July 10-23 . 2010 qnotes

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Not for Reproduction
July 10-23 . 2010
qnotes
qnotes
July 10-23 . 2010
side
in
July 10-23, 2010
Vol 25 No 05
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contributors this issue
Dylan Beck, Jeremy Bishop,
Matt Comer, Tyler DeVere, Kevin
Grooms/Miss Della, Nathan James,
Charlene Lichtenstein, Braxton
MIdyette, Lainey Millen, Leslie
Robinson, David Stout, Trinity, Brett
Webb-Mitchell
front page
Cover artwork courtesy Chris Spooner
(Blog.SpoonGraphics) and Make Well
Graphic (graphicpoint.co.cc). Design by
Matt Comer and Lainey Millen.
news & features
5
7
10
11
12
18
Campaign improves safety
Carolina couple weds
Man alleges discrimination
CLT youth visits White House
Youth of today. Tomorrow’s leaders.
State budget passes with ADAP
8
19
qliving/arts & entertainment
8
9
14
17
18
19
19
20
21
22
23
VIP, from 212 to the 323
Bi now. Gay later?
Vacancy: Gay friendly travel
On Being a Gay Parent
Mamma Mia!
Sexy and cash-strapped
Juneteenth in Charlotte
Out in the Stars
Tell Trinity
Drag Rag
Q events calendar
opinions & views
4 Editor’s Note
15 General Gayety
11
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July 10-23 . 2010
qnotes
editor’s
note
by matt comer
matt@goqnotes.com
Capstones
of
history
Meeting Date:
Program:
Cost:
Info:
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Annual Lake Party
Lake Norman House of a CBG Member
Free members, $10 non-members
704.565.5075
email businessguild@yahoo.com
to obtain directions
www.charlottebusinessguild.org
qnotes
In the past two weeks, we’ve celebrated
two important dates. First, we remembered
the Stonewall Riots on June 28. The date
— expanded over time to include all of June
as LGBT Pride Month — marks the beginning
of our modern movement for LGBT equality.
The second, July 4, is Independence Day and
honors the birth of an independent United
States of America.
About this time last year, I explored in
my “Editor’s Note” column the similarities
between June 28 and July 4.
“The anniversary of Stonewall and the
birthday of our nation go hand-in-hand,
intertwined in a never-ending struggle to
fulfill a dream first laid at our feet more than
230 years ago,” I wrote in our June 27, 2009,
print edition. “Our shared American journey
reminds us to never give up, to never falter
or fail in the long and hard-fought battle
for life, liberty and happiness. We deserve
it, and it will be achieved. History will see
to it.”
What I didn’t touch on then was how
Independence Day and Stonewall are similar
in other ways, especially considering that
neither date was really “the beginning”
of anything. The dates — as powerfully
symbolic and historic as they might be — are
much better described as culminations, not
beginnings. As a student of history (I have a
deep and abiding faith in our ability to learn
from our past mistakes), I feel it is important
to look back at the people whose prophetic
work for progress came long before July 4,
1776, and June 28, 1969.
Our nation’s independence didn’t
magically appear on a paper signed by
representatives of Britain’s former 13
colonies. The signing of that document was
made possible by years of blood, sweat and
tears — years of lost lives and livelihoods
— kick-started by a series of events including Boston tax protests and the “shot heard
‘round the world.”
Like the events leading up to the
American Revolution and signing of the
Declaration, years of organizing — often
dangerous and never pretty — took place
July 10-23 . 2010
long before patrons of the Stonewall Inn
rose up in rebellion against police harassment. Throughout the 1950s, groups like the
Mattachine Society and Daughters of Bilitis
gave refuge to early activists. Those early
efforts gave way to public protests, like
the Cooper’s Donuts action in 1959, where
Los Angeles LGBTs rose up against police
who often targeted them there. Or, like the
1965-1966 actions at Compton’s Cafeteria in
San Francisco, whose owners often denied
service to transgender and gay clientelle.
Even in our nation’s capital, the public
movement for equality was taking root
before Stonewall. Throughout the 1960s,
Frank Kameny led several protests over
government-sanctioned, anti-LGBT employment discrimination. From San Francisco to
New York to Philadelphia to Los Angeles: the
march toward our own revolution was on.
All of this movement made Stonewall possible — making it our community’s loudest,
proudest moment and opening the doors to
national action.
It’s funny, sometimes, how what is “most
important” out of all the events in our history
has a way of being chosen for wide recognition and observance. Both Independence
Day and the commemoration of the
Stonewall Riots serve merely as capstones
to much deeper, unique and interesting
histories. It is incumbent upon each of us to
take the time to delve into these stories and
remember the people who made our current
realities a possibility.
A note on gender-neutral
pronouns
In this issue, we explore LGBT and queer
youth, their thoughts on our community
and the ways they are helping to shape our
community’s future.
We also profile Charlotte youth Loan Tran,
a 15-year-old rising sophomore at Phillip O.
Berry High School, who attended President
Barack Obama’s LGBT Pride Month reception
at the White House on June 22. You can read
that story on page 11.
When we spoke to Tran, we were faced
with a situation we’ve not had to deal with
before — that the subject of our interview had
no preference on which gender pronouns we
should use to identify him or her.
In most of our interviews, we ask our
subjects the important questions: how they
identify their sexual orientation (lesbian, gay,
bisexual, queer, straight, etc.) and how they
identify their gender (male, female, transgender, etc.). When we interviewed Tran, we
see Capstones on 9
news notes: beyond the carolinas
Campaign improves educators’
response to bullying
NEW YORK, N.Y. — The secondary school
training component of the New York City
Department of Education’s Respect for All
initiative increased staff competency at addressing name-calling, bullying and harassment on the basis of sexual orientation and
gender identity/expression, and creating safer
school environments for LGBT students, a
GLSEN report has found.
More than 9 in 10 educators (92.2 percent)
said the training had caused them to do something differently in their educational practices.
“We are extremely encouraged by the
findings,” GLSEN Executive Director Eliza
Byard said. “Our report indicates that an
in-depth training program specifically focused
on ensuring LGBT student safety can successfully prepare school staff for their role in
maintaining a welcoming and safe environment for all students, regardless of sexual
orientation or gender identity/expression.”
The report is based on a GLSEN study
evaluating the effectiveness of educator trainings that focus on reducing anti-LGBT bias
and behavior in school — the first evaluation
of its kind. GLSEN surveyed 813 educators at
three times — before the training, six weeks
after and six months after, and educators
were also compared to those who had not
completed the training.
“We are grateful to the New York City
Department of Education for investing in one of
the most extensive educator training programs
in the country,” Byard said. “This report also
shows, however, that additional efforts to
develop skills may be necessary to sustain
higher staff intervention levels and give educators tools to feel more comfortable addressing
anti-LGBT bias and behavior in the classroom.”
GLSEN also garnered qualitative feedback
from participants about how the training affected them. Participants not only valued the
training themselves — some even saying it
was one of the best trainings they had experienced — but many advocated for all school
staff to receive this training.
The training program, which was one
component of the Respect for All initiative,
was implemented by the New York City
Department of Education to ensure that
every secondary school had at least one staff
member who could support LGBT students
and combat all forms of bias-based bullying
and harassment, particularly bias based on
sexual orientation or gender identity/gender
expression.
The NYC Department of Education collaborated with five non-profit organizations to
develop and deliver the Respect for All training program — GLSEN, the Anti-Defamation
League, Morningside Center for Teaching
Social Responsibility, Operation Respect, and
Youth Enrichment Services of the New York
City LGBT Community Center. GLSEN was a
lead content provider for the training curriculum, and the training was delivered by trainers
from all five organizations.
GLSEN is currently in the process of
evaluating the second year of the training
program.
u LGBT civil rights groups praised the
release of a draft regulation requiring all
hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid
funding to adopt policies that protect the
visitation rights of all patients, including LGBT
people. The draft language requires hospitals
to adopt written policies and procedures
regarding patient visitation rights, including
the right to designate visitors of one’s choosing, “including, but not limited to, a spouse,
a domestic partner (including a same-sex
domestic partner), another family member, or
a friend,” and the right to visitation privileges
regardless of sexual orientation or gender
identity. According to HHS, the draft rule was
published in the Federal Register on June
28 and the agency began soliciting public
comments on the proposal for the following
60 days.
u In a 5-4 split, the Supreme Court ruled
June 28 that Hastings College of Law at the
University of California may deny official
recognition and funding to any student club
that violates its non-discrimination policy,
by David Stout
david@goqnotes.com
as long as the policy is applied equally to all
clubs. The policy was challenged by Christian
Legal Society, a student group that requires
members to sign a Statement of Faith that
states that sexual activity should not occur
outside of marriage and then only between
a man and a woman. Consequently, gay and
lesbian students, as well as anyone who
does not subscribe to CLS’ specific religious
beliefs, are barred from membership.
u The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has
endorsed 123 openly LGBT candidates for
public office so far in 2010, already surpassing
its 2008 total of 111 candidates, the previous
record. Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of
the group, said with more than four months to
go until the general election, the Victory Fund
isn’t done endorsing candidates yet. “We’ve
already broken our record, but I expect we’re
actually going to smash it to bits,” Wolfe said.
u Illinois and New York recently became
the ninth and 10th states respectively to
enact an enumerated anti-bullying law that
explicitly protects LGBT students. After
the Illinois bill was overwhelmingly passed
in both chambers of state government,
Governor Pat Quinn signed the measure into
law at a Chicago-area elementary school.
North Carolina has had a similar law on the
books since summer of 2009. : :
July 10-23 . 2010
qnotes
qnotes
July 10-23 . 2010
news notes: carolinas
Gold rings for Carolina couple
Mitchell Gold and Tim Scofield have
tied the knot. Their marriage ceremony was
conducted on June 19 at the Des Moines Art
Center. Iowa is only one of five states that
permit same-sex marriage.
According to an article in The New York
Times, the couple said their vows in the
witness of 92 guests with Judge Robert B.
Hanson officiating. Hanson was instrumental
in “opening the door to same-sex marriage in
his state” with his 2007 ruling.
A reception followed in an outdoor lounge,
graced with a disco ball and Mitchell Gold +
Bob Williams white furniture. New York’s D.J.
Lady Bunny was in attendance.
Scofield has decided to change his name
to Gold, the Times reported. “My grandfather’s
name was Goldberg. It’s almost like going
back to my roots, in a way. I think it’s very
interesting that women are becoming more
liberated and keeping their names, whereas
gay men are becoming more traditional and
changing their names.”
Gold is an icon in the furniture industry.
He is also an outspoken advocate of gay and
lesbian rights. Scofield is a history buff. While
studying at the University of Maryland, he
worked at Pottery Barn where Gold’s portrait
hung on the walls. Scofield admired Gold’s
smile and felt that he looked more like a
teenager than a corporate executive. Little did
he realize that in just a few years that he’d be
his husband.
Their chance meeting took place in 2006
in New York City when Scofield was there
attending a rare stamp auction. He was then
working at the Smithsonian’s National Postal
Museum at the time. An invitation for cocktails
led him to a group of people, one of which
was Gold, who was no longer in a relationship
with Williams, his business partner.
Their courtship took them all over the
world. Although their interests are vastly
different, their relationship is loaded full of
mutual respect and understanding. Gold appreciates Scofield’s drama-free attitude and
Scofield enjoys exploring historical sites with
Gold, who “doesn’t complain. He just smiles,”
the Times added.
Charlotte
Lambert visits Fillmore
CHARLOTTE — “American Idol” runner-up
Adam Lambert performed to a sold-out crowd
at the Music Factory’s Fillmore Charlotte on
July 2.
Before Lambert even took the stage, there
was plenty to keep concert-goers entertained.
Outside the music hall, two sign-toting protesters shouted out through bullhorns about
the “sins of homosexuality” to those who
waited in line.
Brian, who said he made a point to be at
concerts, ball games, NASCAR races and
more all over the world, was adamant that he
did not think it was in “God’s plan for two guys
to kiss on stage.”
He asked this qnotes reporter, “Why
do you [all employees] work for the gay
press?” He added that to do so meant that
on Judgment Day, “you are going to hell.”
He indicated he was a friend of the anti-gay
advocate Flip Benham.
Buddy Fisher, who also frequented similar
venues, said he participated in this type of
initiative because of his “love of God.” He was
“brought” there to spread “The Good Word.”
He said he was not against gay people, but
was against gay sin.
An unidentified young man took to a sound
device in support of Lambert and attempted
to counter the protesters’ comments. He
even asked the crowd to yell out “Lambert,
Lambert, Lambert.”
Meanwhile, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Police Department made sure venue promoters were safe, as well as attendees. They
commented that if the protesters were still
there after the concert, they would have to
bring out suitable enforcement to ensure
there were no incidents.
None of the police officers qnotes spoke
with had any issue with Lambert’s sexuality, nor that of any of the LGBT and straight
concert-goers. An hour into the event, the
protesters were still outside trying to preach
to anyone who walked down the street.
People came dressed in regular attire, as
well as creative costumes and Glam Wear to
show their affinity for Lambert.
His Twitter account (posted a couple of
hours after the gig) said it all for him, “Charlotte
was on fire tonight! Thanks for being amazing!” Seems that the protesters did not thwart
those going to the concert, nor did it interfere
with Lambert’s objective, to just entertain.
Center holds garage sale
CHARLOTTE — The Lesbian & Gay
Community Center, 820 Hamilton St., Suite B11,
is having a garage sale on July 24 to raise
funds for its work and for Pride Charlotte.
Donated items may be brought to the
Center between July 19-24 so they can be
prepared for the sale date.
Enjoy a hot dog cook out, accompanied
by suds.
For more information, call 704-333-0144.
by Lainey Millen
lainey@goqnotes.com
cases about 300 of them and 70 gelatin silver
black-and-white prints which were contributed
to the Weatherspoon Art Museum, the Nasher
Museum of Art and the Ackland Art Museum
in 2008 by the Andy Warhol Foundation’s Andy
Warhol Photographic Legacy Program. The
three institutions pooled their resources to create this first-time collaboration. The donations
were part of a larger gift made to 180 institutions nationwide by the Foundation in recognition of its 20th anniversary.
The exhibit features some of the actors,
sports heroes, models and socialites who
came in and out of Warhol’s world. One noted
image is of Jean-Machel Basquiat, a legendary African-American artist.
First stop on the collaboration effort was
at the Nasher from Nov. 12, 2009-Feb. 21, 2010.
It then moved to Weatherspoon where it will
continue until Sept. 19. Last venue will be
Ackland from Oct. 2-Jan.2, 2011.
Museums’ locations are: Nasher, Duke
University; Weatherspoon, University of
North Carolina at Greensboro; and Ackland,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
A screening of “Beautiful Darling: The
Life and Times of Candy Darling, Warhol
Superstar” will be held at the Weatherspoon
on July 22 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Darling was a transexual and was one of
Warhol’s superstar “cool people.” The film
helps to show how he opened the doors to the
LGBT community.
For more information, visit nasher.duke.
edu, weatherspoon.uncg.edu or ackland.org.
Mass observed
CHARLOTTE — The 14th Annual Mass of
Celebration for Gay and Lesbian Catholics,
Their Friends and Family will be held on July
28, 7 p.m., at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 507
S. Tryon St.
The mass was established by Bishop
Emeritus William Curlin and Frs. Gene
McCreesh and Richard Allen as a part of the
Diocese of Charlotte’s outreach to the gay and
lesbian community in 1996.
This year’s mass will be presided over by
Fr. Pat Earl and is open to all area Catholics,
as well as gay and lesbian Christians of all
denominations. It will be followed by a reception below the church in Biss Hall.
Parking is free in The Green parking
garage next door to the church.
For more information, call 704-332-2901,
email Marco Cipolletti at mrcipolletti@hotmail.
com or visit stpeterscatholic.org/gay_
lesbian_ministry.
Triad
Warhol’s legacy lives on
GREENSBORO — Andy Warhol, gay pop
icon to the hippie and flower child era movement, made a big spash during the 1960s and
1970s and continued well into the 1980s with
his wildly outrageous artistic style. And, that
has never waned. His influence is still seen
today culturally, as well as artistically.
“Big Shots: Andy Warhol Polaroids” showNot for Reproduction
July 10-23 . 2010
qnotes
VIP, from 212 to 323
Nobody better messes with Killian Wells
by Dylan Beck :: special to qnotes
The music video for “VIP” kicks off with
Killian Wells and his eclectic group of friends
running amuck in Times Square. They then
jump in their party bus and Killian and co. live
the VIP lifestyle to the fullest. The liquor flows
as hard as the cash. Everyone is dancing and
utilizing the stripper pole cemented in the
middle of the bus. Killian freestyles amidst
girls losing their tops, trannies flipping their
wigs, and boys smooching boys.
If “VIP” has a bit of a Lady Gaga feel to it,
it’s with good reason. Killian Wells, who bares
a striking resemblance to the “The Hill’s”
Spencer Pratt, wrote “VIP” with the intention
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A still from Killian Wells’ ‘VIP’ music video.
Photo Credit: Project Publicity
of depicting today’s celebrity lifestyle. And,
not only does Killian wear crazy getups like
Lady Gaga, he’s from NYC like Gaga and even
shares her vocal coach. He’s a pop sensation
in the making with tons of New York City attitude who seems made for the stage.
His song is bound to be an instant nightlife
hit with its partying theme, infectious dance
beat and catchy hook that boldly declares,
“Baby, let’s get down and party … nobody’s
gonna mess with me.” It’s fun electro-pop
with some urban edge. Music bloggers have
long dubbed Killian Wells as an artist to
watch, but he proves to everyone with his
debut single, “VIP,” that he is ready to be
treated as such.
How do you feel about comparisons to
Spencer Pratt?
It doesn’t bother me. We both have curly
blonde hair and blue eyes, but that’s about all
we have in common. I promise I’m not as big
of a jerk as he is.
Is your video celebrating today’s celebrityobsessed culture or poking fun at it?
My video celebrates the VIP lifestyle, but
shows a realistic outcome from a night of
debauchery; people hook up and throw up.
Are you celeb-obsessed?
Not at all, I don’t get star struck.
Why do you think we all want to be VIP?
It’s human nature to want to feel important.
Obviously, by releasing a record, you aim to
be VIP.
I’m not trying to become famous for the sake
of being famous. I simply love to make pop
music and that’s what I’m doing. Being a VIP
comes with its perks though, so I’m not opposed to it.
What perks?
Money, power, girls, boys…
We’ll get to the boys thing in one sec.
I’m sure you will (laughs).
Why do you deserve to be VIP? How have
you paid your dues?
Unlike most pop artists, I write and produce
my material. That should count for something.
Is it true you suffer from anxiety and panic
attacks?
I’ve struggled with anxiety disorder for many
years.
How do you perform on stage without falling
July 10-23 . 2010
into an attack?
I don’t suffer from stage fright, so performing isn’t a problem. My panic attacks aren’t
triggered by anything in particular, though
they tend to be worse when I’m under a lot of
stress. I take Klonopin to keep it under control.
Take us back to the beginning. What were
you like growing up in upstate New York?
I was what you might call a popular outcast.
I was friends with everyone, but I always did
things differently. I’m allergic to conventionality.
When did you drop out of high school?
I dropped out when I was 14 to do an independent study program at home.
Did you get a diploma?
Most homeschoolers don’t receive a traditional high school diploma.
Any plans to get one?
Probably not. I don’t need a piece of paper to
be creative.
What if the whole celeb thing doesn’t work
out?
I’ll focus on writing and producing for other
artists. I have other talents I’m developing and
ventures I’m undertaking.
see next page u
Capstones of history
continued from page 4
asked the same questions. Regarding gender
pronoun usage, Tran told us, “I don’t have a
preference.”
In our story on Tran, you’ll notice we
use the pronouns “ze,” “hir” and “hirself.”
The pronouns are relatively new gender
pronoun constructions that aren’t beholden
to or weighted down by any gender binary.
In English, unfortunately, we have only two
ways of identifying people. Each way ties that
person to a male or female identity, an option
that is less than optimal for some people.
Further, other pronouns aren’t appropriate
when attempting to describe a single person
continued from previous page
You’re bisexual.
If you must brand me, I guess that’s what
most would consider me. I hate labels though
because society uses them more as a means
to stereotype personality traits than to identify
sexual preference. I’m attracted to beauty, not
what’s between someone’s legs.
What do you say to those who believe bisexuals are bi-now, gay later?
I find it hypocritical when one of my gay
friends will say bisexuality doesn’t exist and
in the next breath say how they want to “convert” someone because nobody is completely
straight. Aren’t they basically saying everyone
is bisexual? I don’t think bisexual is a transitional sexual orientation.
Why did you decide to come out so early in
your career?
I’m a bad liar and I wanted all of my skeletons
out of the closet, pun intended.
On a scale of 1-10, how much do you tip to the
gay way?
If you’re familiar with the Kinsey scale, I’m a 4.
If you had the choice between Heidi and
Spencer, who you would you choose?
Why choose? We could make it a ménage
à trois.
Does being bi hurt your chances with the
ladies?
Maybe with some, but I find that most girls are
pretty open-minded about it.
You hang out with a lot of drag queens, would
you ever go tri-sexual?
As far as my sexual attraction is concerned, I
like girls who look like girls and guys who look
like guys.
What’s your ultimate goal in life?
I want what everyone else wants, success
and happiness.
What does fame mean to you?
Anyone can be famous. I want to be
successful.
So, what is success then?
Achieving something you’ve worked hard for.
Are you so close you can taste it?
At this point I’d say I’m closer to success, but
the latter will come with time.
When will you know you’ve made it?
When Perez Hilton draws a penis on my
face. : :
info: KillianWells.com
— provided courtesy Project Publicity.
in a gender-neutral way. The pronoun “it,”
for example, dehumanizes the subject and
because “they” is plural, it’s use would be
grammatically incorrect when referring to an
individual.
There are several gender-neutral
constructions floating around, and each
construction’s use varies. There have been
only a few, unsuccessful attempts to create
a standard, gender-neutral alternative.
However, in an effort to continue our quest
to respect all the members of our LGBT
and queer communities, and to accurately
reflect the realities of those people we interview, qnotes has chosen what we believe
is a simple and appropriate gender-neutral
pronoun usage. In our article on Tran, and
potentially in future articles, you will notice
these new pronoun constructions. They
are as follows, with pronunciation guides in
parentheses:
Subject: He, She – Ze (“zee”)
Object: Him, Her – Hir (“hear”)
Possessive adjective: His, Her – Hir (“hear”)
Possessive pronoun: His, Hers – Hirs (“hears”)
Reflexive: Himself, Herself – Hirself (“hearself”)
Thanks to the Trans Issues Group at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology for
the gender-neutral pronoun usage guide.
You can download it at web.mit.edu/trans/
GenderNeutralPronouns.pdf. : :
Bi now. Gay Later?
by Max Jiminez
Why do so many in the community
— especially gay men — have a hard time
buying bi? Is it because too many mo’s
have used bisexuality as a way to dip their
toe before diving head first into gaydom?
Or, do most gay men fervently believe that
once guys go gay, they stay? We polled an
assortment of prominent members of the
community for their position on bisexuality.
Ron Perkov, Out singer
“There are so many different types
of love. Instead of labeling, just be. As
the title of my new dance single says, ‘It
doesn’t Matter.’”
Jonathan Crutchley, Manhunt founder
“Whenever I’m single, I’m looking to
date straight married men or guys with
girlfriends. In fact, my current boyfriend
of ten years had a girlfriend when we met.
He left her and moved in with me and is
now fully gay — or so I hope. I believe
bisexuality is real.”
Jincey Lumpkin , Juicy Pink Box
“I once called myself bisexual, but
that was before I had ever had a serious
girlfriend. Once I fell in love, I realized that
I never had that deep kind of connection
with a man, and I knew I was gay. But
it took me 25 years to find out. A lot of
people think they are bisexual when they
might truly be gay because they have
been conditioned to believe that being
gay is wrong. I grew up in a very small
town in Georgia, and there was not a single gay or lesbian living openly out of the
closet. Not one. It was pre-Ellen, so I had
absolutely no idea that there were other
women in the world who had feelings for
women. I didn’t know what a lesbian was!
I learned about lesbians from the ‘Howard
Stern Show.’”
Leah Driscoll, Pop star/Hetero fag hag
“It seems most people who call themselves bisexual tend to lean towards gay
over time. People don’t want to believe in
bisexuality. We want clear cut, black and
white answers to everything. Bisexuality
leaves a lot of people seeing gray. We also
have a need to label people — you against
me, us against them. I think the idea of
bisexuality makes people uncomfortable.
In the end, I don’t think it’s really anyone’s
job to judge the feelings of others.”
Raven O, Androgynous superstar
”A hole is a hole when the lights are
off. I’m sure “his holiness” the Pope has
the answer to whether or not bisexuality
is real. I don’t. I believe after a few drinks,
anything’s possible.”
DJ Seth Gold, Gay spinner
“I think if you talk to a man who has
been partnered with another man for 20
years, he’s going to tell you ‘there’s only
gay.’ On the other hand, if you talk to a
20-year-old in college who has a girlfriend
and a male hookup on the side, he’ll swear
up and down that bisexuality is absolutely
possible. Beliefs are based on one’s own
experience. I think most gays don’t believe
in bisexuality because they feel so strongly
and proud about being gay. I, however,
believe bisexuality is real.” : :
July 10-23 . 2010
qnotes
Greensboro man alleges racial, anti-gay
discrimination at KFC
Jobless since mid-May, man files complaint with EEOC
by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
GREENSBORO — A white, gay man has
alleged racial discrimination and sexual
harassment against his employers at a local
KFC restaurant and has filed his complaint
with the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (EEOC).
[Ed. Note — This news story contains
language some might consider offensive or
obscene.]
In a press release distributed by his life
partner Benjamin Tarsa, Marty Folks, 37,
says he was subjected to racial discrimination and anti-gay taunts, epithets and
sexual harassment while employed at the
4623 Market St. KFC restaurant owned by
Luihn Food Systems, a Yum! Brands franchisee with more than 85 stores throughout
the Southeast, primarily in North Carolina.
Yum! Brands owns six fast food chains,
including KFC, Long John Silver’s, Pizza Hut
and Taco Bell.
Folks was hired to work at the KFC store
in September 2009 and says he took the
position after receiving a personal call from
Luihn district manager Tammy Flood, according to the press release . Folks had been
employed at another Yum! Brands franchise
and says he was lured to the new position
with promises of better hours and a chance
for promotion. Soon after his employment
began, however, Folks says he began to
experience verbal abuse.
In his complaint to the EEOC, which
10
qnotes
Tarsa provided to qnotes, Folks writes, “I am
constantly being called ‘butt fucker’, ‘cock
sucker’ and ‘fucking faggot’. I have been
exposed to others using the words ‘Nigga
and Nigger’ in my presence. I have also been
sexually harassed by a co-worker.”
Folks also detailed sexual harassment
at the workplace in his EEOC complaint,
alleging another employee grabbed his
privates and nipples through his clothing and
simulated anal sex when he bent over in the
course of performing work-related duties.
“This was witnessed by a Manager, who
has been exposed to this treatment, but
has failed to discipline this individual,” the
complaint reads.
In March, Folks says he was told to “go
back to your window you fucking faggot,” by
a manager at the business. Folks clocked out
that day and contacted Lori Mayette, Luihn
director of human resources, who undertook a short investigation after which three
employees, including two managers, were
found to have acted inappropriately and
were terminated from employment.
Despite the action from Folks’ human
resources department, he says the working
environment at the KFC store did not improve. He claims he has suffered panic and
anxiety attacks because of the harassment.
According to the release, “After offering some additional support based on his
doctor’s assessment that he was not able to
return [to work], Luihn pressured Folks
to drop his complaint. When he refused,
Luihn withdrew any offers of support and
stated that they considered his unwillingness to return
immediately as
his resignation.”
Folks is in
the process of
filing additional
complaints of
retaliation with
the EEOC and alleges Luihn Food
Systems has rejected his request
to enter mediation
and denies any
wrongdoing.
“I don’t think
I’ve ever worked
anywhere where
I was treated like
that,” Folks told
qnotes. “This
is the first time
something like this has
every happened to
me.”
qnotes contacted
Luihn Food Systems
for comment. Neither Luihn President Jody
Luihn nor Human Resources Director Lore
July 10-23 . 2010
Mayette were available by press time.
Due to federal confidentiality laws and
regulations, qnotes was unable to learn anything more about Folks’ complaint from the
EEOC, but did learn the federal agency sued
Luihn Food Systems in August 2009
for alleged sexual
harassment of
four female employees at a KFC
store in Raleigh.
That case has yet
to be resolved.
Rick Maynard,
KFC spokesman,
told qnotes the
company is commitment to diversity and
respect.
“KFC Corporation
believes strongly in a
culture of respect for all
employees, and behavior
inconsistent with that
culture is not tolerated,” he
said in an emailed statement. “Our expectation is
that our franchisees take all
reports such as this very seriously and take quick and appropriate action where warranted.”
KFC Corporation’s equal employment
policy is inclusive of sexual orientation. : :
Charlotte youth
honored as White
House guest
Youth activist among several hundred at
White House Pride reception
Charlottean Loan Tran, left, with Rep. Jared Polis and Atlanta student counselor Maru Gonzalez at the
White House Pride reception on June 22.
Photo Credit: Loan Tran
[Ed. Note — Please see our special note on
gender-neutral pronoun usage on page 4.]
Amazed. That’s how Loan Tran described
hir emotion when ze received the invitation.
On June 22, Tran had the special honor of
attending President Barack Obama’s LGBT
Pride Month reception at the White House.
Ze was there among a few hundred other
LGBT youth activists and state and local
LGBT organization leaders, including Equality
North Carolina’s Ian Palmquist.
A rising sophomore at Charlotte’s
Phillip O. Berry High School, Tran has been
involved with both local and national LGBT
organizations. Ze serves as a youth member on Time Out Youth’s board of directors and has worked for half a year on the
National Student Leadership Team of the
Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network
(GLSEN), a national education and advocacy
organization working to make K-12 schools
safe for all students regardless of sexual
orientation or gender identity.
In fact, Tran’s White House invitation
came specifically because of hir work with
the national group, which placed hir name in
a long list of potential White House reception attendees, which they provided to White
House staffers.
Reflecting on the experience with qnotes,
Tran said it was special.
“It was amazing actually, because I’ve
always dreamed about attending the White
House for something excellent like that, but I
didn’t expect it to be so soon because I’m just
a sophomore in high school,” ze said.
During the event, Tran met and spoke
with Colorado Rep. Jared Polis, one of three
openly gay or lesbian members of Congress.
Ze also met Chely Wright, a Country singer
who recently came out as lesbian. And, of
course, ze met and spoke with the president.
“We exchanged a few words,” Tran said.
“He asked me how I was, and I said, ‘Fine,
thank you,’ and we got to shake hands.”
Despite criticism from some corners
of the LGBT world, Tran believes Obama is
committed to equality.
“Actually being there you could tell he
was genuine about his commitment,” Tran
said. “He is aware of the things that have
been going on in the community, and he
made a lot of references to LGBT youth and
youth leaders. I felt that it was more of a
confirmation of his commitment, even if he
hasn’t done as much as has been expected
from our community.” : :
more: Read more about Tran and hir
thoughts on LGBT/queer youth in our story,
“Youth of today. Leaders of tomorrow.” on
page 12.
qpoll
From transgender passport changes and hospital visitation to
federal employee benefits and new housing non-discrimination rules, the Obama Administration has taken many steps to
increase LGBT equality. Regardless, there has not been substantial action “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal or for passage of Employment
Non-Discrimination Act. Do you feel the administration is moving quickly
enough on our issues?
See the options and vote: goqnotes.com/to/qpoll
July 10-23 . 2010
qnotes
11
Youth of today. Leaders of
Carolinas LGBT, queer youth discuss community, politics, culture and id
After the passage in 2008 of California’s
my self-identification. We all know personal
Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment
identity is always evolving.”
that banned recognition of same-sex marZack Rosen, editor of the Washington,
riage there, the nation’s LGBT community
D.C.-based TheNewGay.net, an alternative
experienced a reawakening. For the first time
queer news, commentary and culture website
in years — at least since the time of ACT UP
(their tag line once read, “For everyone over
— massive numbers of LGBT people took to
the rainbow”), says LGBT young people are
the streets in big cities and small-town hamlets
coming out earlier because of the more acalike, pounding the pavement for equal rights
cepting culture and society in which they are
and justice. That renewed sense of energy
being raised.
gave rise to all sorts of new grassroots activ“A lot of them come out earlier, exposed
ists and leaders, many of them young people.
to many more images of queer people and
Youth today — those still in high school
queer culture,” he says. “They watched ‘Will
or in college — have grown up in a world
& Grace,’ and any number of other fairly
with nearly unlimited access to information
mainstream or not-so-underground popular enon LGBT life, people, culture and politics
tertainment with a balance of gay characters.”
— the realities of the world and themselves
Eighteen-year-old Michael Turner, a rising
inextricably linked with their own self-identity
UNC-Charlotte sophomore and PRIDE vice
at younger and younger ages.
president, echoes Rosen’s thoughts.
In 2005, researchers Caitlin Ryan and
“Now the community is in the news, it’s
Rafael M. Diaz documented emerging trends
all over the place,” he says. “It is easier for
in LGBT youth self-identity. Their study
you to know what those feelings are when
charted the average age of first same-sex
you are younger and you can grow up in an
attraction at 10 years old and an average age
atmosphere where you already have that selfof 13.4, they said, marks when youth are selfdeclaration and you can be stronger.”
identifying as LGBT. Shockingly, or perhaps
Youth who identity as straight, Rosen, 27,
not so much, some of the youth reported LGBT
says, have also been impacted by the changself-identities as young as five or seven.
ing culture. “Many straight youth are more
Compared to studies from the 1970s
nonchalant, being around peers coming out.
through early 1990s — in which average selfIt’s less of a big deal.”
identity ages ranged from 19-23 and 14-16, reAnd, just as the culture shapes LGBT
spectively — Diaz’s and Ryan’s findings show
young people today in such a remarkable way,
remarkable growth and a promising future for
Rosen believes queer youth will grow up to
the LGBT community.
leave their own unique stamp on the world.
Chelsea Adams, 19, a
rising sophomore at the
“In a way, it feels to some as if equal
University of North CarolinaCharlotte, says young people rights for all people are going to be a
given. With our generation, it’s like we
today are living in a larger,
more identifiable community
are waiting for our parents to leave
than ever before.
these positions of power so it will just
“The community of out
happen.”
LGBT youth is the largest
— Jacob Tobia
there’s ever been,” says
Adams, secretary of UNCCharlotte PRIDE, the campus LGBT student
“I hope they’ll blow it wide open,” he says.
organization. “People are learning what it
“I can’t wait. If you aren’t fighting for simple
means to be gay younger, and it strengthens
existence, growing up in a world where many
our community and everyone’s understanding
older people have worked so hard to make it
of what it means to be LGBT.”
easier to be an out gay person, it paves the
LGBT youth, their identities — in terms of
way for kids to do some really awesome stuff.”
both sexual orientation and gender — and
Even in places where acceptance isn’t a
how they relate to the world are becoming
given, it is becoming easier for youth to take
more fluid.
a stand and fight for equality. Rosen points
Loan Tran, a 15-year-old rising sophomore
to examples like Mississippi’s Constance
at Phillip O. Berry High School, says ze came
McMillen or Georgia’s Derrick Martin.
out in the sixth grade. Fortunately, Tran says
“Things are really bad still in a lot of
ze didn’t experience much harassment or
places in this country,” he says, “but even
discrimination. [Ed. Note — Please see our
when things aren’t good, people are more
special note on gender-neutral pronoun usage
aware of the injustices, are able to see them
on page 4.]
and get involved a little younger.”
“I didn’t get much of that,” Tran recalls. “I
That’s what 16-year-old Omar Ramirez, a
got the occasional discriminatory remark from
rising senior at Southern Guilford High School,
people who were unaware of the community
hopes to do. Like other youth in rural areas,
but that’s it.”
Ramirez looks out at the immediate world
Tran, who identifies as queer and when
around him and sees little progress on LGBT
asked about hir gender identity said, “I don’t
equality.
have a preference,” says ze didn’t see sexual
Despite living in an LGBT-friendly school
or gender identities as any more or less a part
district, and in a state that recently passed
of hirself than anything else.
LGBT-inclusive anti-bullying legislation,
“At the time I came out, I didn’t try to focus
Ramirez feels his rural school isn’t as acon my sexual orientation that much,” ze says.
cepting or as safe as it should be. Five years
“It hadn’t evolved into a big part of my life yet.”
ago, he says, students attempted to start a
As for why ze identifies as queer, Tran exgay-straight alliance and were turned away.
plains: “I feel like the word ‘queer’ is more of
Southern Guilford remains one of few high
an umbrella term and, personally, I’m not a big
schools in the district without such a group
fan of binaries. I think it is less restricting on
for LGBT, queer and straight ally students.
12
qnotes
July 10-23 . 2010
tomorrow.
dentity
He’ll take the initiative up himself and work to
create a club as part of his senior project next
school year.
Ramirez thinks it is necessary for people
to stand up on equality issues.
Being active, speaking out and taking
chances, he says, will make a true difference:
power so it will just happen.”
Ivel Posada, also 18 and heading to
Harvard College next month, agrees: “A lot
of people think, ‘By the time I grow up it will
be fixed.’”
On issues like marriage, Posada says many
in his peer circle say “I can’t think about this.
I’m too young to be thinking
about this right now.”
“It is easy to feel more comfortable
Gonzalo Agudelo,
where we are right now, but it is really 19, is a rising junior at
UNC-Charlotte and PRIDE
important to remember that we are
president. He also thinks
still playing for an ultimate goal — flat
complacency is a concern.
out equality, nothing left out at all.”
“Because we are in a better
— Gonzalo Agudelo place, we can forget that
we are lacking basic hu“If people continue to be proactive and work
man rights,” he says. “It is easy to feel more
for change, then equality could possibly come
comfortable where we are right now, but it is
by the time I grow up, but to just sit around or
really important to remember that we are still
sit back and let people harass or discriminate
playing for an ultimate goal — flat out equalagainst other people is not going to change
ity, nothing left out at all.”
anything. Change has to start with me if bigger
The comfort that comes from acceptance,
change is to occur.”
Tobia says, can have put a damper on youth’s
Jacob Tobia, an 18-year-old, gay Raleigh
ability to organize. While attending North
Charter High grad heading to Duke University
Carolina Governor’s School last summer, Tobia
in the fall, thinks one of the youth community’s
said he found it extremely difficult to raise
biggest challenges will come in convincing
awareness on LGBT issues.
people to get involved.
“It was such an accepting environment
“To younger LGBT people there seems
people immediately became complacent,”
to be an inevitability factor in everything,” he
he says.
says. “In a way, it feels to some as if equal
While there, some students tried to orgarights for all people are going to be a given.
nize a silent lunch, in recognition of anti-LGBT
With our generation, it’s like we are waiting
bullying and harassment. “A lot of my gay
for our parents to leave these positions of
friends at Governor’s School thought we were
silly for doing this activism while we were
there,” he says.
Posada feels many of his peers’ perceptions on the state of LGBT affairs are wrong. “I
think we’re still getting started,” Posada says
of the movement for LGBT equality. “I don’t
think we’re even at the halfway point yet.
There’s still a long way to go and it is frustrating because we see progress happening
in some states like California and then it is
backtracked.”
Despite the political and social
challenges of our current reality, all of the
young people qnotes interviewed held
optimism for better days ahead — a time in
which our community can focus not on how
we are treated by government
or society, but instead on how we
treat and identify with ourselves.
Tobia sums it up: “My hope for
the future is that our challenges will
continue to get smaller. I think most of the
activism that has been done has been met
positively. My hope is that challenges will
diminish, and maybe the real challenge going
forward will be understanding who we are
as a community that has attained
equal legal and civil rights. We’ve
been defined by fighting these battles
for so long, so who will we be when
the battles are won? Once we are in
that world, what is the LGBT community then? Who will we be? How will
we treat each other and interact with
each other?” : :
Artwork courtesy Chris Spooner, Blog.SpoonGraphics
July 10-23 . 2010
qnotes
13
Vacancy: You’re welcome here
Tips for LGBT travelers, hospitality providers
by Jeremy Bishop :: guest contributor
According to Community Marketing, Inc., a
leading LGBT consumer marketing firm, LGBT
tourism is a remarkable $63 billion-strong
industry.
Whether rural or urban, for a business
trip or personal vacation, LGBT travelers can,
without a doubt, be found in nearly every hotel
in the nation.
The question then becomes how to market
to such a diverse niche market. How do you
let those incoming travelers know you want
their business, and how do you as a consumer
support those hotels, restaurants and attractions that welcome you? For example, do you
need a staff member to become a PFLAG
member, participate in LGBT events and
advertise in publications? The answer isn’t as
simple as a quick fix.
A mixture of several of the items listed
below would be needed, and more than that
— a staff with open minds and open hearts
that makes visitors feel welcome.
Here are a few options I have personally
seen that have provided results and allowed
me to gain exposure for my hotels and attractions in the past, and reach out to LGBT
travelers.
If you are a hotel, attraction, or restaurant:
• Consider becoming TAG-approved through
Community Marketing, Inc. (Note: What is
“TAG”? Explain by spelling it out and then
put TAG in parenthesis.) This will allow
travel planners, meeting planners and
guests to see what properties welcome
their business.
It might just be the most luxurious, relaxing hotel you’ve ever stepped foot in. But, if it isn’t welcoming
it might not ever be enjoyable. (Pictured: The Westin Bonaventure Hotel lobby, Los Angeles.)
Photo Credit: LA Wed, via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons.
• If you are in a town that has a Pride event,
have a booth there to make sure people are
aware your hotel or business welcomes
LGBT travelers. This might allow you to book
their business travel, commitment ceremonies, meetings, groups and leisure travel.
(See interpride.org for a listing of Pride
events)
• Make sure your staff is sensitive to the
needs of our market (example: Don’t ask two
guys or girls if they need two beds — simply
verify their reservation as it was made by the
room type they are in).
• Make use of the Human Rights Campaign’s
Corporate Equality Index (available at hrc.
org) to find out businesses that have LGBT
affinity groups. These groups meet in various locations, and have great potential to
increase your market share.
• If you are in a larger city, research LGBT
associations and groups to see if you could
host their next event. There are literally
hundreds of LGBT corporate, leisure and
social associations that are open to meet in
various regions of the U.S. For smaller cities
— try simply calling and introducing yourself
— you might actually move a piece of
business to your area that might not usually
consider your location such as a board or
regional meeting.
If you are an LGBT traveler:
• Support those hotels, attractions, restaurants, etc. that are supporting you. If you
have a local gay bookstore or publication,
see if they have business cards, advertise
your business, and support them. Make
them aware that you support them because
they support you. If the manager, supervisor,
or owner can see the actual dollars being
spent by our community, they are much
more likely to find new ways to attract our
community. They are in business to make
money and profit, and we are in the position
to make their business succeed.
• When making hotel, car rental, airline, etc.
reservations as an individual traveler, go on
websites like gaytravelocity.com or orbitz.
com (and click the LGBT link). Many of these
sites are trying to reach out to us, so make
an effort to use their links to book your travel.
The more we use those links, the higher our
visibility and market credibility will climb.
see next page u
14
qnotes
July 10-23 . 2010
• Contact the local convention and visitors
bureaus for the cities you are traveling to.
Many cities now have special links for LGBT
travel on their website.
More than anything else, make sure you
take pride in your stay. As a niche market,
we impact so many cities and industries in
so many ways. If you are out, let companies
know you appreciate their support, or ask
for support in places you do not have good
experiences. Let your voice be heard!
Can a community as diverse as leather
daddies to lipstick lesbians, from post or preop transsexuals to gay doctors, etc. become
recognized as a valid target market when we
have by our own culture segmented ourselves
into smaller groups? Without any doubt, the
answer is yes. We are a varied community,
but we are one that can be marketed to from
an inclusive LGBT perspective. It is about a
group of people that come together — whether in specific groups or inclusive functions like
Pride celebrations. We are a group of people
to be respected, valued and have viability as a
travel market group.
One of the many ways we can gain
respect and consideration is to control
where, and to whom, we give our financial
support. Many of the things we do so well
are our fabulous Pride events, vacations and
weekend getaways. If we channel that into
buying patterns, and book through channels
specific to LGBT travel then our travel can
be tracked and understood by hotel, airline
and restaurant companies — all to prove our
market strength. This will only further allow
us to become a stronger, more pursued group
of customers.
Businesses seek out consumers they
know can purchase their products, and
become profitable. When we prove our worth
as a niche market, businesses will pursue
our community, and employees will see our
faces. Then, through personal interaction and
stories, we can, in fact, change society to become more inclusive for LGBT consumers. : :
general gayety
by leslie robinson :: qnotes contributor
DADT: Truth and sense gone AWOL
The things they say.
Politicians and advocates opposed to the
repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) have
provided a chain of ignorant remarks and
fantastical claims. I suppose when fear is your
main motivator, your lips come out swinging.
In May, Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., chatted on American Family Association (AFA)
radio about DADT. “You have women, men,
then you’d have a third group to deal with,”
he said.
A third group? What, Smurfs?
Inhofe continued, “A military guy — I happen to be Army and Army and Marines always
feel that when we’re out there, we’re not
doing it for the flag or for the country; we’re
doing it for the guy in the next foxhole. And,
that would dramatically change that.”
Apparently every straight soldier would
forget his training and duty, emerge from his
foxhole and announce to the enemy, “Stop
shooting! There’s a faggot next to me, so I’ve
decided to just go home.”
A couple of weeks later, AFA radio treated
listeners to a history lesson. Host Bryan
Fischer, as part of his discourse on DADT, declared that Hitler was “an active homosexual”
who recruited gays to be Storm Troopers.
“Hitler discovered that he could not get
straight soldiers to be savage and brutal and
vicious enough to carry out his orders, but that
homosexual soldiers basically had no limits,”
said Fischer.
If he twisted history any farther he would
decapitate it.
The truth is that several leaders of the SA,
the Nazi Party’s paramilitary, were gay. That
Hitler was gay is unlikely. That Fischer chose
to trot out a crazy picture of gay soldiers as
vicious animals during the national DADT debate suggests he’s desperate and delusional,
his head full of Brownshirts doing a Bavarian
folkdance.
That’s what the American Family
Association offered to the debate. Not to be
outdone, fellow social conservative group the
Family Research Council stepped up to the
fantasy plate at the same time. Senior Fellow
for Policy Studies Peter Sprigg released what
he said was the first study of “homosexual
assault” in the military.
According to the TPM website, Sprigg told
reporters that gays in the service “are three
times more likely to commit sexual assaults”
than straights.
His facts are about as trustworthy as BP’s.
Should DADT be repealed, said Sprigg, the
situation would become more dire. “The number of homosexuals would grow, the threat
of discharge for homosexual behavior would
be eliminated and protected class status for
homosexuals would make victims hesitant
to report assaults and make commanders
hesitant to punish them for fear of appearing
homophobic.”
And, Liza Minnelli would join the Joint
Chiefs of Staff.
Returning to politicians, consider Al
Krieger, the mayor of Yuma, Ariz., who supports DADT and whose remarks at a Memorial
Day ceremony in a cemetery included, “I
cannot believe that a bunch of lacy-drawered,
limp-wristed people could do what those men
have done in the past.”
What will it take for a person like Krieger
to grasp that some of “those men” were gay?
That some of them are now? He’s as ignorant
as a head of cabbage.
Krieger proved that again when he
defended himself to TV station KYMA, saying,
“We need solid strong men, not pacifists, to
fight those battles.”
Finally, in June, Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo.,
chairman of the House Armed Services
Committee, said he thinks DADT should stay,
in part because Congressional debate could
force families to discuss homosexuality.
“What do mommies and daddies say to
their 7-year-old child?” Skelton asked media
members.
They say sometimes girls fall in love with
girls and boys fall in love with boys, you great
big coward.
Cue the irony — the congressman wants a
policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” on “Don’t Ask,
Don’t Tell.” : :
info:
LesRobinson@aol.com . generalgayety.com
July 10-23 . 2010
qnotes
15
16
qnotes
July 10-23 . 2010
on being a gay parent
by brett webb-mitchell :: qnotes contributor
The Insurance Game
Here’s the situation: I have healthcare insurance, that includes dental, death, disability and part of my retirement plan,
through my employer’s comprehensive. This program covers
my two children and me.
My partner has his health insurance program and retirement program through the state of North Carolina because he
is an employee of the state.
Because of the rules of the insurance game we are not
considered a couple, or a family, even though in all reality we
are very much a family, with kids and dogs in tow, in every
respect that a heterosexual couple is. So our healthcare
benefits are double what other couples pay for who are either
heterosexuals and married, or are fortunate to work in a place
where there are same-sex health benefits.
Here’s where it gets even more interesting: my partner,
who works at a state institution of higher education, is re-
sponsible for signing off on any
graduate student in a same-sex
partnered relationship who is
then able to procure same-sex
benefits for his or her partners.
The irony is he cannot get
the same benefits for us as a
couple as a state employee.
Now this is where it gets
tricky and becomes a matter of
injustice: we have friends who
are both employees of the state,
working in the same institution of higher education. They are in a same-sex marriage,
having been wed in the state of Massachusetts. However,
this marriage is not recognized in North Carolina. One of the
women, who recently had a child through in-vitro fertilization,
recently had a flare up her multiple sclerosis (MS) because
of the pregnancy and healthy birth of a child. Because of the
MS flare-up she has gone on a health-related or sick leave of
absence. However, doing so means she no longer has health
insurance for her or the baby. And, her partner’s insurance
coverage does not cover her married-partner or the child that
she is also a parent to because the child is — in the state of
North Carolina — a dependent upon the single mother (who
really isn’t a single mother) who is now on sick leave.
Is this crazy or what?
And, the current federal reform of healthcare does not
touch the commonality of this situation. I know of other
same-sex partners who face the same high cost of health
care, each person having to pay separately because of
the rules of the federal, state, local and private firms we
are employed by. And, I know many others whose COBRA
programs have recently run out whose partners cannot
cover them in their healthcare plans. For such couples, they
simply pray that nothing catastrophic happens to the partner
without the insurance that they cannot afford currently.
Clearly it is time to work toward change so that all may
have family health insurance, whether a couple is in a straight
or LGBTQ-coupled relationship. It is both an issue of justice,
but also of compassion, regardless of one’s political, philosophical, theological or ideological position. : :
qomunity qonexions u
July 10-23 . 2010
qnotes
17
Mamma Mia!
It’s a Dancing Queen!
State budget
passes with ADAP
funding intact
Broadway musical hits Charlotte in July
by Braxton Midyette :: special to qnotes
Additional $14 million will reopen service to some
on waiting list
RALEIGH — North Carolina lawmakers
and Gov. Bev Perdue approved the state’s
final budget on June 30, with critical new
funds for the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance
Program (ADAP) left intact.
The final budget includes original recommendations by Perdue for an additional $14.1
million in ADAP funding, which provides
lifesaving medicines to low-income individuals living with HIV and AIDS. State officials
were forced to close new enrollment to the
program in January.
Since then, the waiting list for new
enrollment has grown exponentially, with
769 people as of June 24. North Carolina’s
waiting list is the longest in the nation, according to the National Alliance of State and
Territorial AIDS Directors.
The new budgeted funds will restore
ADAP service to those on the waiting list
living at or below 125 percent of federal
poverty level, although the current waiting
list includes individuals living at up to 300
percent.
Ian Palmquist, executive director of
Equality North Carolina, said the new funds
aren’t a complete fix, but a welcome sight
nonetheless.
“It is a huge step in a very tough budget
year where the state has already cut $800
million in funding,” Palmquist said. “Having
any additional money budgeted for programs
is very unusual.”
The additional funds will be used to
service only those currently on the waiting
list. Palmquist said new enrollment would be
unlikely, but steps could be taken to serve
clients elsewhere, especially if a Department
of Health and Human Services study on
Medicaid eligibility is successful. The budget
directs department officials to undertake
that study and report to Senate and House
officials the possibility of moving some waitlisted ADAP patients to Medicaid.
Palmquist said the study is a “good idea,”
and cited benefits to both patients and the
state.
“One, it would cover all of their health
care, not just AIDS drugs, and the federal
government matches Medicaid dollars twoto-one — the state would get more federal
resources,” Palmquist said.
The Health and Human Services should
report their findings to Senate and House
health committees by November. : :
connect to goqnotes.com
Looking for something guaranteed to put a smile on
your face and a spring in your step? We have just the
scene for you! Scandalous affairs, untold secrets and…
ABBA! That’s right, ”Mama Mia!”, the highly enjoyable
musical the world has fallen in love with takes the stage
right here in Charlotte July 26-31 at the Belk Theatre.
Writer Catherine Johnson’s compelling musical
— composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus —
takes place on a beautiful Greek isle, where the sun shines
constantly and there are endless amounts of ABBA! The
story of a daughter’s search for her true father — so he
walk her down the aisle — results in three estranged men
from her mother’s secreted past. Which one is the father
of the bride?
ABBA’s enduring melodies enlighten this story of true
love, desire, endless friendship and fun. This campy, entertaining musical is sure to brighten
the hearts of its audience and leave you with a smile on your face and “Dancing Queen” stuck
in your head! ”Mama Mia!” is not only a hit, but it is a definite must-see! For tickets, visit
blumenthalcenter.org or call 704-372-1000. : :
18
qnotes
July 10-23 . 2010
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Sexy and cash-strapped
Peddlers of the world’s oldest professions are getting hit by the economy, too
by Nathan James :: special to qnotes
The stock market is down, real estate
prices are 60 cents on the dollar and my 401(k)
is tanking. An economy like this makes me
think about what really matters:
Have adult film stars begun to buy generic
baby oil? Have strippers started to hand
out “buy one-get one” coupons for private
dances? How has the economy affected nontraditional businesses in the adult industry?
Everyone knows the impact the economic
downturn has had on the nation as a whole
and you know at least one of your friends who
has taken a hit. What about the sex kittens
who make going out with friends worth the
hangover and empty wallets? Who is going
to take notice of the empty thongs of adult
entertainers?
Everyone is hurting: Banks, clubs, restaurants. If it’s a business, it’s being affected by
the economy. That doesn’t exclude workers who peddle sex or other adult-themed
products and services — one of the oldest
professions in the world.
The internet is a pornographer’s wet
dream: The porn industry rakes in an estimated $13 billion each year. It makes content
available to a large audience who can remain
completely anonymous behind a computer
screen. They don’t have to leave home for a
private dance. Their private dancer can show
up at the kitchen table with a few clicks of the
mouse and a valid credit card.
Thorn Alexander, owner of BTL LLC, an
adult website company, started his business
with his partner, Chris Austin. Alexander said
he always wanted to do adult movies. At 17
years old he was too young to act in the films,
but he was a fluffer for an adult filmmaker. His
job was to make sure the actors’ “equipment”
was taken care of and ready for camera.
Alexander and Austin have been providing
adult content for about eight years. He and
his partner run a gay voyeur-cam website,
hotcamboiz.com, from their home.
Members can log on and watch five
models live their daily lives in the house or if
they’re not in the mood for a G-rated production they can watch one of the 90-minute
shows that promises a little more excitement.
Members are able to chat via the internet with
the model while he excites himself and his
fans. Each model must perform four 90-minute
shows per week. Alexander said five years
ago there were hundreds of voyeur cam websites and now there are only three. His site
boasts about 2,000 members, but has seen a
decline of 15 to 20 percent in membership.
Alexander feels the uniqueness of the
website is what has kept their members’ interest aroused. The company is looking toward
iPhone apps that would allow members to
access the house when they are away from
their computer as a way to continue to grow
their business.
Lavanna McDonald, the owner of Just for
Pleasure, an adult novelty and bookstore, has
also noticed a slump in business. McDonald
opened her store after she visited an adult
novelty shop, bought $200 worth of sex toys
suggested by the clerk and hated them all.
She decided she could open a store and
do it better.
McDonald always tried to set herself apart
from her competition by being a friendly adult
store.
“If you’re short a dollar or two, that’s
okay,” McDonald said. “Try doing that at one
of the corporate places.”
She tries to make her shop feel more like
a boutique than a “porn store.” Vibrators and
dildos are in a glass case. Lubes and gels are
scattered throughout the store. DVDs and
lingerie are on display, but McDonald added a
feminine touch when decorating so visions of
sex weren’t beating your eyeballs.
In time, McDonald was able to expand her
store to include the space next to her. Yet, the
economy took its toll forcing her to give up the
new space.
“It is almost like starting over,” she said.
The store, near South Blvd. in Charlotte,
struggled during light rail construction. It was
barely able to stay open when construction
ended because Charlotte began to feel the
tightening grip of a recession.
However, she feels business has been
relatively stable since then. In an ironic
twist, the bad economy could keep her
afloat. Feuding couples
arguing over money are
turning to “marital aids”
to work out rifts in their
relationships.
“It is cheaper to stay
together,” McDonald
said. She feels when
the sex in a 15- or
20-year marriage hits a
slump then small issues
seem a lot bigger, and
introducing a batteryoperated friend in the
boudoir can spice up
sex and relieve marital
tensions.
She has noticed
fewer customers, but
many are making larger
individual purchases.
Other people, she
said, aren’t making
big, one-time buys and
are instead looking for
quality.
Tien “Asian Rider”
Hoang, an exotic
dancer, says he has
noticed fewer people
crowding around stage
to tuck dollars into his
g-string. Hoang says his
earnings while working
in Charlotte have dipped
to half what they used
to be.
Photo Credit: Friction NYC, via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons.
He travels to
Georgia, Virginia and
market. Sex sells and there is never a shortSouth Carolina, but says he earns the least in
age of buyers or sellers, but during a recesNorth Carolina.
sion the price is a lot lower. And, for those
“I mean I can make about $300 to $400, but
involved in some of the oldest professions in
here it’s like $75 or $100,” Hoang said about
the world, that isn’t good news.
his nightly take-home pay.
I have faith that change is coming. Keep
But, he hasn’t given up and keeps coming
your heads up webcam performers, dildo
back. He says he has a unique selling point: “I
peddlers and thong-wearing eye candy and
think people keep paying because they ain’t
believe your bank account will be full again
never seen an Asian male dancer.”
soon. : :
Carnal desires will always fuel the meat
Juneteenth in Charlotte
Gorgeous weather with clear skies and sunny days made
for a festive crowd at this year’s Juneteenth of the Carolinas
celebration.
In its 13th year, the local event pays tribute to the day when
America’s last slaves were told of President Abraham Lincoln’s
Emancipation Proclamation. In Charlotte, thousands turned out
to peruse vendors offering everything from traditional African art
to modern-day music, jewelry and apparel. The event, spanning
four days in Independence Park, also featured a parade and street
festival, heritage performances, a Sunday faith service, music,
fashion show, health fair and other entertainment.
The Juneteenth Festival supports the work of the Juneteenth
Foundation, which offers
financial support to deserving
students, assists those in need
of transitional housing and
presents various community
health seminars.
This year’s sponsors included McDonalds, Coca Cola,
News 14 Carolina, Power 98
WPEG FM, V101.9, Q92.7, The
Charlotte Post, Creative Loafing,
House of Africa, and others. : :
July 10-23 . 2010
qnotes
19
out in the stars
by charlene lichtenstein :: qnotes contributor
July 10 - 23
Despite what you might
think, it is possible to
have a change of heart
in any long-festering
issue. Venus in Virgo
sees things with a
practical eye while Mercury in Leo aches for
attention. Open yourself up to the possiblities.
Where will it all lead? Your call.
CANCER (06.22-07.23) Your words are sugar
coated. Try a few particular bon mots out on
assorted movers and shakers and see who
shimmys closer. Then you can say what has to
be said. Gay Crabs can figure out what is and
what is not important to them. Stop seeking
others’ approval. You have nothing to lose but
your psychological chains…and, that orange
fluorescent jump suit.
LEO (07.24-08.23) Is money the root of all evil?
Not right now! Proud Lions manage to find
the balance in life and enjoy every last drop.
Increase the fun by allowing your ideas to flow
freely. You find that these ideas have weight
and power. Good. Don’t just sit around and fan
the air. Set a few ideas in motion and take them
for a spin. Bring on the tornado!
VIRGO (08.24-09.23) Queer Virgos are sexy and
delightful. This means that you attract more
admirers than you expect. Be choosy and careful. There is a lot going on behind the scenes
that impacts your ultimate choice. And, don’t
just rely on someone else to make your dreams
come true. Be creative and calculatedly risky
with some of your great ideas to make a great
reality. Ain’t that great?
LIBRA (09.24-10.23) Proud Libras have that je
ne sais quois. It seems that you intuitively know
where the gold is buried. Don’t procrastinate;
grab all opportunities while your thoughts are
crystal clear and your vision is 20/20. Soon,
that missing link will become just another
Neanderthal. But, I hear that you can make
friends with just about anybody anyway.
SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) Seek what is buried
beneath the surface at work, proud Scorp.
Your innate political savviness is turned on full
force. Play the corporate game from all angles
and use what you have learned to further your
career. Friends meanwhile have a few tricks up
their sleeves. Will you find a jewel of a romance
among your trashy pals. That depends on who
you are really into.
SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.22) If you have been
feeling a bit sore from studying at the school
of hard knocks, this time period gives you a
prolonged coffee break with a dollop of frothy
cream. Gay Archers find that the stresses and
strains of the corporate arena are a little easier
to take. Give credit to your social circle which
provides you with friends in high places. Or,
20
qnotes
July 10-23 . 2010
maybe they are just high friends?
CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) Although it is hard to
believe, there is more to life than just the daily
grind of work, work, work. Although thoughts of
the job revolve around in your head, do not take
any action on them, pink Cap. Escape from it all
and enjoy life a bit. Sometimes, we can solve
the problems of the world with a little body oil
and a ticket to Palm Springs.
AQUARIUS (01.21-02.19) Aqueerians are hot to
trot. What a nice change of pace! Your presence is demanded with every hotsy totsy in
town while your generousity and good spirits
expand your appeal to global proportions. But,
remember that pacing is everything. Conserve
your energy so you can stir the pot as often as
you like. Who knows, you may just get to lick
the bowl.
PISCES (02.20-03.20) Sitting home alone on a
weekend night or working late one too many
days? Stow the popcorn and fuzzy slippers;
it’s time to socialize. A great relationship will
find you if you make yourself available. For
those Guppies who already are part of a fish
stew, it can be boiling hot right now. ‘Bout time
lover. There are still a few extra tidbits in your
saucepan.
ARIES (03.21-04.20) Proud Rams may have
their minds in the clouds, but their feet are still
planted firmly on the ground. Set things into fast
forward action. You can do no wrong especially
on the job. However give yourself some time to
daydream about a certain office romance. Who
knows what can happen when the watercooler
talk starts to boil over.
TAURUS (04.21-05.21) Queer Bulls swallow the
bait for any wild romance. The good times roll
and so do you. But, is that all there is to life as
you pick yourself up off the floor time again?
Why not concentrate on solid territory such as
a home based project. Before you know it you
can combine business with pleasure with a
poolside cleaning party. Ah, who will get hosed
down first?
GEMINI (05.22-06.21) Pink Twins are sitting
pretty in their living rooms, ready and waiting to receive their adoring audiences. Try
to be gracious as the hordes gallop through
your manicured gardens and upset your finely
designed inner chamber. Soon, oh, too soon,
your glorious moment of popularity slows to a
stroll and you will have to content yourself with
an occasional trot in the dirt. : :
© 2010 Madam Lichtenstein, LLC. All Rights
Reserved. Entertainment.
info: Visit www.TheStarryEye.com for
e-greetings, horoscopes and Pride jewelry. My
book “HerScopes: A Guide To Astrology For
Lesbians” from Simon & Schuster is
available at bookstores and major booksites.
tell trinity
by trinity :: qnotes contributor
Are first impressions
really that important?
Hello Trinity,
My roommate keeps pushing me to
get dressed up when I have an
interview or a date. But, shouldn’t I be
liked and accepted for who I
am not for who I make believe I am?
First Take, Albuquerque, NM
Hello First Take,
When first meeting someone you have 30
seconds to win them over. After that, it’s all
just frosting or burnt crust. Some books
even talk about the first three seconds,
i.e., the first handshake, smile or eye
contact and if you’re lucky enough to get a second
meeting you have to become even
more impressive not less.Thus,
if you make it through the first 30
seconds, then the next 10 minutes,
then the next interview or date
and all the way up to your fifth
encounter then, and, only then, can
you start to relax. And, yes, honey,
being your (best) self is key in
any interaction unless you have a
split personality and you’re dating
yourself.
Dearest Trinity,
Lately, my girlfriend has been
acting weird. So, the other night
when she said she was meeting
a friend at the bar, I decided to investigate. When I arrived
she was not with that friend, but talking to other friends. After
30 minutes I said hi. She was glad to see me, but now I feel
guilty. Was I wrong?
Caught Spying, Provincetown, MA
Dearest Caught Spying,
You have a right to trust your instincts and protect your interests as long as it’s a harmless investigation, like checking up
on someone at a bar. So, kill the guilt. Sometimes, sweetie, you
have to do what you have to do, which often means act first
and apologize later. (Tips are easy to come by when you check
out my cartoon.)
Dear Trinity,
Sometimes my boyfriend can’t get excited in bed. Could it be me?
Come On-Get Up, Savannah, GA
Dear Come On,
Yes, pumpkin, sometimes it might be you. So, ask straight out,
“How can I be more attractive?”And, then listen quietly before
doing everything he says. Sometimes
it’s also not you, but it’s things you can
change, like the dirty bed sheets, the
warm room temperature, your unattractive undergarments or your lazy attitude.
Of course, it may also be his work, stress,
family or… he’s sleeping around.
Hey Trinity,
I’m sure my best friend is a lesbian, but
she doesn’t know it. I have lots of lesbian
friends I could introduce her to, but I don’t
want to make her uncomfortable. Help?
Lesbian In DeNile, Billings, MT
Hey LID,
Sometimes it’s hard to say, “Follow the
yellow dyke road.” Besides, sharing the wonderful aspects of
lesbianhood, like never having men controlling her, why not
read her:
Trinity’s Strong Suggestions For
Knowing If (YPAL) You’re Probably
A Lesbian
1. When your wardrobe consists of one simple dress for every
10 flannel shirts, buttoned down oxfords and khaki slacks
well, YPAL.
2. If on your desk at work sits a beautiful photograph of your
dog or cat, hey YPAL.
3. So you’ve been with the same woman for 33 years, yeah
YPAL.
4. Always wanted to be a cop, fireman, pilot or electrician?
That can only mean one thing, Butchy!
5. So, you hate shaving your legs and armpits, hate letting your
hair grow past your ears and hate how your feet look in
pumps, well guess what?
6. So, you cried when Rosie left her talk show, but threw a
huge potluck when Ellen (Degeneres) aired her show, YPAL.
7. Owning the DVD’s “Boys Don’t Cry,” “Go Fish” and/or
“Kissing Jessica Stein” basically means YPAL.
8. If your CD collection also includes Indigo Girls, Melissa
Etheridge and/or K.D. Lang, well guess again?
9. So, you like sports, camping, fixing cars and playing guitars:
hello in there Joe!
10. And, lastly, when your elbow stays in the air while you’re
puffing on a cigarette, YPAL. : :
— With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity was
host of “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama,
and now performs globally.
info: www.telltrinity.com . Trinity@telltrinity.com
Tell Trinity, P.O. Box 23861 . Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33307
Sponsored by: Provincetown Business Guild
800-637-8696 . www.ptown.org
July 10-23 . 2010
qnotes
21
U.S.ofA. at Large who was there to entertain. I hear she had a
load of properly placed cosmetics on, naturally.
Now, I’ve got more on the local level. They recently had
by miss della :: qnotes contributor
the Miss and Mr. Triad Pride pageant at Warehouse 29 in
It’s a not time in the ole’
Greensboro and here are the results: the Miss winner was
pageant scene right now
Felicity B. Knight-Addams with RU Malayia Chanel Iman; the
Mr. winner was Neil ‘The Vessel’ O’Hara with RUs Jaylen
Oh, kiddies, it’s that time again when
Chanel Rainbow and J.T. Also held recently at the Warehouse was the
we chit-chat about the girls of crowns and
5th Annual Miss NC Sex Kitten contest. Bree La’Moure won; her RUs
gowns. It’s hotter than a Central American
were Cheetah V. Shaw, Onyx Jade Addams and Shana Chanella. Miss
soccer team outside — Lordy, mercy!
Myrtle Beach Pride was held a few weeks back and Jessica Raye won;
I’ll start this time with an oversight from the last Rag. I completely
her RU was Dasia Monet Tate.
forgot to mention the results of the Miss Rainbow In (not Inn) pageant I
On the national scene, Miss EOY quickly approaches and my good
judged at Lake Wylie. Y’all know I don’t drink (much) and certainly have
sis Angelica Dust won Miss NC; her RU was Eureka O’Hara. I heard
never drugged, but I cannot explain my omission. Anyway, I judged with
Miss Angelica had turned Creative Evening Wear O-U-T! You better
burlesque star Big Mama D and Big Shirli Stevenz. We had a nice night
work, little baby! Miss TX is former Miss U.S.ofA. Asia O’Hara with RU
with Roxy C. Moorecox down there. London Dior won and her RU was
(another former U.S.ofA.) Sweet Savage. Miss Canada is Deangela
Lita Fontaine (who won Talent). Sorry, ladies, for the faux pas.
Show Shannon with RU Devine.
A few weeks later, I joined London and her partner Charlie at the
Other than the aforementioned ladies, here’s wishing my sisters
Hide-A-Way as they helped oversee a pageant I judged which is owned
Porkchop and la Erika Norell best wishes at the Louisville shindig!
by their friend Cherish D’Men. It was called Miss Beautiful Southeast. A
On the U.S.ofA. at Large scene, Miss OK is Bianca LeBlanc, with RU
lovely Eureka O’Hara from Johnson City, TN won. Her RU was Jessica
Cordilla Monroe, and my crazy girlfriend Mia Adams won Miss Super
Raynes Starr. I also got a second chance to see a relative newcomer
Nova and her RU was Mackynzie Bryant.
compete again by the name of Kylie DaVinci who shows a lot of promise
The most recent national pageant to take place that I know of was
as she is talented in my opinion. While down in Rock Thrill, I was able to
also the most talked-about new national — the All-American Goddess.
visit with Doug McAlister, Makaylah DuShot, Carmendy, Jessica Jewel
By now, you know that Alyssa Edwards won. She tied for Talent on final
Addams, Miss Pride Charlotte Felicia Monet and a newly crowned Miss
night with her 1st RU Alana Steele; Alyssa also won Interview and final
Charlotte America Starla DaVinci (who did a good job in the show).
night Gown. Second RU was Dee Ranged (winner of Q & A), third was
Starla’s RU was Aiesha Parris. an old school friend of mine from the Tulsa days, Kandy Cayne, and
While on the subject of NC America prelims, I was able to attend
fourth RU was Chanel Cartier.
Miss Winston-Salem America where Miss NC Detra Panucci sported
In closing, a shameless self-promotion: Miss Della’s creator wants
new fashions all night long by Malaysia K. Black. Lookin’ good, mama!
to mention a project he’s working on — many of you may know I’ve
Two Charlotte girls took the spots there at Club Odyssey — Emery Starr
sponsored a precious kid in Honduras, Central America now for almost
won. Her RU was Tara Storm. Brittany O’Brian, who has moved to NC
nine years. I’m raising money to build this kid a house and have asked
from Louisiana, won Miss Raleigh. Her RU was Ebony Summers. Jazmun
the owners of my three favorite national pageants to donate at least the
Tomas made the trek to the gorgeous NC mountains and is your new
amount of a final night ticket to their pageants. Girls, if you appreciate a
Miss Asheville — smart girl, as I understand this was a very nice prize
mention when I was just goddess-worshipping, feel free! If you feel I’ve
package thanks to promoter Natalie Maria Smalls.
helped add to your celebrity, really feel free. Here’s the link: firstgiving.
On the NC U.S.ofA. side, Miss Tri-Cities was just held at Night Owls
com/gerardoshouse. I’d rather do it with you than without you! : :
in Gastonia. Jessica Jewel Addams won. Her RU was Brandi Andrews.
info: Drop me a line, OK? TheTeaMissD@yahoo.com
I really hate I missed my big sis Jacqueline St. James, former Miss
drag rag
22
qnotes
July 10-23 . 2010
Q
CMF Grand Gala
July 31 • Raleigh
Crape Myrtle Foundation hosts the Grand Gala at the Raleigh Convention Center, with emcee WRAL news
anchor Pam Saulsby and guest entertainers Purina Chow, Legends House Cast and more. Music by DJ Foxxy and
DJ Joey. 500 S. Salisbury St. 7-11 p.m. $30/advance. $40/door. crapemyrtlefest.org.
July 10 • Charlotte
Men of Petra’s finale
For the last time, Petra’s staff straps on
some heels and work for your dollar bills.
The Final Four are Sal Garcia as Sal Manilla,
Christopher Jones as Barbara Burning Bush,
Davey Roberson as Moxy D’outfire and Ryan
Stamey as Robyn O. Ladies. This will be the
best amateur drag night yet! So, come out and
vote for your favorite performance. Someone
will be crowned Miss Man of Petra’s. Petra’s,
1919 Commonwealth Ave. 10 p.m.
Gaga for Dada
This third annual fundraiser, Gaga for Dada: A
Celebration of the Arts, is a festival of the best
performers in Charlotte. Music, food, cocktails, mingling and of course, a fabulous show.
Call us to purchase your tickets! Theatre
Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. 5-7:30 p.m.
704-344-8335. timeoutyouth.org.
petraspianobar.com.
Disney Princess brunch
Buff Faye presents her Disney Princess Drag
Brunch. Ariel, Mulan, Belle, Snow White,
Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine or
Pocahontas — whoever it is you adore,
come on out and help make wishes come
true! Proceeds benefit the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation. Hartigan’s Irish Pub, 601 S. Cedar
St. Noon-3 p.m. bufffaye.com.
July 11 • Raleigh
High Tea for LGBT
Join the LGBT Center of Raleigh for a High
Tea social at the Umstead Hotel and Spa. Tea
sandwiches, scones and other sweet treats
accompany the tunes of 18-year-old guitar
and Flamenco performer David Krozieski.
Umstead Hotel & Spa, 100 Woodland Pond Dr.
2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. $50 donation. lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.
July 11 • Raleigh
Saks in the City
Crape Myrtle Festival presents “Saks in
the City,” a Saks Fifth Avenue fashion show
benefiting the Crape Myrtle Foundation. The
Borough, 317 W. Morgan St. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. $10.
crapemyrtlefest.org.
July 14 • Winston-Salem
Film screening encore
OUT at the Movies, Winston-Salem and
the Triad’s GLBT Film Series, will present
an encore screening of “Contracorriente”
(“Undertow”) due to its overwhelming popularity last month. a/perture cinema, 311 W. 4th
St. outatthemovieswinston.org.
Mr. Pride Charlotte MI
The second annual Mr. Pride Charlotte MI
contest hits Hartigan’s Irish Pub. MC for the
evening is Brandonna Dupri, with special
guests Mr. Pride Charlotte MI 2009 Howard
Hung and Miss Pride Charlotte 2009 Felicia
Monet, among others. Hartigan’s Irish Pub,
601 S. Cedar St. 10 p.m.-midnight.
pridecharlotte.com.
July 17 • Lake Norman
Guild lake party
The Charlotte Business Guild hosts its annual
lake party at the private home of a member.
Cost is free for Guild members, $10 for guests
and non-members. Food and non-alcoholic
beverages included. Attendees are asked to
bring their own towels and alcoholic beverages. Reservations are not required. For
more information call 704-565-5075 or email
businessguild@yahoo.com.
Takeover gets WET!
Join the gals and guys of Takeover Friday
for their annual pool party at The Catalyst,
Charlotte’s newest Uptown condo tower.
ONE Catering provides the cash (only) bar. DJ
Bethany spins. The Catalyst, 225 W. Martin
Luther King, Jr. Blvd. (at Church St.). 1-5 p.m.
takeoverfriday.com.
Etheridge in concert
Melissa Etheridge performs live at Ovens
Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 8 p.m.
Buy tickets online at ticketmaster.com.
Pride garage sale
The Lesbian & Gay Community Center
of Charlotte will host a garage sale, with
proceeds benefitting the Center and Pride
Charlotte. Donated items can be dropped
off at the Center July 19-24. Sale includes a
hot dog cook out and drinks. Lesbian & Gay
Community Center, 820 Hamilton St., Suite
B11. gaycharlotte.com.
July 26 • Durham
Etheridge at DPAC
Four days after hitting the Queen City, Melissa
Etheridge heads to Durham Performing Arts
Center, 123 Vivian St. 8 p.m. Buy tickets online
at ticketmaster.com.
July 28 • Durham
Tom Mendicino
Tom Mendicino will read from and sign
copies of his debut novel, “Probation.” After
being arrested for solicitation in a public rest
room on Interstate 85 in North Carolina, Andy
Nocera is placed on probation. Subsequently,
he is thrown out by his wife and fired by his
father-in-law, leaving him no other option but
to take refuge at his mother’s house, where
no questions are asked. Mendicino has
crafted a novel that is part coming-out story
and part family chronicle, as Andy struggles
to find acceptance, redemption, and true
love. Regulator Bookshop, 720 Ninth St. 7-8
p.m. regulatorbookshop.com.
LGBT Catholic mass
The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte’s LGBT outreach program will hold its 14th Annual Mass
of Celebration for Gay and Lesbian Catholics,
presided over by Fr. Pat Earl. Open to all
area Catholics as well as gay and lesbian
Christians of all denominations. Reception
to follow. St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 507 S.
Tryon St. 7 p.m. stpeterscatholic.org/gay_lesbian_ministry.
July 29-Aug. 1 • Durham
Triangle Black Pride
Shades of Pride hosts its inaugural Black
Pride in the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill
area. triangleblackpride.org.
July 31 • Asheville
Community Picnic
Free Community Picnic/BBQ to celebrate
and thank public and businesses for supporting Rainbows for Pride. First annual
Blue Ridge Pride Community Partnership
Award to be presented. WNC Nature Center
events
qnotes
goqnotes.com/qguide/events
arts.
entertainment.
news.p.m.
views.
Gazebo, 75
Gashes
Creek Rd. Noon-2
blueridgepride.com.
uuu
Charlotte Black
Gay Pride
Charlotte Black Gay Pride 2010 is set
to takeover the Queen City July 15-18, with
events ranging from community forums and
youth benefits to pool parties and art performances. Check out the selected calendar of
events below and be sure to visit charlotteblackgaypride.com for a full slate of events.
Community Forum
July 15, 6 p.m.
ALoft Hotel, 210 E. Trade St.
Facilitator Bernard Davis leads the
community in discussion on “Love me
enough to care.”
Youth Night Pride Benefit Party
July 15, 8 p.m.-Midnight
A special benefit party for youth under 21.
Admission by donation, suggested $7.
CBPG Expo
July 17, 2-6 p.m.
Grady Cole Center
310 N. Kings Dr.
Community vendors and entertainment.
Free admission.
Clash of the Champion
July 15, 6 p.m.-midnight
Grady Cole Center
310 N. Kings Dr.
Presented by D-Up.
TRUMPAIDS Spades and Bidwhist
Tournament
July 17, 6 p.m.-midnight
Pre-registration required, $30 per team.
Worship Service
July 18, 1 p.m.
St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church
1900 Norris Ave.
With Bishop T. Rawls and Rev. C. Matthews
July 10-23 . 2010
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qnotes
July 10-23 . 2010

July 10-23 . 2010 qnotes

Transcription

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