15-28 issue, editor Matt Comer called the Charlotte City Council to be more open with its deliberations on the Carolina Panthers’ economic incentives. He also argued that local political leaders had misplaced priorities, urging the Council to consider other important issues, like the later successfully passed Capital Improvement Plan, with the same eagerness and vigor with which they defended their discussions on the Panthers’ original $144 million request (they eventually received $89 million). The Panthers’ deal, business incentive programs and other social and economic issues remained at the forefront of local politics throughout the year and in 2013 mayoral and council elections. goqnotes.com/21160/

JANUARY

Landmark local inclusion This year also saw significant strides toward LGBT inclusion and visibility on the local level. On Feb. 4, then-Mayor Anthony Foxx gave his “State of the City” address, as reported in our Feb. 15-28 issue. For what is likely the first or one of the first times, Foxx positively included mention of the LGBT community in his remarks, setting the stage for greater visibility and inclusion later in the year under Mayor Patsy Kinsey. goqnotes.com/20899/

HIV infections rise for young MSM In our Jan. 4-17 issue, qnotes covered the resurgence of HIV/AIDS in the gay community, particularly among young gay, bisexual and MSM (men who have sex with men) men. The data then was disturbing, showing a 22 percent national increase in new HIV infections since 2008 among young MSM ages 13-24. In a second part of the story in our Feb. 1-14 issue , qnotes spoke to local health officials and advocates about their role and work in addressing the rising rates. goqnotes.com/newburden/ President Barack Obama’s second inauguration

Shoemaker steps down Pastor Steven Shoemaker, of Myers Park Baptist Church, stepped down from his role on Feb. 24, as reported in our March 1-14 issue.

Shoemaker had led the local church to greater LGBT inclusion, standing up against bigotry in the Southern and North Carolina Baptist Conventions and in local and state politics. goqnotes.com/21263/ goqnotes.com/21310/ MARCH City in transition

Local org grows Time Out Youth, a local youth services agency for LGBT young people ages 11-20, saw significant growth this year. Early in the year, the group said goodbye to longtime staffer Laurie Pitts, while welcoming three new staffers — Sarah Alwran, O’Neale Atkinson and Micah Johnson — to expand the group’s services. goqnotes.com/21845/

FEBRUARY Charlotte City Manager Ron Carlee, left, and LGBT Community Center of Charlotte Vice Chair Roberta Dunn.

2013 saw the City of Charlotte in transition. Former City Manager Curt Walton

more radical, rightward direction this year.

Their efforts included an attempt to restrict teenagers’ access to medical and mental healthcare, prohibiting those under 18 from recieving prevention, diagnosis and treatment for pregnacy and abortion, sexually-transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, mental health and substance abuse. Additionally, lawmakers floated a bill that would have allowed publicly-funded student organizations at public colleges the right to discriminate based on sexual orientation. Both of the measures failed. goqnotes.com/23136/ goqnotes.com/23134/ JUNE Justice Served

APRIL Mayor Foxx steps down Mayor Anthony Foxx announced in April that he wouldn’t seek reelection, sparking rumors he would seek some higher office.

Later, the city learned Foxx was in the running to be President Obama’s next transportation secretary, a rumor confirmed when announced later that month. Foxx’s leadership in Charlotte had provided some LGBT inclusion, but, as our editor remarked in a column in our April 12-25 issue, that leadership was often quiet and didn’t go far enough. goqnotes.com/22000/ goqnotes.com/21737/ goqnotes.com/22142/ Dilworth Caribou closes Long a casual place to hang out and meet new LGBT friends, the Caribou Coffee in Dilworth closed on April 14, taking with it more than a decade of gay history. goqnotes.com/22038/ Center gains new leader The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte faced a year of challenge in 2013, following the departure of Charlotte Pride, which had previously provided significant financial support for the organization. Yet, it still moved forward with a new location and new staff. On April 18, it announced the hiring of Glenn Griffin of Queen City Theatre Company as its operations director as it settled into its new location in NoDa, as reported in our April 26-May 9 issue.

Later in the year, the organization faced scrutiny for a lack of transparency. After nearly 100 community members attended a town hall discussion in December, the group voted to make significant changes to be more open and inclusive (see our story on page 10). goqnotes.com/19664/ goqnotes.com/22387/

President Barack Obama entered his second term in office in January, after a successful reelection in 2012, returning the nation’s first black president to the White House. Obama’s first term had been marked by significant progress on LGBT equality and inclusion, and his second term has been no different.

Additionally, local gay community member Don Niehus also participated in the celebration, marching with 200 of his fellow LGBT band mates in the president’s inaugural parade. goqnotes.com/20783/ goqnotes.com/20610/ goqnotes.com/20225/

Transparency and social justice This year marked significant debate on accountability, openness and matters of social and economic justice on the local level. From government agencies to non-profits, it seemed

stepped down in December 2012, but not before having the opportunity to positively shape LGBT inclusion in city policies. His legacy was explored in our March 1-14 issue. He was followed by former Arlington County, Va., manager Ron Curlee, whose progressive and inclusive history in Virginia continues in Charlotte. goqnotes.com/21325/ goqnotes.com/21497/ goqnotes.com/21660/

MAY Radical legislation targets youth The Republican-controlled North Carolina General Assembly took the state in a decidedly

Couple Brian Helms and Jeff Enochs celebrated the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Photo Credit: rcraigsnider@gmail.com.

The nation celebrated in June when the U.S. Supreme Court handed down two landmark decisions on marriage equality, as reported in our July 5-18 print edition. The court struck down a portion of the Defense of Marriage Act, paving the way for federal recognition of same-sex marrriages, and overturned California’s anti-LGBT marriage amendment, Proposition 8. In the states, marriage was on the move. In May, Rhode Island, Delaware and Minnesota each passed marriage equality legislation. New Jersey began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Oct. 21. In November, marriage was approved in Hawaii and Illinois. All told, 15 states and the District of Columbia currently recognize same-sex marriages or will begin recognizing them in 2014, bringing marriage equality to nearly 38 percent of the U.S. population. Several lawsuits and other attempts to roll back anti-gay marriage legislation is currently in the works, including in North Carolina. goqnotes.com/23623/ goqnotes.com/23793/ goqnotes.com/23920/ goqnotes.com/23952/

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2013 People of the Year Patsy Kinsey, Lawana Mayfield, Billy Maddalon

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com In what will likely go down as a landmark year for LGBT equality across the nation, the LGBT community in Charlotte was making its own remarkable progress on inclusion and visibility.

At the forefront of this significant shift in local political culture stood Patsy Kinsey, a decade-long veteran of local politics, a Charlotte City Council District 1 representative and, for six months this year, mayor of Charlotte. Standing beside her were Charlotte City Councilmember LaWana Mayfield, now in her second term, and Plaza Midwood businessman Billy Maddalon, who filled Kinsey’s District 1 seat while she served as mayor.

In just three short years, Charlotte went from a city with no LGBT protections and no LGBT political representation to a city with some of the most progressive legal protections in the state, two openly gay representatives and a mayor among six other North Carolina colleagues who joined a national coalition advancing the right of same-sex couples to marry.

Kinsey, an often soft-spoken, behind-the-scenes leader, was, perhaps, an unlikely choice to lead a city like Charlotte. Once chosen, however, she and the city didn’t look back. Kinsey led her colleagues through an intense year, with great energy spent on the city’s fight over the airport. But, on social issues and for local LGBT residents, Kinsey was a breath of fresh air.

Her predecessor, Anthony Foxx, had made several significant efforts to extend welcome to LGBT citizens, but it was Kinsey who took inclusion to an ultimate level. She appeared at a variety of LGBT community functions and, in a first, issued a mayoral proclamation for Charlotte Pride and rode at the front of the Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade. When her car got to the end of the parade route, she drove back to Independence Square and sat as an honorary member of the judges’ panel and later spoke from the festival’s stage. She also spoke out against anti-LGBT violence in Charlotte’s Russian sister city, going so far as to request a meeting with local activists, the city’s sister-city committee, representatives from the international Human Rights Watch and the U.S. State Department.

“Inclusion is just natural to me,” Kinsey told qnotes. “I don’t think much about it. I tell people when they ask about why I am so active with the LGBT community or the immigrant community, I long ago just adopted the belief that we’re all God’s children.”

It’s that personally-driven commitment to inclusion and

equality that shaped Kinsey’s time in office — all the way up until her last week in office. In her departing remarks during a “State of the City” address, Kinsey took that commitment even further, turning “the Charlotte Way” on its head and transforming it from an Old South, good ol’ boys system into a way of local life with deeper, more significant meaning.

“Ensuring that all of Charlotte’s residents feel at home in our City is the Charlotte Way,” Kinsey said in her speech, interpreting her own legacy as tied to the inclusion of Charlotte’s LGBT and immigrant L-R: Charlotte City Councilmember LaWana Mayfield, former Councilmember communities, and later adding, “I hope we will strive Billy Maddalon and Councilmember and former Mayor Patsy Kinsey. to follow the Charlotte Way. To favor collaboration the [thought], ‘It’s going to be interesting seeing how the gay guy over division; inclusion over exclusion; partnership does now,’” Maddalon said. “I don’t think that’s where people over separation.” were at all.”

With Kinsey, and making her vision a reality, stood Mayfield Yet, even Maddalon had opportunities to move the converand Maddalon — a lesbian woman and gay man who brought sation forward. Describing himself as a centrist Democrat, he face and voice to the LGBT community, molding and shaping the often found himself having friendly conversations with Council’s hearts and minds of their Council colleagues, city staff and other not-so-progressive members and other centrist or conservative civic and religious leaders, along with their constituents. civic leaders.

“Showing up in the room and not hiding who I am,” is impor“You just have to appreciate how powerful it is,” Maddalon tant, Mayfield told qnotes. said, “when people begin to admit openly that they thought they “I can’t hide who I am as an African-American female, obviknew what gay people looked like — to the extent that you can ously,” she said. “I didn’t see the need to hide who I was regardknow what a gay person looks like — and admitting, ‘My God, ing my relationship — my committed, monogamous relationship you come in all shapes and sizes just like we do.’” with a woman. That’s a part of me, because she’s a part of me.”

With two openly gay representatives and a mayor, even if Mayfield’s act of authenticity had an impact, particularly on only for six months, who put equality, inclusion and fairness at the city’s June 2012 decision to extend health and other benefits the top of their agendas, Charlotte moved forward in unexpected to same-sex partners of city employees. ways. Decades of anti-gay bigotry and official silence and “One of my colleagues said to me three or four months invisibility melted away. Mayfield will be the first to warn that afterwards that it was because of knowing me and [Mayfield’s the work is far from over. But, in 2013, Kinsey’s, Mayfield’s and partner] Gelissa, that they knew that to vote against domestic Maddalon’s work has given our city a pretty good start. partner benefits … they felt like that would be a vote directly For their personal courage, commitment, passion and selfless against us,” Mayfield said. “I didn’t realize until after the fact the public service, the staff of qnotes is very proud to name our 2013 impact of just being at the table and how important it is to just People of the Year: Charlotte City Councilmember and former have a voice.”

Mayor Patsy Kinsey, Councilmember LaWana Mayfield and Mayfield’s work bringing a voice to LGBT issues “paved the former Councilmember Billy Maddalon. : : way” for Maddalon, an openly gay businessman who found more: Read extended interviews with each of our People of the himself entering Council mid-term.

Year online at goqnotes.com/2013people/.

“I had the benefit of coming in and people having moved past

Banner year highlighted continued from page 13 JULY Charlotte’s inclusion grows On July 2, Charlotte said goodbye to Mayor Anthony Foxx and welcomed longtime District 1 Councilmember Patsy Kinsey as its new mayor.

She temporarily held the seat, fulfilling Foxx’s term until now-Mayor Patrick Cannon’s election this fall. While Kinsey served as mayor, LGBT inclusion and visibility blossomed. Openly gay businessman Billy Maddalon was chosen from a slate of 11 candidates to fill Kinsey’s District 1 seat, becoming the second openly gay or lesbian person to hold public office in Charlotte, alongside Councilmember LaWana Mayfield. A second gay man, James Hildreth, was among the 11 candidates up for consideration. goqnotes.com/23756/ goqnotes.com/24129/ AUGUST Charlotte on the global stage As anti-gay violence and legislation escalated in Russia, activists turned to Charlotte leaders to address its sister-city relationship with Voronezh, Russia, where LGBT activists

Voronezh gay rights activist Pavel Lebedev was assaulted during a protest he organized in January. Photo Credit: Article20.org.

Republished with permission

had been violently attacked earlier in the year.

Chapel Hill’s openly gay leaders, Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt and Councilmember Lee Storrow, also called for a split with their Russian sister city. Read the full slate of special coverage, including our special Aug. 16-29 cover story, “Got Pride?”, at goqnotes.com/in/voronezh/.

Charlotte Pride holds first parade For the first time since 1994, an LGBT Pride parade marched down Tryon St. in Uptown

Charlotte. Organizers with Charlotte Pride attracted some 80,000 people over two days to their annual festival, with the Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade drawing tens of thousands for celebration. The parade had long been a request of locals and travelers. As an organization, Charlotte Pride saw tremendous growth, separating from the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte and forming an independent organization in January. The hard work paid off, resulting in the largest Charlotte Pride ever, and one of the largest LGBT Pride celebrations in the Southeast. goqnotes.com/24512/ goqnotes.com/24589/ goqnotes.com/24770/

ers Denise Palm-Beck and qnotes publisher Jim Yarbrough were honored by the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. goqnotes.com/24979/ goqnotes.com/24990/ goqnotes.com/24572/ goqnotes.com/25048/

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Leaders named and awarded, community growth September and October were a month for new leaders, honors and community growth.

In Winston-Salem, community members celebrated the opening of the North Star LGBT Community Center. Equality North Carolina’s new executive director, Chris Sgro, began to settle into his new job. In Charlotte, lead-

HIV still on the rise As we did at the beginning of the year, qnotes returned to coverage on issues of HIV/AIDS, as new numbers and information from researchers continued to show increasing HIV infection rates for young gay and bisexual men. See our special World

Pols speak For the first time, qnotes sat down with both Charlotte mayoral candidates from the two major political parties, as Republican Edwin Peacock III and Patrick Cannon battled to become the city’s next leader. goqnotes.com/25377/

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2013 YEAR IN REVIEW

Most read stories of 2013 Readers vote with the click of a mouse and bring us the top 20 most read stories from goqnotes.com 1. HRC denies wrongdoing in alleged transgender flag incident at Supreme Court March 28, 2013 The top-read story on the qnotes website this year documented an alleged incident of anti-transgender discrimination by the Human Rights Campaign in March. The national organization denied wrongdoing. goqnotes.com/21794/

2. Progressive strategist dies after stabbing at Raleigh home April 27, 2013 The death of progressive strategist Jamie Kirk Hahn shocked North Carolina’s progressive and LGBT communities. Hahn was well-known and well-loved across the state and respected for her compassion, integrity and leadership. goqnotes.com/22434/ 3. Concerns raised as anti-gay elevation church makes inroads at local schools Dec. 21, 2012

Jamie Hahn, left, and her husband Nation Hahn.

While not technically from 2013, this story, published near the end of 2012, generated quite a bit of attention at the beginning of the year and later, when Elevation Church Pastor Steven Furtick was found to be building a $1.7 million, 16,000-square-foot home. goqnotes.com/19794/

4. Charlotte LGBT center staff halts anti-gay holiday donation drive Nov. 7, 2013 As the holiday season approached, staffers at the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte sought to give back. Unfortunately, they chose to give back to an organization, the Charlotte Rescue Mission, with an anti-LGBT history. The campaign was halted. goqnotes.com/25786/ 5. The Southern Gospel Closet Nov. 1, 2012 Like the Elevation Church story at number three, this story was also published near the end of 2012, but proved to be popular all year long. The article explored the place of gay people and the closet in the Southern Gospel music industry. goqnotes.com/18360/ 6. Documentary seeks to explore impact of 2012 amendment Jan. 11, 2013 Two Charlotte natives made news early in the year as they began their quest to highlight the history of North Carolina’s 2012 Amendment One Campaign. goqnotes.com/20240/ 7. Annual Charlotte Black Gay Pride gets underway today July 18, 2013 Charlotte Black Gay Pride had a successful year, bringing in a new board and new events for its annual festivities. goqnotes.com/23980/ 8. Internet’s gays fawn over the pride of North Carolina Nov. 5, 2013 In late October, the gay internet went crazy over North Carolina State University baseball player John Mangum’s Vine videos, showing him twerking it out in the team’s locker room. Teammate Brett Austin, who originally posted the videos, was later forced to delete the videos when his coach found it, but, the NC State baseball player internet never John Mangum’s Vine vidforgets. A video eos twerking in his locker was saved on room went viral this year.

Vimeo. goqnotes. com/25714/

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9. Duke to offer health insurance coverage for transgender students April 23, 2013 Duke University moved ahead in its transgender inclusion when it announced a new healthcare plan that would include up to $50,000 to cover gender confirmation surgery for students. goqnotes.com/22428/ 10. SC groups criticize LGBT-themed freshman reading assignment at Upstate college Sept. 18, 2013 Anti-gay activists in South Carolina were none too pleased with the University of South Carolina-Upstate’s decision to require incoming freshman to read the LGBT-themed book, “Outload: The Best of Rainbow Radio.” goqnotes.com/24970/ 11. Largest ex-gay group shuts down, but NC advocate says work not over June 21, 2013 It shocked many, but observers of the anti-gay and “ex-gay” right weren’t necessarily surprised when Alan Chambers of Exodus International announced their ministry was shutting down. Chambers also apologized and Raleigh, N.C.-based Justin Lee, founder of the Gay Christian Network, said he thought the apology was sincere. He cautioned, however, to keep an eye out on former Exodus-affiliated ministries and other ex-gay groups. goqnotes.com/23603/

news

changes were being pushed primarily by worries “looming legal challenges” amid pressure from both inside and outside of of the Scouting program. The Boy Scouts of America National Council later voted in May to rescind the antigay ban for youth members. Gay adults are still not allowed to be leaders in the organization. goqnotes.com/20915/ 13. NC GOP staffer: LGBT equality not a civil rights issue May 2, 2013 A staffer for North Carolina Republican state Sen. Buck Newton upset some constituents when she told them that LGBT equality was “not civil rights because you’re not black.” goqnotes.com/22689/ 14. Latina leader says gays are an abomination April 3, 2013 Local Latina leader Maudia Meléndez offended members of the local LGBT Latino community and others when she said homosexuality was an abomination in a quote in the local Qué Pasa Mi Gente newspaper. goqnotes.com/21959/ 15. Archivists working to preserve local LGBT history June 17, 2013

UNCC Multicultural Resource Center staffer Joshua Burford, left, with UNCC archivist Meredith Evans.

A new community history project launched this year at the University of North CarolinaCharlotte Atkins Library. UNCC staffers Joshua Burford, of the campus’ Multicultural Resource Center, and chief archivist Meredith Evans are still collecting a large amount of materials from local LGBT community members and organizations. An exhibit may be possible within the next year. goqnotes.com/23443/

Exodus International’s Alan Chambers in a still from a video announcing the closure of his ministry.

12. Boy Scout memo: Legal challenges, pressure from churches cited in policy change Feb. 5, 2013 As debate swirled on the Boy Scouts of America’s anti-gay membership and leadership policies, a leaked memo from a North Carolina Scout council indicated potential policy

16. The Charlotte Way is an Old South relic; it’s time to bid it adieu June 21, 2013 In an Editor’s Note column published during the summer, editor Matt Comer called Charlotteans to abandon “The Charlotte Way,” calling it an “Old South relic” akin to a “Good Ol’ Boy System.” goqnotes.com/23502/ 17. Charlotte area schools to receive safe space kits Jan. 31, 2013 Time Out Youth and the national Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network

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2013 YEAR IN REVIEW

Memory Makers Top community news items from the past year compiled by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com

January

2013 was a busy year for local LGBT communities across the Carolinas. New groups formed, established groups grew or met challenges, fundraisers helped support valiant causes and local heroes stepped up to help those in need. Below, we’ve compiled some of the top community news items from our regional news briefs, as reported in each issue over the course of this past year. Take a trip down memory lane with our chosen news blurbs and the covers of each of our 26 print editions this year.

03.15.13 qnotes reported on Charlotte Pride’s separation from The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, announced early in 2013.

J.D. Lewis and his sons revealed that they would take to the streets in Charlotte, N.C., to raise funds for their Twelve In Twelve Foundation.

01.04.13 Campus Pride became one of nine partners with Pop superstar Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. The student group’s ED Shane Windmeyer said he was thrilled with the collaboration citing that it would provide his organization with more student links.

The LGBT Center of Raleigh was able to fund a new youth camp in Greensboro, N.C., in short order.

01.18.13 Ariel and Shawnee McPhail, a lesbian couple, were dissed by a restaurant owner in New Bern, N.C., when he accused them of kissing outside his establishment.

A trans student at Salem College in Winston-Salem, N.C., wanted to remain at the all-female school after his gender reassignment surgery.

February

03.29.13 Time Out Youth announced that it would hold its annual prom in April in Charlotte, N.C. Green Street United Methodist Church in WinstonSalem, N.C., issued a statement that they would do no weddings until everyone in the state could get married.

Statewide LGBT Democrats began to form local chapters.

April

Equality NC’s Executive Director Stuart Campbell announced that he was stepping down.

July

May

05.10.13 Duke University, Durham, N.C., shared that it would begin offering student health insurance coverage for gender confirmation surgery.

PFLAG’s Rocky Mount, N.C., chapter awarded its first Straight for Equality Award to Al LaRose, a longtime member of the organization.

Equality NC received an award from the North Carolina Justice Center at its Defenders of Justice Awards event.

05.24.13 Community members gathered in front of the federal courthouse in Charlotte, N.C., to demonstrate in favor of the Employment NonDiscrimination Act (ENDA).

Hockey teams in the Carolinas (Carolina Hurricanes, Raleigh, N.C., and Charlotte Checkers, Charlotte, N.C.) stood up for equality among gay athletes.

07.05.13 Blogger Pam Spaulding ended her nearly decade-long Pam’s House Blend.

Artist Josh Starnes created a mural on the outside wall of Central Station in Charlotte, N.C., after the Supreme Court ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act. In Winston-Salem, N.C., the Adam Foundation’s Board of Directors announced that its goal of establishing its Adam Legacy Fund has been achieved.

07.19.13 Analouisa Valencia became the first out lesbian contestant in the Miss South Carolina pageant system at its event in Columbia, S.C. North Star LGBT Community Center in Winston-Salem, N.C., announced that it would open in August.

August

June

02.01.13 Campus Pride hosted a three-day comprehensive train the trainers Stop the Hate program in Charlotte, N.C. North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C., conducted a survey to determine how welcoming the school is toward their faculty, staff and students who are from the LGBT community.

March

04.12.13 A bill was introduced in the General Assembly to overturn a policy passed by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s trustees last year allowing students of the opposite sex to share living space together.

Anti-gay preacher Flip Benham of Operation Save America lost a federal lawsuit challenging the City of Charlotte’s decision to deny him a festival permit in Uptown in 2010.

Buncombe County Board of County Commissioners in Asheville, N.C., voted to advance LGBT-inclusive worker protections.

06.07.13 Time Out Youth (TOY) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) of North Carolina entered into a partnership to bring Welcoming Schools to the region.

Shane Windmeyer, executive director of Campus Pride, participated in a conference on mental health at the White House.

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) became the first HBCU (historically black college or university) in the state to establish services for LGBT students.

03.01.13 Plans were shared with readers about the upcoming 20th Annual Walk for AIDS in Belmont, N.C. The Adam Foundation announced its new leadership with A.J. DeLaOsa as president.

In March, however, he stepped down due to career advancement in another state.

04.26.13 One World Dragon Boat race team of Charlotte, N.C., the first in state, announced that it was seeking paddlers for its team.

The LGBT Center of Raleigh initiated a Pledge-a-Protester fundraising campaign to fight against hatred and homophobia during its Out! Raleigh festival.

06.21.13 The LGBT Center of Raleigh announced that its Gay & Gray Initiative received national affiliation with SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) and changed its name to SAGE Raleigh.

Charlotte Pride called for nominations for its Champions of Pride awards.

02.15.13 The Human Rights Campaign Carolina announced that Tony and Emmy Award Winner Mandy Patinkin, a star in Charlotte-area filmed “Homeland,” would be the keynote speaker.

Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt of Chapel Hill, N.C., announced that he’d run for office again.

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08.02.13 Servicemembers, Partners, and Allies for Respect and Tolerance for All formed with two North Carolinians sitting on its board.

Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, a national organization working on LGBT workplace equality, hosted a book reading and panel discussion with top LGBT and ally executives in Charlotte, N.C. 08.16.13 A panel with the founder of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates in Charlotte, N.C., shared that workplaces were becoming more LGBT-friendly.

The City of Raleigh Museum showcased “The LGBT History of Raleigh” at a gathering at the LGBT Center of Raleigh.

08.30.13 Former qnotes editor David A. Moore accepted the position as editor at the Georgia Voice in Atlanta, Ga.

goqnotes.com/to/views

Equality NC relaunched its wedding registry as a way to help build a movement for marriage in North Carolina.

September

news

Bishop Gene Robinson was at North Carolina State University and spoke on the subject of God Believes in Love, Straight Talk about Gay Marriage as part of the school’s Diversity Education Week.

Mayor Linda Oliver, West Union, S.C., was under fire for sharing her disdain for same-sex marriage in a Facebook post.

November

09.13.13 The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., the state’s military training college, announced the creation of a new Safe Zone program.

A steering committee in Asheville, N.C., opened up discussion and research on the establishment of a community center in the High Country.

09.27.13 Trans activist Janice Covington went home to Newport, Del., to her class reunion, but she did so quite differently than she was when she attended there some 50 years ago.

Time Out Youth announced that it would begin offering counseling services.

The Guilford Green Foundation in Greensboro, N.C., mounted a $5 contribution letter writing campaign to raise funds for its programs.

October

11.08.21 Rev. John A. McLaughlin, senior pastor at St. Jude Metropolitan Community Church of Raleigh, N.C., was selected to be part of a delegation that attended the World Council of Churches Assembly in Busan, South Korea.

An Elon University poll shows that there was a divide among its respondents on the issue of gay marriage.

11.22.13 Local leaders received awards and a new logo was unveiled at the Charlotte Business Guild’s gala.

LGBT leaders from across North Carolina formed NC Electeds for Equality, an initiative of Equality North Carolina.

December

10.11.13 The Charlotte Rollers Girls awarded a $2,000 check to Regional AIDS Interfaith Network.

The Frank Harr Foundation announced the launch of a local affiliate of Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders (SAGE) in Wilmington, N.C.

12.06.13 The Scorpio in Charlotte, N.C., became a sponsor of Campus Pride.

10.25.13 Different Roads Home CEO and President Dale Pierce got a chance to meet “Project Runway’s” Armando Thomas “Mondo” Guerra at the Annual United States Conference on AIDS.

12.20.13 The Freedom Center for Social Justice celebrated a year of successes.

The LGBT Center of Raleigh announced their move to new facilities.

Banner year highlighted continued from page 15 AIDS Day 2013 coverage at goqnotes.com/ lifepoz2013/.

TOY moves to new center Time Out Youth continued its growth at the end of 2013, celebrating their move to the new Time Out Youth Center in NoDa in November, as reported in our Dec. 6-19 issue. goqnotes.com/26393/

DECEMBER Organizations reviewed In an annual review of local and regional non-profit organizations, qnotes reported in our Dec. 6-19 issue that groups were showing fundraising diversity. goqnotes.com/26407/

qpoll: What was your most memorable news story in 2013?

View the options and vote online at goqnotes.com/to/qpoll/.

Dec. 20 . 2013 - Jan. 2 . 2014

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goqnotes.com/to/arts

tell trinity

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

The bar, the greatest date and the unreturned phone calls Hey Trinity, I went to the bar, met the greatest guy and had the greatest night. But, I had to work the next day, so we exchanged numbers. Great, right?

Well, I’ve called three times in four days and nothing. And, this isn’t the first time it’s happened.

Is it me, him, the places I go or just bad karma?

Bad Karma, San Diego, CA

Hey Bad Karma, It seems like some guys meet and marry even before the bar closes and some meet, promise to marry and can‘t even get to the first date. I agree, it’s an unkind, inconsistent and frustrating world of meeting, greeting, mating and dating. However, honey, you must be stronger than 100 fools, tougher than a kid in a candy store and more resilient than a bad politician. Whether or not it’s you, him, the place or bad karma, it’s life, the game of life and, if you’re alive and single, you have to play it. Now, next time, don’t get so attached so quickly!

Hello Trinity, I’m an aging and not-so-attractive gay man who hasn’t had a date in years. Is there anything I can do to turn back the clock?

Turn Back Time, Orlando, FL Hello Turn Back Time, There’s great pride in aging, but, yes, that won’t always get you a date. Just like nature has a way of turning a winter bush into a sum-

mer bouquet, you have ways of turning back time as well. Have a makeover, join a gym, take some self-awareness courses, i.e., the Forum or Insight Seminars and take some acting classes and/or dating courses, i.e., the Learning Annex. Pumpkin, it’s not who you think you are, but what you do about it that makes you dateable! (Hey, I’m all over this one! Check out my cartoon to see how.)

Dearest Trinity, Why does dating hurt so much?

Dating Pangs, Key West, FL Dearest Dating Pangs, Dating always was, is and will be just a 50/50 chance that two people take. Just like life, dating is all about trial and error, success and failure, idiots and interesting people.

But, this should make you stronger, not weaker! So, if on your deathbed your last words are, “Boy, did I have an adventurous, dangerous and challenging life,� then, sweetie, you won! Stay strong.

Dear Trinity, I was with my girlfriend for what I thought would be forever, but then she ended it.

And, now, she wants to be “friends.� What for?

Friends?, Greenwich, CT Dear Friends?, While you’d like to think being enemies is better than being friends, sometimes couples make really great, life-long friends. And, darling, if you’re still skeptical try reading:

16/5:65 3(> 6--0*, 3HYY` > 1VOUZVU (;;695,@

7OVUL! -H_!

7 6 )V_ /PJRVY` 5*

31VOUZVU'31VOUZVU3H^6MĂ„ JL JVT

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a&e

Trinity’s Rational Tips For Why To Stay Friends With Your Ex   1. Because she has a car and you don’t.   2. B ecause he has a lot more money than you and isn’t afraid to share it.   3. Because she knows a lot of people in your career and is willing to help you.   4. Because he owns your apartment or the house you rent.   5. Because she works for the airlines and is still willing to give you Buddy Passes.   6. Because he’s your boss at work and you really, really like your job.   7. B ecause she’s the mother of your child, children, dog or cats.   8. Because he’s a great person who really just didn’t want to date you and would rather be friends. And, he makes a great friend.   9. B ecause he’s a doctor, lawyer, cop or judge and you can never have enough of those friends. (Think‌ free information).

10. B ecause he or she may be available one day for that one special night when you just need a good quicky.

11. L astly, because having one more ex as an enemy means at every party, club or social event you’ll be surrounded by, yet, one more enemy-ex and who needs that! : : info: With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking,� a weekly radio drama performed globally, and is now minister of sponsor, WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings, wigministries.org. Learn more at telltrinity.com.

goqnotes.com/to/news

news

Top read stories of 2013 continued from page 17 (GLSEN) partnered to get special Safe Space Kits and educational materials in every local middle and high school across Time Out Youth’s service area. The campaign, part of GLSEN’s larger three-year national campaign, was successful. On Dec. 11, GLSEN’s executive director, Eliza Byard, came to Charlotte to celebrate local successes and the end of their national safe space campaign (read that recent story at goqnotes.com/26528/) goqnotes.com/20686/ 18. Longtime gay actor, director Alan Poindexter Alan Poindexter passes away July 11, 2013 Charlotte’s LGBT community and local arts world lost a visionary when Alan Poindexter passed away. Poindexter, 47, had been professionally engaged with the theatre community for over

three decades, including a stint playing main character Prior Walter in the 1996 Charlotte production of “Angels in America.”

His role as Prior included a short, seven-seconds long nude performance, which caused an eruption of controversy in the city. goqnotes.com/23934/ 19. LGBT Dems leader: Trans woman should join men’s auxiliary June 28, 2013 Local transgender activist Janice Covington alleged discrimination by a leader in the local and state Democratic Women’s caucuses. The leader, Concetta Caliendo, was also the vice president of the LGBT Democrats of North Carolina. Caliendo and others initially declined requests for comment, but later denied any wrongdoing. goqnotes.com/23693/

20. Rainbow flag stolen from LGBT youth center in Charlotte Dec. 3, 2013 Staffers at Time Out Youth Center came to work on Dec. 3 surprised to find their rainbow flag on a flag pole on the property was missing. Donations of flags soon came in and the flag has been restored. goqntoes.com/26327/ Powerful story has staying power First published on May 31, 2008, and June 14, 2008, our two-part story, “Male rape victim shares his story,” continues, even five years later, to rank among the most-read stories on the qnotes website. The first part of the story was written in narrative form, retelling the experience of a young gay man in rural North Carolina who became the victim of an attempted rape. The second part, in traditional news form, reported the young man’s experience with police, hospital staff and community advocates. goqnotes.com/296/ and goqnotes.com/330/

Dec. 20 . 2013 - Jan. 2 . 2014

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Q

C A L E N DA R

DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014 To see more upcoming events, visit goqnotes.com/calendar/ Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/

Christmas Day qnotes extends its best wishes to everyone for a cheery holiday season.

–––––––––––––––––––– Karaoke Christmas Petra’s 1919 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte 9:30 p.m.

Need a break from Christmas gatherings? De-stress on Christmas night.

Petra’s dishes up $6 pitchers of Bud Light as you sing to your heart’s content.

No cover charge. petraspianobar.com

SEP DEC

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Holiday Barn Dance SEP DEC Hartigan’s 601 S. Cedar St., Charlotte 9 p.m.

Southern Country Charlotte hosts its December barn dance.

Members get in free. Guests, $5 at the door. 2014 memberships will be on sale. southerncountrycharlotte.com –––––––––––––––––––– Continues through Jan. 1 Under the Big Top The Bar at 316 316 Rensselaer Ave., Charlotte The Bar at 316 hosts several events in the lead up to New Year’s Eve, culminating in their Under the Big Top New Year’s Eve party with live DJ, entertainment, balloon drop, party favors, gogo boys and more, including a special appearance by gay porn star JR Bronson. Buff Faye’s Drag Brunch follows on New Year’s Day. Tickets on sale now at the bar. thebarat316.com.

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Continues through Jan. 5 The Complete History of America (abridged) UpStage in NoDa 3036 N. Davidson St., Charlotte

SEP DEC

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From the award-winning team that brought you “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged),” “All the Great Books (abridged)” and “The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged),” Stephen Seay Productions is proud to present “The Complete History of America (abridged),” written

by Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor. Six actors will take you on a hilarious journey through American history. This fast-paced comedy hits everything from discovery of America to Obamacare. Starring Rob Brafford, Chris Herring, Christopher Jones, Tania Kelly, Jay Russell and Stephen Seay. Tickets are $12 in advance at upstagenoda.com or $17 at the door.

Peformances at 7 p.m., Dec. 27-29 and Jan. 3-5.

NEW YEAR’S EVE SEP DEC –––––––––––––––––––– Las Vegas NYE Cathode Azure 1820 South Blvd., Charlotte 9 p.m.

With DJ Billy Waters. cathodeazure.com.

–––––––––––––––––––– Tick Tock Countdown L4 Lounge 2906 Central Ave., Charlotte 9 p.m.

L4’s first New Year’s Eve party. facebook.com/L4Lounge –––––––––––––––––––– LGBT and Friends NYE Aqua Lounge 223 S. Brevard St. 10 p.m.

Hosted by SuiteLife Entertainment.

Tickets $15-$20 in advance at sleevents. ticketleap.com/nye2013/

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SEP JAN

The LGBT Center of Raleigh will welcome visitors to its new location from Noon-6 p.m. on Jan. 2, followed by its First Friday Art Reception, Jan. 3, 6-9 p.m. For more details on the center’s expansion, see our regional news brief on page 6. lgbtcenterofraleigh.com

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SEP JAN

03

Dining for Friends Sweet Potatoes 529 N. Trade St., WinstonSalem 5 p.m.

AIDS Care Service of Winston-Salem kicks off its Dining for Friends fundraising events with an informational meeting to share ideas and distribute fundraising materials. Events will culminate with a Grand Dessert Finale on Feb. 8. aidscareservice.org

SEP JAN

02 05

Theatre Alliance presents ‘As Is’ 1047 W. Northwest Blvd., Winston-Salem SEP JAN Happy New Year! The staff of qnotes wishes you 8 p.m. the very best as you plow Theatre Alliance forward with success this presents a staged year! Be sure to keep us reading of “As Is,” in your thoughts! If you host recurring a Tony-nominated community or nightlife events, check play by William H. to make sure Hoffman and set in your listings 1985 New York City. are still corThe play tells the story of Rich and Saul, rect or if they who, after breaking up, find out that need updates Rich has AIDS. The two-night reading is on our online a fundraiser for the Adam Foundation, calendar at in recognition of their 25th anniversary goqnotes.com/ year. Donations accepted at the door. calendar/. wstheatrealliance.org

Submit your event to our calendar!

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Continues through Jan. 3 LGBT Center of Raleigh celebrates new location 324 S. Harrington St., Raleigh

HRC fundraiser SEP JAN Fullsteam Brewery 726 Rigsbee Ave., Durham The Human Rights Campaign will hold a fundraiser with spoken word, performance art and a silent auction. fullsteam.ag

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Continues through Jan. 26 Youth Fab-U-Fest Private Location iNSIDEoUT, a Triangle-area LGBT youth network, will host a winter retreat with workshops and activities coordinated by student leaders from local GSAs and QSAs (gay-straight alliances and queer-straight alliances). For more details, see our regional news brief on page 6. insideout180.org

SEP JAN

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You can submit your event to our comprehensive community calendar presented by qnotes, the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte and Visit Gay Charlotte. Submit your event at goqnotes.com/eventsubmit/ and get a three-for-one entry. All Charlotte-area events will appear on each of the three calendars at qnotes (goqnotes. com), the LGBT Center (lgbtcharlotte.org) and Visit Gay Charlotte (visitgaycharlotte.com).

join the discussion We welcome your letters to the editor (200 or words or less) and guest commentaries (600 words or less).

Submit them to letters@goqnotes.com.

Dec. 20 . 2013 - Jan. 2 . 2014

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