NotefromtheEditor-in-chief
In 2025, given the executive orders streaming down from the new administration, we, the LGBTQ community, are currently in uncharted territory. Never before have we had a president so pressed on oppressing the marginalized within our society, at least in the modern era. Given all of the false truths being told all around us about our fellow citizens, especially concerning the transgender population, it is easy to give into the shock of everything.
And yet, we are still here, and still together, something the most frenzied of the far-right could never take from us, and a human right we will fight for.
As I’ve continued to write here at CGN, as well as in our regional LGBTQ+ publication, QNotes, it is my fondest desire to keep on giving that message to you, our own extensive community within the Charlotte region, and everywhere we’ve been welcomed since our founding in 2020. Each month, CGN provides spaces filled with wishes of cheer and empowerment of ourselves. Here, you are always free to be you, and here you are also safe.
As we traverse the years ahead, our organization hopes to continue being that haven for the queer community, no matter what space we are dedicating time in. In this season of the valentine, we hope we are able to give you and yours somewhere to belong, as well as feel love within.
Take care, and hope to see you at an event soon!
Sincerely,
Jonny Golian
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Castlevania: Nocturne Season 2 concludes the battle against the dark during the french revolution
By Jonathan Golian
After ending off its initial outing on a dire cliffhanger. Castlevania: Nocturne returned to Netflix on January 16.
2023’s first season of Nocturne introduced audiences to Richter Belmont, a descendent of Trevor and Sypha, the previous protagonists from the original series Placing the setting in the late 1700’s, during the French Revolution, Richter, along with Maria Renard, a “speaker” who can summon animal spirits to fight, and Annette, a former slave who can use transformative magic, is pit between an oncoming war in the human world while fighting against the rise of a “Vampire Messiah”. By the end of the initial eight episodes, the group nearly falls to a pair of new series antagonists, Drolta Tzuentes and Erzsebet Bathory, two ancient evils seeking to take France for their own, before being stopped short by the return of Alucard, the son of Dracula and the last member of the original heroic trio.
With Dracula and Carmilla long gone by the time Richter hits the vampire-slaying scene, the series needed figures just as fierce to make a similar impression. Luckily, Drolta and Erzsebet are up to the task. Drolta, dispatched at the end of the last season by Richter and Alucard, is revived into an even more monstrous form, giving her the ability to walk in the sun and continue in her quest of resurrecting the Egyptian goddess Sekhmet through Erzsebet
Where the first season had only begun to intertwine the plot of 1993’s Castlevania: Rondo of Blood with actual historical events, the second finishes the job. The revolution against Louis XVI’s aristocracy allows Maria and Annette, each by their own story threads, to become more nuanced figures in the show’s version of the game’s events
Castlevania: Nocturne Season 2 concludes the battle against the dark during the french revolution(Cont.)
Alucard’s inclusion, voiced by James Callis, also provides a more stable timeline to look at the Netflix franchise through, as viewers catch glimpses of his travels after the previous series’ conclusion. The timeline effects even bolster the antagonists, especially with Erzsebet’s real-life inspiration derived from the Hungarian countess famous for slaughtering young women and girls during her reign.
Just as in the first series, Nocturne makes every piece of the supporting cast as important as the main heroes and villains. The strained positions of Mizrak, a knight with unshakeable faith serving under the church, and side-antagonist Olrox, an ancient Aztec vampire who killed Richter’s mother at Nocturne’s start, make watching their time together on-screen a delight. Mizrak’s presence in Olrox’s life allow the audience to see the softer moments of the character, while Mizrak, when next to Olrok, finds that the God of his world may not be in all things. Enough time is given to the pair for a believable enough attraction to set in, making their arc one of the best within the two seasons.
However, it is the lack of time in the season that, while shining brightly on some characters, ends up hurting others. Maria’s conflict between the wars in the day and night further increases as she has to contend with her father and Drolta’s Devil Forgemaster, the Abbot of the area. The outcome of their clash leaves little time for the young summoner to gain a full visible redemption arc, yet the show is forced to grant the wish anyhow in a race to the final clashes. While some time is attributed to Tera Renard, Juste Belmont, and a transformed Edouard, relatives and friends to the new main trio, there isn’t enough to go around, making each of them nice to have around at best. Tera’s transformation into a vampire and its effect on her would have to be explored more fully in a possible Season 3 to the series, which may be a possibility based on the positive reception of critics and home-viewers alike.
Even as short as the two seasons together are, Castlevania: Nocturne has so far lived up to the action, wit, and rigorous storytelling that series creator Clive Bradley initially penned the series with back in 2017.
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Dr. Rhett's Health Corner Cardiovascular Healthduring NationalHeart Month February’s Topic:
February is National Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and promoting heart-healthy lifestyles. Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and the LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges that can increase their risk of developing cardiovascular conditions. Understanding these challenges is crucial for improving heart health outcomes in this population.
Discrimination and Healthcare Access
One of the primary issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community is discrimination in healthcare settings. Many LGBTQ+ individuals report experiencing bias and discrimination from healthcare professionals, which can lead to delays in seeking care or avoiding medical settings altogether. This lack of trust in healthcare providers can result in missed opportunities for early detection and management of heart disease risk factors.
Increased Stress and Mental Health Concerns
LGBTQ+ individuals often face significant stressors, including discrimination, violence, and family rejection. These stressors can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which are known to negatively impact heart health. Chronic stress can lead to increased blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems, making it essential to address mental health as part of a comprehensive approach to heart disease prevention.
Higher Prevalence of Risk Factors
Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to engage in behaviors that increase the risk of heart disease. For example, smoking rates are higher in the LGBTQ+ community, partly due to targeted marketing by tobacco companies. Additionally, LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to experience obesity and diabetes, both of which are significant risk factors for heart disease.
Specific Risks for Transgender Individuals
Transgender individuals face unique cardiovascular risks. Transgender women, for instance, are nearly twice as likely to have coronary artery disease compared to cisgender women. They are also at higher risk for strokes and heart attacks. Transgender men, on the other hand, have more than double the risk of heart attacks compared to cisgender men. These disparities highlight the need for tailored healthcare approaches that address the specific needs of transgender individuals.
Cardiovascular Health during National Heart Month (Cont.)
Barriers to Healthy Lifestyles
LGBTQ+ individuals often encounter barriers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These can include limited access to safe spaces for physical activity, higher rates of substance use, and economic challenges that make it difficult to afford healthy food options. Addressing these barriers is essential for promoting heart health in the LGBTQ+ community.
Steps to Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
To lower your risk of heart disease, consider taking the following steps:
1. Quit Smoking: If you smoke, seek support to quit. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.
2. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and added sugars.
3. Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week.
4. Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. Seek support from mental health professionals if needed.
5. Monitor Your Health: Regularly check your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. Early detection and management of these risk factors can prevent heart disease.
6. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of heart disease.
7. Stay Connected: Build a support network of friends, family, or community groups. Social support can improve mental health and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Heart disease in the LGBTQ+ community is a complex issue influenced by discrimination, stress, and higher prevalence of risk factors. By taking proactive steps to improve heart health, individuals can reduce their risk of heart disease and lead healthier lives. National Heart Month is the perfect time to start making these changes and raise awareness about the unique cardiovascular health needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Come see us at Avance Care Midtown to address any concerns and to start a conversation on improving your health.
For More Information, consultation, and to make an appointment for you or your partner, please visit:
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T o O u r S p o n s o r s
February 7th CGN Presents: Gaymer Gathering @ Tabbris - 7pm
February 15thBoard Game Bash @ Tabbris - 7pm
February 28thCGN’s Sapphic Social @ Great Wagon Road Distillery - 7pm