July 23-Aug. 5 . 2011
qnotes
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July 23-Aug. 5 . 2011
inside July 23-Aug. 5, 2011 Vol 26 No 06
6 a&e / life & style 10 11 14 17 18 19 19 20 21 23
Out in Print: ‘First Republic’ Preview: NCGLFF Maupin: N.C.’s ‘queer-lebrity’ Charlotte Shakespeare Festival Fab and famous — Carolina style Boob tube to big screen: N.C. film Audiophile Tell Trinity Out in the Stars Q events calendar
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news & features 6 Trans faith conference slated 6 Black Pride celebrates 8 News Notes: Regional Briefs
opinions & views 4 4 4 5
Editor’s Note General Gayety QPoll T-Notes
contributors this issue
Robbi Cohn, Matt Comer, Charlene Lichtenstein, Lainey Millen, Leslie Robinson, David Stout, Trinity
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July 23-Aug. 5 . 2011
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editor’s note by matt comer matt@goqnotes.com
Good news, fate and magic undergarments
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It’s a comedic archetype most have seen, experienced or joked about before. If you’ve ever watched the now-iconic 2003 gay film “Latter Days,” you’ll see it right as the film opens. Two beautiful young men dressed in black slacks, white button-up shirts and black ties walk up to an unexpecting home only to be unexpectedly surprised themselves. “We’re from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter…,” says one, rudely cut off by the homeowner. “Just a moment,” he says. “Honey! Stacey! You’ll want to hear this,” he calls out as the young men turn to look toward one another and smile. The homeowner’s hunky, shirtless partner comes to the door. “What have we here?” he asks without hesitation. The young men — dazed and confused — clear their throats and look down at the ground as one of them says, “Never mind,” before quickly turning to walk away. I’d always thought it’d be fun to repeat that scene in real life. I’m single, so I don’t possess the luxury of having a hot boyfriend to help scare away innocent Mormon missionaries but, if need be, I’m sure I could come up with something on the spot. Unfortunately, divine providence has not looked favorably upon my quest to josh around with cute messengers from God; the only door-knocking evangelists to stumble upon my humble abode have been Jehovah’s Witnesses. Recently, though, I nearly had my chance. Again, like a legendary tragic hero, fate proved my adversary. Two Mormons did, in fact, make it to my door step. Instead of the two, hot missionary boys I’d imagined, however, I received two ankle-length skirt- and flowery blouse-wearing young women. Perhaps someone down at the great Mormon headquarters in Salt Lake City had touched bases with Charlotte’s anti-gay, street-preaching radicals — who, though in what sane world I can’t imagine, believe the Queen City is being completely overrun by the gays. I can just hear the forewarning they gave the Mormon Church’s Charlotte-area canvassers. “They don’t call Charlotte the ‘Queen City’ for nothing, y’all,” now-convicted stalker and
harasser Flip Benham would say. “Don’t send your innocent blonde-hair, blue-eyed boys into the lion’s den; Charlotte’s dangerous homosexual menace would certainly eat them alive!” “Oh my!” the great Mormon missionary gurus would exclaim. “Who knew the home of Billy Graham was so dangerous?” “Oh yes,” Benham would inform. “The homosexuals here have not yet heeded my demand for them to return to the grave from which they came! They’re even planning on staging their annual gay sex lust fest right in the middle of our downtown. It’s all so very frustrating; I had to turn to stalking that damned abortion doctor.” “Oh goodness,” the Mormons would follow-up. “You mean they actually give women a voice in their own health-related matters there, too?” “Absolutely,” Benham would cry, blood pressure skyrocketing. “And even the courts here are in cahoots with Satan; that judge and jury just couldn’t bring themselves to let me place my God-ordained bounty on that babykiller’s head.” “Well,” the Mormons, breathless and near fainting, would extol, “this certainly is a place where the truth and light of our message is needed!” “Just remember…” Benham would caution, “Do not to sacrifice your precious young men to the evil eyes of Charlotte’s homosexuals. Tell them they can come visit me instead!” And, thus, I was graced on what had to be the hottest of all days so far this year with the lovely presence and company of two very nice young ladies working diligently to recruit new members into the cult of the magic and holy undergarments. “We’re here to spread a message of good news,” one of the women told me. “And what is that, exactly?” I asked. “Have you ever heard of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints?” the other queried. “Yes, I have,” I said, “and I also know you all aren’t too friendly toward gays.” “Oh, that’s not true,” one of the women responded. “Oh, yes it is — your church played a key role in passing California’s Proposition 8,” I shot back.
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July 23-Aug. 5 . 2011
“Actually, I’m from California and I have a very close friend who is gay and he is still a part of the church,” one of the women said. “His life must suck,” I thought to myself (or, at least, I hope I didn’t say aloud). Our conversation continued for a brief moment more. I commented on Southern Baptists and living as a gay man in the South. The women, as nice and polite as ever, tried to relate, though I’m sure it was tough for them. We parted on good terms. I wished them
well and told them to get out of the heat and into some air conditioning. I left them with one final piece of advice. “Oh, and by the way,” I said. “Y’all might want to try another neighborhood. There’s lots of gay folk around here.” I don’t think they left. Bad news, I think, for all my fellow gay men living in the complex, though, for a change, I’m guessing my neighborly lesbian friends found their own version of some good news. : :
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general gayety by leslie robinson :: qnotes contributor
Pride notes to self I had a peachy time marching in Seattle’s Pride parade. My partner Anne and I, members of a Unitarian Universalist church in Seattle, marched with a host of Unitarians representing churches from all over Puget Sound. Now it behooves me to make a few notes about this year’s experience, just to ensure next year things go downright seamlessly. Note #1: Our church had a stellar turnout because we began recruiting early. We must repeat this next time. We should start signing people up…next week. Note #2: I was one of the organizers of our contingent, but I got sick and couldn’t help for a couple of weeks. The others carried on beautifully without me. The takeaway is next year I will again surround myself with over-achievers. Note #3: Things work best when individuals are doing the jobs they prefer. I’m suited to firing off reminder emails. Had I been tasked with designing the temporary tattoos we handed out, they would’ve looked just like the work of Georgia O’Keeffe — when she was an infant. Note #4: Unitarians try to do right by the earth, so it was wise to send everybody information on how to get to Pride by bus. It
was also wise not to ask who actually took the bus. That’s the Unitarian version of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Note #5: Gathering 80 Unitarians for a group photo before the parade began was surprisingly easy. Nobody questioned the backdrop. Nobody lobbied for a different camera. Nobody suggested we form a photo committee. I suspect this was because we’d all been standing in the sun for a substantial period. So, next year we’ll make sure Unitarian contrariness gets baked right out of people before we ask them to pose. Or, do anything at all. Note #6: This wasn’t the first time I’ve waited well over an hour after the parade’s start for my portion of it to begin. Adrenaline and socializing can keep you going a long while, but there’s frequently a lull before you actually step out. Need to come up with something to fill the time. Perhaps poker with PFLAG. Or, we could challenge the Methodists to dodgeball. Note #7: I felt dandy marching when I held the church banner with one hand and Anne’s hand with the other. But, when my hands
see General on 5
by robbi cohn :: qnotes contributor
Reclaiming the past…and making the future My dear friend Robyn is forever reminding me that it’s a trap to focus solely on trans related stories which only serve to accentuate the trans-person-as-victim narrative. I hope this will redeem me; this is my personal success story! Some of you may know a little about me: In the many years of my denial, I managed to create for myself a small niche as photographer for the Grateful Dead. This wasn’t a job I was hired to do, merely a way to stay on tour with the Dead and one thing led to another. Eventually, I became the first photographer the Dead ever licensed and I remain the only photo licensee to this day. But, as many of you know from personal and direct experience, life has a way of changing when you decide transition is no longer something to ponder, but a critical component of your very survival. There are probably as many ways to approach transition as there are people faced with the decision. Many wait until their lives are somewhat stable financially; others, like me, after so many years of repression, can’t live the lie for even one more day. The consequences of not waiting were dire. I lost my marriage, my career, everything. In the wake of a separation and divorce marked by extreme hostility and animus, I lost my photo gear, my archives, my darkroom, virtually all my inventory and my livelihood. (I should mention that my former wife and I are, again, friends.) But, for the support of my mom, who refused to let me down, I would have surely become homeless. After realizing the problems, the search for employment would entail, I opted to return to school and pursue a marketable career. What problems, you say? Well, other than the obvious conundrum of a trans person finding work, I refer to the identification/document catch-22. In many states, you can’t get an identification card — say, a driver’s license — with the correct gender marker unless you can prove you’ve had surgery. When you go for a job interview, many prospective employers ask for identification. Imagine how readily employers are to hire
you when your driver’s license says you’re a man, yet you appear to be a woman. The answer is…not at all. It seemed obvious; employment equality for me and everyone else would never happen if we didn’t become vocal and active, so I studied to become a paralegal. Where better than the legal and political world to effect change! I worked hard, graduated top in my class, only to find that jobs were no more available to me as a paralegal, with an “M” on my I.D. card than they had been before. I knew I wasn’t going to be employed until I got that damn “M” changed to an “F,” so I nagged and cajoled and finally got the DMV to accede — mostly, I think, to get me out of their hair because they were reticent to set any new policy. By that time, I had blown my chances as a paralegal…all my resumes had already gone out and it was clear the local and state attorneys were not thrilled to hire an openly trans woman. Several gay attorneys even told me they would most likely lose clients if they hired me. In a moment of desperation, I put in an application at Walmart, where I was to spend the worst three years of my life. I became so depressed and withdrawn and downright meanspirited that I finally attempted to take my life. Pills, carbon monoxide, slit wrists and the three days I hung between life and death…somehow…something, somewhere would not allow me to die. It, evidently, was not my time. Since those days when existence was in the balance, my life has been miraculously redeemed. I have learned to appreciate that we don’t have foreknowledge of the future. I have accepted that any life can go in any direction and that our only job is to be authentic and follow our inner voice. I’m not sure of the source for this inspiration. You can call it what you want, but there are often questions to which we find no suitable answer. We must work through the medium of faith in ourselves and that inner voice. I made the decision to resurrect my life. It’s hard to imagine, for me, but I had thought my career as a photographer was in the past
and over, never to be reanimated. The medium of social networking has allowed me to reconnect with old friends and to connect with new friends and members of my extended Grateful Dead family. I finally acquired a digital camera — not the greatest, but one that would at least allow me to begin photographing again. The “aha” moment happened about a month ago, when I was at a local music festival shooting images of bands. I was in the little roped off area in front of the stage and had this presentiment of utter clarity. Here I was back in the saddle again, as it were, doing what I used to do and what I loved so dearly. It was the culmination — well, not really, because nothing has finished and life is a graceful and beautiful crescendo — of what I have described to some as a complete sensation of being reborn. I know that reclaiming my past has been nothing short of miraculous, at least for me. I don’t pretend to know the wheres and whys of existence, but I do know that regardless of who you are, how you look, what you believe or where your life takes you there is a place for you in the universe, and no one — no government and no person — can deny you as long as you don’t deny yourself. Neil Young penned those same words years ago…“Don’t be denied.” And I never will again! Please follow your hearts; your minds will follow. And, remember: No one has the right to deny you the right to be who you are! : : — Comments and corrections can be sent to editor@goqnotes.com. To contact Robbi Cohn, email robbi_cohn108@yahoo.com..
VIEWS
t-notes
General Gayety continued from page 4
were empty, I remembered I’m not one for waving at the crowd. Unitarians tend to be introverts. I guess I better organize a class at church this winter. It should be taught by the drag queen who served as a parade emcee and announced when we passed that she considered herself a Unitarian. She could teach us loads about overcoming shyness…and periodic genderswitching. Note #8: Anne doesn’t suffer from parade reservedness. She waved and waved and when she had to retire to one of our VW Bugs due to a bad knee, she waved like royalty. Must look into a horse and carriage for next year. That would be eco-friendly, wouldn’t it? Note #9: I have wussy forearms. That church banner I carried was lightweight,
and I carried it with someone else and, yet, two-thirds of the way through the parade, I felt like I was carrying a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence. Clearly I must exercise those forearm muscles. Maybe this winter I’ll practice, march up and down the sidewalk outside the church carrying the banner. Scare the Lutherans nearby. Note #10: Immediately behind us was a small contingent of sex workers. That meant that anybody pondering our signs, our handouts, our message didn’t stay focused on us for long. Next year I want to be followed by Baptists. : : info:
LesRobinson@aol.com . generalgayety.com
July 23-Aug. 5 . 2011
qnotes
NEWS
Transgender faith conference seeks to educate, empower First TransFaith In Color Conference held in Charlotte July 29-31 by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
CHARLOTTE — The LGBT community was nearly ripped apart in 2007 during the months-long debate that ultimately stripped transgender protections out of the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Versions of the bill since then have included gender-identity along with sexual orientation, but deep and unhealed wounds still exist between some transgender leaders and the larger LGB community. Bishop Tonyia Rawls, founder of the Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte, says it was that debate which first drove her to help solve some of the rifts that have developed between transgender people and wider communities of the LGB and faith movements. Her ordination as a bishop, when she and another woman became the first female bishops in her denomination, also opened her eyes. “We just hadn’t thought about what impact gender would have in expanding what has predominantly been a male role — that of bishop,” she says. “We weren’t ready for what all this would men when you expand the door of welcome.” Rawls says she was forced to deal with her own “blind spots.” “What became obvious is that I have blind spots; we all have blind spots,” she says. “I started looking for mine and I readily landed on the transgender community.” She shared her thoughts with her denomination’s board, which decided it would be worth the effort to increase outreach and inclusion to transgender people. In 2009, the denomination held a small convening of 20 transgender people of color from across the country. They discussed the needs of their community and what the Unity Fellowship
people. To do that, Rawls says conference organizers wanted the event to be planned from the perspectives of the transgender community. “So often, people of color and other marginalized groups are added on to work already being done,” she says. “We wanted to know what would happen if you took the ‘least of these’ — trans people of color — and let this bigger work have a genesis point from that seat. They did the original thinking and processing and reflecting and then from that we expanded the platform with them at the center point. What we got was something really wonderful from people who don’t normally have the opportunity afforded to them to be the ones who are the initial shepherds.” The conference will include workshops, panel discussions and lessons meant to both educate and empower. Organizers say it’s critically important for transgender men and women to utilize new strategies and networking opportunities to engage with larger segments of Charlotte’s Bishop Tonyia Rawls says a divisive 2007 vote on a non-trans inclusive Employment Nonthe LGBT movement and others. Discrimination Act (ENDA) helped her see there needed to be more outreach and inclusion of the transgender The original 2010 summit, which led community. Pictured: Then-Majority Whip Rp. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) speaks at a post-ENDA vote press conferto the conference’s creation, was a sucence on Nov. 7, 2007, attended by ENDA sponsors and HRC President Joe Solmonese. (File Photo) cess, Rawls says. Of the hundreds who Church Movement could do to support them. In Color, presented by Rawls’ Freedom Center attended, a cross-section of the nation “That led to the formation of a summit we for Social Justice. (For more on the new cenwas represented. held last year in Los Angeles during the Unity ter, see our May 28 story, “Creating change “It was black and white and Christian and Fellowship Church Movement’s convocation in East Charlotte,” at goqnotes.com/11200.) Jewish and Muslim,” she says. “Now, with that year,” Rawls says. “We had 200 people The conference will be held July 29-31 at the conference as it is committed to be in show up at the gathering — trans people of Charlotte’s Hilton University Place. Charlotte will be even bigger than that.” : : color and allies from around the country.” The conference seeks to bridge the info: For more information on the conferThe ideas and issues discussed in 2010 problematic gaps between the broader LGBT ence, hotel reservations, registration and laid the ground work for this year’s TransFaith and faith communities and transgender schedule, visit transfaithincolor.org.
CLT Black Pride celebrates 2011 Weekend-long series of events fetes community, culture Organizers of the 2011 Charlotte Black Gay Pride set out this year to organize around a simple theme: “Together We Can.” They carried it off with a series of events meant to stimulate the mind, senses and spirit. On July 14, the group held a roundtable discussion and forum on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Sponsored by AON Hewitt, the discussion drew panelists from some of the largest employers in the city. The organization’s largest event, their annual expo, was held this year on July 16 at the headquarters mosque of the Charlotte Oasis Shriners. Jahaan Norvell said the event had been a success, though attendance this year was lower than last. She credited some competing events and a new location for the lower-thanexpected turnout. Still, she expected at least 1,000 expo visitors by the end of the event. Charlotte Black Gay Pride’s last event was a special Sunday worship service held on July 17 at Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte. The event was sponsored by AON Hewitt, Wells Fargo, the Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund, the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, AARP, Scorpio and others. For more information on the 2011 events, visit charlotteblackgaypride.com. : : — by Matt Comer
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July 23-Aug. 5 . 2011
Above: Charlotte Black Gay Pride organizers TL Stewart and Jahaan Norvell were on hand at their annual expo on July 16.
July 23-Aug. 5 . 2011
qnotes
BRIEFS
news notes: from the carolinas, nation and world compiled by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com | David Stout :: david@goqnotes.com | Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
Charlotte Mass slated
CHARLOTTE — A Catholic, LGBT-inclusive mass and celebration will be held on July 27, 7 p.m., at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 507 S. Tryon St. Celebrant of the 15th Annual Mass of Celebration will be Fr. David Brzoska of St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country in Boone, along with Retired Bishop Emeritus William Curlin, Rev. Pat Earl, S.J., Rev. Thomas McDonnell S.J., Rev. Conrad Hoover and other participating Diocesan priests. Bishop Curlin will deliver the homily (sermon). Clint Hunche, a member of the parish’s LGBT community and religious educational director for the church who died Feb. 10, will be memorialized during the services. Hunche was adored by both adults and children alike and contributed greatly to the welfare of the parish. His funeral mass was an example of how far his outreach extended with it’s overflowing sanctuary of people who came to pay their last respects. This event is sponsored by the Diocesan Ministry for Gay and Lesbian Catholics and is open to the public. This ministry was started by Fr. Gene McCreesh, Fr. Richard Allen and Bishop Curlin to address the needs of its LGBT members throughout the diocese. The mass was established in 1996 as part of the Diocese of Charlotte’s spiritual outreach to the gay and lesbian community. Beneficiary of collections taken up during the service will go to Time Out Youth. A reception will follow downstairs in Biss Hall. Parking is free in The Green parking garage adjacent to the church. For more information, call Marco Cippoliti at 704-598-9669. — L.M.
Pastor wants Bank of America support
CHARLOTTE — Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte’s Rev. James C. Leach sent a message on June 28 to his denomination’s Standing on the Side of Love Campaign and other supporters asking them to request companies based in North Carolina to oppose discriminatory legislation that seems sure to be introduced in the fall. There is already a petition drive afloat at change.org/petitions/tell-business-leaders-in-north-carolina-reject-anti-gay-bigotry, but more pressure is needed to stave off this approaching threat. Leach feels that Bank of America is one of the most influential and powerful businesses that could be beneficial in this fight. He said, “While the bank is progressive in offering same-sex partner benefits, they need to understand that offering this benefit without also opposing this legislation leaves their LGBT employees vulnerable and creates an environment that is bad for business.” He implores everyone to call Bank of America spokesperson Scott Silvestri at 980388-9921, asking him to convince CEO Brian Moynihan, along with other executives, to say no to the the anti-LGBT amendment. A suggested script to use is: “Hello, my name is (supply your name). (If you are a
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July 23-Aug. 5 . 2011
customer at Bank of America please say that.) I am calling to urge CEO Brian Moynihan and others at the bank to oppose the effort to add an anti-gay amendment to the North Carolina state constitution. Please ask Mr. Moynihan and others to publicly denounce the amendment because it is bad for Bank of America’s customers, bad for Bank of America’s employees and bad for business. Thank You.” After you make the call, jump over to Facebook and share how it went at facebook. com/SideofLove. — L.M.
Eastern Man booted over dress
WALLACE — It seems that wearing a dress to the Pizza Hut is not favored upon by its restaurant personnel, at least by Vishon Murphy, a man who did just that in mid-July when he went in to pick up food. “As soon as I walked in the general manager told me that I cannot be in the restaurant because I was dressed in ‘drag,’ in women’s clothing, and he asked me to leave,” Murphy told news station WECT-TV. Spokesmen from Pizza Hut said that Murphy was “disruptive” and had failed to make purchases during his three visits there. Customer complaints resulted in the ouster, WECT-TV added. Murphy only wanted to be treated with respect as others are. He realized that being a “drama queen” did not win him points, but he wanted to “make more than a fashion statement.” — L.M.
ECU earmarks safe zones
GREENVILLE — On June 10, East Carolina University continued its work to provide safe zones on campus by identifying restrooms that are gender-neutral and single-occupancy. This response was made possible for transgender and alternate gender identity people by the LGBT Resource Office. Additionally, the Department of Sociology and the Women’s Studies Program are offering new classes in the fall to address the evolution and history of the LGBT community. The center, located at B-103 Brewster Building, is headed by Summer Wisdom. For more information, call 252-737-4451 or visit ecu.edu/lgbt. — L.M.
Triangle Merger sparks more action
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — In the July 9 issue’s News Note brief, “Protections top concern in merger” (goqnotes.com/11730/), discussions were being considered between the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA and the YMCA of the Triangle. Since then, the Chapel Hill-Carrboro YMCA recently took a new step on meeting their guidelines for inclusiveness. On June 22, their board decided to “extend its non-discrimination policy, which protects [LGBT] employees and members, to organizations that meet at the Y’s facilities,” Jerry Whortan, executive director, told The News & Observer. For that reason, they asked
Out minister shares stories
DURHAM — Brett Webb-Mitchell, qnotes columnist and a Presbyterian minister recently shared his story of his 2008 relocation to a small North Carolina town as an interim clergy person with Salon. His tale begins with his taking a pulpit at First Presbyterian Church in Henderson. From the time he took his post and for a month afterward, a blog overflowed with comments about him. Statements like, “The old biblical saying (the Lord works in mysterious ways) must be true in this case,” and “Presbyterians in Henderson…take your children and run.” Webb-Mitchell had heard much in his career, but none so direct and biting. He was already beginning to feel whipped. He had not told the church that he was gay when he took the post, even though he was to a smaller group from his denomination and from the Raleigh area. Within days of taking the job, a music director involuntarily outed him. He felt his contract and his pulpit were at risk. The church Sessions held a meeting to discuss the matter. At the end of it, all was calmer and he could remain as pastor or the next year and a half. Over time, some commented that they thought he was a good preacher and some struggled with the sexual orientation issue. At the end of his tenure, he received comments from the members. The ones that disturbed his most were those that slapped at the fabric of who he was. He had not be subjected to such a strong sentiment in the other churches he had served up until that point. Things only got worse. An adult bookstore in Henderson was not allowed to open in the downtown area. With that a blogger commented that the bookstore “could open up in the basement of the Presbyterian Church with all of my books.” The fire accelerated. Then it abated. His contract ended and he left, not defeated, but stronger. — L.M. Boy Scout Troop 505 to vacate, giving them a year to find new quarters. In Boy Scouts of America et. al. v. Dale (2000), the U.S. Supreme Court, in overturning a New Jersey Supreme Court decision to readmit gay Assistant Scoutmaster James Dale, said that the Scouts were permitted to reject Dale as a part of freedom of association, by which any private organization may do so if they feel it is counter to the “ability to advocate public or private viewpoints.” The Boy Scout movement asserted in a position statement rendered in 1991: “We believe that homosexual conduct is inconsistent with the requirement in the Scout Oath that a Scout be morally straight and in the Scout Law that a Scout be clean in word and deed, and that homosexuals do not provide a desirable role model for Scouts. … believes that a known or avowed homosexual is not an appropriate role model of the Scout Oath.” Both in 1993 and again in 2004, they extended their stance by including those in leadership roles as well. Since those early days, numerous accounts of discrimination have been recorded, including a 2009 lesbian couple who were prohibited from serving as volunteers for their son’s troop. Several openly gay youth across the country have also been turned away or booted. — L.M.
Creech memoir depicts wisdom
RALEIGH — Former United Methodist pastor Jimmy Creech has released a book entitled “Adam’s Gift, A Memoir of a Pastor’s Calling to Defy the Church’s Persecution of Lesbians and Gays.”
The Denver Post reported that Creech was inspired by Adam, a young “anguished” parishioner, to pursue “greater understanding of the church’s role in homophobia.” The book was published by Duke University Press. It is filled with the tension of struggle so prevalent within the LGBT community. Creech lost a post in Raleigh, but gained one at a Methodist church in Omaha, Neb. Again, his position on issues surrounding discrimination toward the LGBT community had him standing trial at his church for performing a “covenant ceremony for a lesbian couple, thereby defying the Methodist Book of Discipline.” Even though he was found not guilty, after a second trial, he was “defrocked.” Through his insights and compasion, Creech has been seen as a champion for equality. — L.M.
Regional Womyn’s fest scheduled
MINERAL BLUFF, Ga. — We R Indie & Indiegrrl Songwriter Retreat will be held Sept. 20-22 at Jonica Gap Campground, 1412 Haygood St. This event features award-winning songwriters Tret Fure, Karen E. Reynolds and Vicki Blankenship who will serve as instructors, mentors and coaches. Ticket packages are limited (only 25 available), so make reservations quickly and early via werindie.org. Beginners to advanced participants will enjoy three days in the out-of-doors while
unleashing their songwriting capabilities. Not only that, the coaches will give a private critique session. Networking and co-writing opportunities abound. Pepper in the chance to perform at the Fall Kick Off Music in the Mountain Festival on Sept. 24-25 onsite, after enjoying time with others, hiking, playing horseshoes and badminton, fishing and more. Jonica Gap is 20 acres of forest and stream land that welcomes only tents and popup campers. A shower house, camp store and charcoal grills in the picnic area are available. Don’t want to stay onsite? Then there are other campsites close by as well as hotels only minutes away. Cost for the retreat is $185 onsite with camping included or $160 offsite. Either one comes with a free pass to the Georgia Slowdown Hoedown Festival from Oct. 21-23 at Cherokee Farms, 2035 Old Mineral Springs Rd., LaFayette, Ga. (weekend pass, $45 advance/$55 gate). The Fall Kick Off festival is $45 for a weekend pass (two-nights stay), $20 for children 10-16, free for nine and under. Day passes are at half rate. For more information, registration or vendor opportunities, visit werindie.org or jonicagapcampground.com. — L.M.
National DOJ files anti-DOMA brief
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a brief in support of federal court employee Karen Golinski’s lawsuit seeking access to equal health benefits for her wife. In the brief, the DOJ unequivocally argues in Golinski’s favor that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional. The brief contains the strongest argument President Barack Obama’s administration has made against DOMA to date, acknowledging the government’s “significant and regrettable role” contributing to LGBT discrimination. The DOJ advised the Obama administration to cease its defense of DOMA in court in February 2011, but the decision to affirmatively make the case against DOMA represents “a significant and transformative moment in the struggle against this discriminatory legislation” notes a statement from the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Republican leaders in the U.S. House have retained outside counsel to defend DOMA in the case. — D.S.
birth certificate for their Louisiana-born son whom they adopted in New York. The state of Louisiana has refused to recognize the adoption and issue a birth certificate listing both fathers as the boy’s parents. Lambda Legal represents adoptive parents Oren Adar and Mickey Smith in their case against Louisiana State Registrar Darlene Smith. When the couple attempted to get a new birth certificate for their child, in part so Smith could add his son to his health insurance, the registrar’s office told Karen Golinski (right) with wife Amy Cunninghis. Golinski, a federal him that Louisiana does employee, has filed suit in federal court seeking equal access to not recognize adoption by federal health benefits for her wife. See brief this page. unmarried parents so they the Federal government — and Albert Lauber, could not issue it. currently the Director of the Graduate Tax and “We have long since abandoned the noSecurities Programs and a Visiting Professor of tion that the government can punish children Law at Georgetown Law School. In a statement to express disapproval of their parents or following the nomination of Gale and Lauber, their families. The state of Louisiana cannot President Obama remarked that he was proud withhold a birth certificate for this child simply to nominate both men and praised their “unbecause it doesn’t like who his parents are,” wavering integrity and a firm commitment to said Kenneth D. Upton, a Supervising Senior public service throughout their careers.” Staff Attorney with Lambda Legal. — D.S. — D.S.
Gays nominated to tax court
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Barak Obama has nominated two openly-gay individuals to the U.S. Tax Court: Judge Joseph Gale — who just completed his first term with the Tax Court, the principal court for resolution of tax disputes between taxpayers and
Lesbian custody case ruling
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled against Michelle Hobbs, a lesbian mother who sought custody of her child in a case disputed since December 2007.
see News on 10
Historic Presby changes take effect
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On Sunday, July 10, changes to the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s constitution went into effect, allowing the ordination of openly LGBT ministers, elders and deacons. Ratification of the policy change was assured on May 10, when a majority of the nation’s 173 presbyteries voted in favor of the amendment. Voting continued through July and in the end, 97 presbyteries approved the change. Presbyterian groups and churches across America celebrated by opening worship services on the 10th with a special invocation and prayer. To assist, More Light Presbyterians created a special common liturgy and prayer for the occasion. — D.S.
High court petitioned in adoption
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lambda Legal has filed a petition for a writ of certiorari asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case of a same-sex couple seeking an accurate
July 23-Aug. 5 . 2011
qnotes
by matt comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
Gay author pens tome on ‘lost era’ of American history Thomas Patrick Chorlton is no stranger to politics. Or history. Or LGBT rights. But, it is his passion for the American Revolution and our nation’s top office that pushed him to explore what he calls “the black hole of American history.” His new book, “The First American Republic: 1774-1789,” explores the first 14 presidents that preceded George Washington. These men — Chorlton calls them “giants of their age, men of power, wealth & experience”
— served the Continental and Confederation Congresses until the adoption of our current form of government under the U.S. Constitution. As a child, Chorlton remembers devouring information about the Revolution. As he learned more, he found a natural curiosity that never faded. “I had more questions than answers about the period of the American Revolution,” Chorlton says. “Of course everybody knows about Washington and Lexington and Concord and Yorktown but everything seemed vague beyond that. I remember at one point hearing about presidents before Washington. It’s just one of those things from childhood you tuck away but never let go of.” As an adult, Chorlton found himself embroiled in politics. He worked as a local government specialist in St. Louis following his undergraduate education at St. Louis University and Webster University, where he earned a master’s degree in government administration. His work also led him to Washington, D.C., where he worked on the staff of Illinois Rep. Melvin Price, the Democratic chairman of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee. Later, in the 1980s, Chorlton served as the founding executive director of the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Democratic Clubs, a predecessor of the modern National Stonewall Democrats. As his life and work continued in the realm of politics (he now teaches on the American presidency and American Revolution at the College of Charleston), his childhood interest in America and its history grew only stronger. “I started digging deeper in the modern presidencies and as I read about the postRevolution era it increased my curiosity about it all,” he says. “Once I delved into that, it was difficult even to make a complete list of the presidents before Washington. I could not
BOOKS
out in print
believe there was not just one book that really answered these questions and explained this.” Now, that book exists. Chorlton says it has been years, if not decades, in the making. It’s designed to be a full and complete tome, but he says each chapter — individually profiling each of the 14 presidents of the Continental and Confederation Congresses — are worthy enough even to stand alone. Chorlton says knowing the history of our nation is important — critically so for young people. “People should know the history,” he says, though cautioning that lessons alone aren’t enough. “One of the things I denounce constantly in my political science classes is this idiocy flag waving,” Chorlton preaches. “After 9/11 everybody put a damned flag on their car. What stupidity; what good does that do anybody? I say go out and vote and participate; run for office or support someone running for office; pass out petitions or sign petitions. Roll up you sleeves and get involved; just sticking a flag on your car is about the laziest thing I can think of.” He adds, “Democracy demands participation. If you don’t participate then you’ve opted out and you’ve just left it to some other idiot to decide what’s going to happen. So often we look at what our rights are — freedom of speech or religion — but there are responsibilities that go with those rights — responsibilities to stand up and be counted.” : : info: Learn more about Chorlton and read excerpts from his “The First American Republic” at firstamericanrepublic.com.
News briefs continued from page 9
On July 12, a closely-divided court ruled 4 to 3 in favor of the claim by Kelly Mullen, the biological mother, that Hobbs has no parental rights and responsibilities for the daughter they jointly raised from birth. “This decision is a tragedy for the child, above all else,” said Christopher Clark, a Senior Staff Attorney with Lambda Legal. “The court disregarded the overwhelming evidence that Ms. Mullen agreed to parent Lucy with Ms. Hobbs ‘in every way.’ Regrettably, the decision severs a parent-child relationship between Lucy and the person she knows to be her mother.” Hobbs and Mullen were in a committed relationship for five years and decided to have a child together. When their relationship ended, Mullen denied Hobbs any contact with her daughter. A motion by Hobbs for joint custody was granted by a magistrate judge, overturned by a juvenile court, and an appellate court upheld the reversal. The Ohio Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case in February. — D.S.
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Global Commission calls for rights
KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Human Rights Commission has called on the newly sworn-in Ugandan 9th Parliament to decriminalize homosexuality. In the commission’s annual report to Parliament, the UHRC said it is “gravely concerned that homosexual behaviour [is] criminalized in Uganda.” This is the second consecutive report in which the statefunded commission has urged the government to recognize the rights of gays and lesbians. The commission’s position has been vehemently opposed by anti-gay cabinet ministers and legislators who say the government did not establish the body to promote “criminals.” UHRC Chairperson Meddi Kaggwa counters that there have been increased incidents of mob justice around the country which means more resources are needed to educate the public on the rule of law and to protect gays from vigilante justice. — D.S.
FILM
Preview: N.C. Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Acclaimed Carolina LGBT film extravaganza returns to Durham for 16th year by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
For the 16th year, the N.C. Gay & Lesbian Film Festival returns to Durham’s historic Carolina Theatre, Aug. 11-14. The event, one of the premier LGBT film festivals across the nation and in the South, brings together nearly three dozen short and feature-length films with LGBT themes. The festival will also present their annual Plaza Party on Aug. 13. Sponsored by the LGBT Center of Raleigh, the event begins at 8 p.m. at the plaza in front of the Carolina Theatre. Admission is $15. A preview of some of this year’s films are below.
uAugust
Making its premiere this year at the Seattle International Film Festival, “August” was also an official selection at this year’s Frameline at Outfest. “August” is an expansion of the awardwinning short “Postmortem” and tells the story of two former lovers who, after a painful break up years ago, reunite in Los Angeles, reigniting their former passions at the same time. Written and directed by Eldar Rapaport, it stars Murray Bartlett (pictured), Daniel Dugan, Adrian Gonzalex, Hillary Banks, Bernhard Forcher, Brad Standley and Mike Vaughn.
v Bite Marks
“Straight horror gets bent! 82 Minutes of inappropriate behavior,” the makers of “Bite Marks” exclaim. The feature-length film is a comedy and plays on the recently-popular vampire movie trend. Written and directed by Mark Bessenger, the film stars Windham Beacham, Benjamin Lutz, David Alanson, Stephen Geoffreys,
Krystal Main, John Werskey, Jon Gale, Phillip Henry Christopher, Racheal Rivera and Miranda Downey.
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v
w Circumstance
This Iranian, lesbian drama, follows Atafeh, a young girl who dreams of fame. She and her best friend, Shireen, explore the Tehran underground scene. Her brother, Mehran, has just returned from drug rehab and vengefully disapproves of his sister’s and Shireen’s nascent relationship. Starring Nikohl Boosheri, Sarah Kazemy, and Reza Sixo Safai. Written and directed by Maryam Keshavarz.
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y
x Hollywood to Dollywood
Featuring 15 classic Dolly Parton songs, this documentary follows the story of twin brothers Gary and Larry Lane as they embark on a crosscountry journey to get a film script into the hands of the legendary Dolly Parton. Featuring appearances by Leslie Jordan, Chad Allen, Beth Grant, Dustin Lance Black, Ann Walker, and maybe even Dolly herself!
y Private Romeo
An official selection at Outfest 2011, “Private Romeo” is a modern-day, gay adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic “Romeo and Juliet.” Based at an isolated military academy, the film incorporates original “Romeo and Juliet” text and YouTube videos. Written and directed by Alan Brown. Starring Hale Appelman, Charlie Barnett, Adam Barrie, Chris Bresky, Matt Doyle, Sean Hudock, Bobby Moreno and Seth Numrich. : :
1: ‘August’ Photo Credit: Film still (erapfilms.com/august/)
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2: ‘Bite Marks’ Photo Credit: Film still (blakkflamingopictures.com) 3: ‘Circumstance’ 4: ‘Hollywood to Dollywood’ 5: ‘Private Romeo’” Photo Credit: privateromeothemovie.com
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North Carolina’s ‘Queer-lebrity’ Gay writer Armistead Maupin calls Raleigh childhood home by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com
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rmistead Maupin is among the brightest and most widely known gay writers in American literature. For most of his youth and young adulthood, Maupin lived and worked in the Carolinas. Under the roof of a conservative, Christian family, Maupin grew up in Raleigh under the shadow and tutelage of arch-conservative journalist and TV commentator Jesse Helms. After working for a brief time at a Charleston, S.C. newspaper, he left the Carolinas for an “out” life in San Francisco. Maupin’s life is full of memorable events, famed loves and friendships (actor Sir Ian McKellen is a longtime friend) and decorated literature. It is also a life full of contradiction. A once conservative North Carolinian with “racist colorations” grew up to become a highly-regarded, prolific writer, a “queer” activist and a liberal ideologue. Certainly, Maupin is a man who, like the lead character in his latest novel “Michael Tolliver Lives,” has seen and done it all. Comer: As a young person, did you ever have a sense of any sort of gay community in the Carolinas? Maupin: Oh, hell no. (laughs) There wasn’t one to speak of. People met privately in their homes. There wasn’t a gay bar in Raleigh when I was growing up and certainly no gay organizations. I knew of only two examples of gay people when I was growing up. One was my mother’s dressmaker. He was like a Liberace on steroids. But I’m proud to have been a participant in Raleigh’s first Gay Pride in 1981. The Pride festival in 1981 was when you publicly spoke out against Sen. Jesse Helms’ conservative politics. What was it like work-
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ing with him when you still lived in Raleigh? Did your opposition to his politics ruin any friendship that might have existed? I really didn’t have a friendship with him, as such. He was more of a mentor who guided me in the late ’60s and early ’70s. There was no more communication with him after I came out. I should say that I embraced conservatism [when I was young] because it was one way of pleasing my father, given the fact that I knew I couldn’t please him with my innate sexuality. A lot of people embrace right-wing thought because it is easier to keep the lid on. Right-wing philosophy fits nicely with the closet. That’s one thing about groups like Log Cabin Republicans. A lot of those guys are products of their own self-loathing. And now we learn that John McCain’s chief of staff in the Senate is gay. The Republican Party has been like this for a long time — privately accepting gay people while vilifying and demonizing them for political advantage. To me, that seems more wicked than simply rejecting us outright. What was it like growing up in North Carolina during the Civil Rights era? I was raised a conservative and still had a great deal of racist colorations in my thinking. My father once walked our entire family out of Christ Church in Raleigh when the minister began to deliver a sermon in favor of desegregation. I had a lot of unlearning to do. Being queer helped me in that process. I challenged my own assumptions about homosexuality and I had to look at everyone else’s oppression.
see Maupin on 16
Positive Profile
People who are taking the negative out of being positive by Dale Pierce ~ Practice Manager
This next installment of Positive Profiles takes a more personal approach to the writing. It is about a 40-year-old male who will be celebrating his 15th year of living a healthy and positive lifestyle in September of this year. You will see in this writing that I certainly have a more personal attachment to this story, because it is mine. On Sept. 6, 1996, I was called back to the health department for the results of my HIV test. I had been alerted to be tested by a former/current partner, whom I believed I was in a monogamous relationship with. I guess I should have known that if there was financial, physical and emotional abuse in our relationship, there was most likely infidelity the times we were apart. But, at the time, I was “in love” and 25 years old and felt invincible. When I sat down in the cold, stark room to receive my results, I was unsure still of my fate. The nurse that came
in had a bright smile on her face and said, “So Dale you are here to get your test results?” With the smile and demeanor of the nurse, I started to think I had dodged the bullet. The next words out of her mouth began with the phrase “Unfortunately.” I don’t remember a lot of what was said after that. I was advised of places I may want to go to seek treatment and given a pat on the shoulder before I started out on a journey that would now impact the rest of my life. I did a lot of crying, blaming, questioning my faith and finally came to one simple conclusion. I was a child of God. I had believed that and been taught that by my mother from a very early age. I was friends with Tammy Faye Bakker Messner at the time, and I immediately called her for comfort, advice and support. Tam told me to remember that God had a plan for all our lives, that He knew everything about me from beginning to end, so there had to be some reason for this diagnosis. Finding the right doctor was now on the top of my priority list. By the time I saw Dr. Jemsek, I had 201 T-cells — just one cell away from being diagnosed as full blown AIDS and not just HIV. I was immediately put in a trial for some new meds that were being researched and started my regimen of 15-plus pills a day and weekly blood draws to monitor my progress. The medications came at a cost — not a financial one, but a
physical and emotional toll. I had rashes and swelling for weeks that made me look like the Elephant Man from those ‘60s B-list horror movies. The physical task of taking the pills out of the bottle and laying them in my hand became an emotional reminder, and still does to this day, that my life had been altered forever. Once I got used to my “lifestyle,” which was not easy, I chose to make some changes in my life. I have learned to live with the physical and emotional scars that are part of my battle with this disease, but I refuse to let this disease define me. Instead, I have chosen to try to do what I can to help others. I sold my business and went to work for the man that saved my life, Dr. Joseph Jemsek. As I began my career in the medical field as a patient advocate and client services person, I also started getting more involved in activities around town. I became more active in my church, teaching religious education to younger members. I helped form a RAIN Care Team at my church. I became a volunteer with RAIN, and through AIDSWALK Charlotte, Gay Bingo and currently RAIN’s board of directors, I have made the effort to affect change with this great organization. I assisted Dr. Cruickshank in founding and building Rosedale Infectious Diseases into what we hope is an office that puts patients first and provides the highest
quality medical and support services in the area. I made friends with some of the greatest advocates in the field, Jeanne White Ginder (Ryan’s Mom) and Greg Louganis. With these two people in my life, I have had the ability and forethought to help found two “non-profit” organizations; the Jeanne White Ginder Food Pantry and the Greg Louganis Positively Pet Fund. At Rosedale we have been able to hire patient advocates that assist client’s with medication and support service needs, implement the Ryan White Program for medical care, develop a self pay program for patients without insurance, and started an annual event called An Evening of Hope and Inspiration, that raises funds for the food pantry and combines gospel music and an inspirational message for those infected and affected. Today, HIV is not a death sentence for those who get diagnosed. I hope that I am fulfilling my piece of the puzzle and living my truth that God has planned for me. In some small way, I hope that this diagnosis and disease have sparked in me a fire that will help for me to make my footprint a permanent one on this journey for all those it touches. Don’t forget to visit our website at rosedaleid.com and friend us on Facebook for community and clinical updates. — Sponsored Content —
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Maupin calls Raleigh childhood home continued from page 16
The label “queer” is used a lot by younger generations today. You embrace the word? I’ve embraced it for almost 30 years. Christopher Isherwood, the author of “The Berlin Stories” — which later became the basis of the musical “Cabaret,” you know — he was using the word “queer” 30 years ago as a way of describing himself. He said he liked to use the term because it embarrassed our oppressors. When gay people began to claim the word, it took the punch out of it. So do you think that is where the LGBT community is heading — finding a word like “queer,” one that can describe our entire diversity? I imagine those definitions will keep changing over the years. The core of it all
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remains the same — in a free society adults get to choose how and who they want to love and live. We can get too tangled up on PC nomenclature and forget about what is at stake. When you attended the University of North Carolina, you wrote for The Daily Tar Heel, correct? Yes. I wrote an opinion column called “The View from the Hill.” It appeared irregularly in The Daily Tar Heel. I took as my inspiration then the editorials and TV commentaries of Jesse Helms. I don’t think it is possible for younger people to know just how terrorized we were by a society that didn’t recognize our existence. Movies and television and pop music were all completely mum on the subject. When homosexuals did appear on
the screen, they were usually destined for suicide or the asylum. Tell us a bit about when you came out. And, what is your advice for young people today, who are coming out at much earlier ages, even though many youth, especially here in the Carolinas, face some of the same struggles you might have? Technically, I didn’t really come out until I was 32, when I was clear with my parents. When I moved to San Francisco, I was 27 or so and I came out there. I had come out to a few people when I was living in Charleston. Of course, when I began writing “Tales of the City,” I was out. In a way it is worse for young people today. The fundamentalist churches have organized so completely against homosexuality. It must be a living hell growing up,
living in those families today. I guess I’d tell young people not to waste any time seeking approval from others. The thing that will transform your life will be love. Until you are able to express that and feel that, you’ll continue to be less than a human being. I wasted a lot of time in my youth trying to be a bigot. I would have found my true dignity as a human being sooner, if I hadn’t have been so nervous about what others thought. : : — Maupin interview by Matt Comer originally conducted in September 2008 and originally published in qnotes’ Oct. 4, 2008, print edition. To read the full, original interview, visit http://goqnotes.com/820/.
STAGE
Charlotte Shakespeare Festival to present ‘King Lear’ Shakespeare’s epic drama to unfold at McGlohon Theatre, Aug. 3-14 It’s only fitting that the Queen City should play host to such a dramatic story of an English monarch. William’s Shakespeare’s “King Lear� will be presented by the Charlotte Shakespeare Festival at McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square, Aug. 3-14. The drama, a tragedy, tells the story of Lear, an aging English monarch who descends into a state of madness after unwisely dividing up his kingdom between two of his three daughters. Family ties and loyalty, inasmuch can exist when a royal family also wields great government and diplomatic powers, play out to form a tragic ending — regarded by historians and literary critics as one of Shakespeare’s greatest achievements. The Charlotte Shakespeare Festival’s presentation of “King Lear� will star Graham Smith as the title character. The play will be staged Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Saturday matinees on Aug. 6 and 13 begin at 2 p.m. and Sunday matinees on Aug. 7 and 14 begin at 3 p.m. Admission is free and no reservations are required, though a $5 minimum donation is suggested.
The festival is presented by Collaborative Arts, headed by Executive/Artistic Director Elise Wilkinson and Managing Director Joe Copley. In 2010, the group staged “Othello� during that year’s Charlotte Shakespeare Festival. The group has also staged “Julius Caesar� and “Twelfth Night.� : :
Want to go?
“King Lear� Charltotte Shakespeare Festival Aug. 3-14 McGlohon Theatre at Spirit Square 345 N. College St. collaborativeartstheatre.com/kinglear.htm Graham Smith stars as the title character in Charlotte Shakespeare Festival’s production of “King Lear.� Photo Credit: Mark Garvin
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July 23-Aug. 5 . 2011
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audiophile by david stout :: david@goqnotes.com
Recapping music’s ‘gay moments’ Billboard magazine, the music chart Bible, marked LGBT Pride Month and the June 24 passage of equal marriage rights in New York by compiling a list of “20 musical moments that were pivotal in advancing the understanding and acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.” The list spans widely, including artists coming out (N’Sync’s Lance Bass, country star Chely Wright), memorable performances (Rufus Wainwright aping Judy Garland, Adam Lambert glamming up American Idol), Glee’s swoon-worthy Kurt and Blaine making beautiful music on TV and gay pioneers Tom Robinson, Sylvester and ‘80s synth-pop band Bronski Beat blazing the trail. Here’s a partial recap of the list. • Openly gay teen characters Kurt Hummell (Chris Colfer) and Blaine Anderson (Darren Criss) meet on Glee. • Ricky Martin comes out in his 2010 memoir, Me. Nobody is surprised, but most are happy for him. • Adam Lambert, pictured, rocks American Idol and guyliner. Middle-aged women get the vapors. • “I Kissed A Girl,” quirky singer Jill Sobule declared in ‘95, years before Katy Perry charted with her same-titled but different hit.
• In 2007, Enrique Iglesias performed live at London’s G-A-Y club to honor his LGBT fans. (Watch the performance of “Hero” on YouTube, it’s great.) • Chely Wright comes out — creating waves in the staid country music scene. • Service members affected by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” escort Lady Gaga to the 2010 MTV VMAs. See the full list online at Billboard.com. Search for “greatest gay moments” and scroll down. : : info: audiophile@ goqnotes.com
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tell trinity
because he’s so dirty?
by trinity :: qnotes contributor
Dirty Dating, New Orleans, LA
Daily dating affirmation, Hello Dirty Dating, No, you’re not wrong for wanting out. Dating him will really? eventually mean cleaning up after him, which may be just
Hey Trinity, Why does dating always have to be so negative and draining? Isn’t there some way for getting through the daily sludge of dating? Sick O’Dating, Palo Alto, CA Hey Sick O’Dating, Dating is always going to be a challenge. That’s life, sweetie, but to survive those draining nighttime dates, it’s best to start every morning with a dating affirmation. It’ll keep you positive-minded and open-hearted. And, it goes like this, “Dating is healthy, adventurous and educational. With each date, I attract interesting, healthy and supportive people who treat me with respect and kindness. Being single and dating will bring me to a higher place. I also forgive all bad dates and trust they’ll lose their teeth someday.” There don’t you feel better. And, if affirmations don’t help, Absolut vodka comes in many flavors. That will definitely help! Hello Trinity, I dated this really interesting guy for a month before going to see his place. Trinity, it was so dirty I couldn’t sit down. His laundry basket was his floor. Now he keeps calling and wants to see me more, but I can’t. Am I wrong for wanting out
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the start of many other issues. But, pumpkin, it wouldn’t “mess him up” if you told him the truth before ending it. Better luck next time. (Cues and clues can be gained from my cartoon, for sure!) Dear Trinity, I was recently invited to my straight friend’s wedding. I’m gay and nervous about bringing my boyfriend. Would it be too selfish? Wedding Outings, Austin, TX Dear Outings, Being gay means being proud, out and ready for no one to really care about your sexuality. Today, being gay is a part of life. In other words, they’ll deal with it in their own way! And, anyway, honey, when gay couples go to straight weddings, everyone almost always assumes that they’re brothers, unless you slow dance together and then they just think one of you is blind. Dearest Trinity, I’m dating a smoker and I’m a nonsmoker. I’m trying to be accepting of it, but it’s really not easy. Help! Smoked Out, Montreal, QC Dearest Smoked Out, It’s hell, I know, baby. But, there are a few lessons I have learned. So here are:
Trinity’s Thick Tips For Dating a Smoker 1. Learn to sit downwind on the floor, as far away as you can, when your date is smoking. 2. Learn to light incense and carry breath mints. 3. Learn to calmly and non-confrontationally ask, “Can you move your cigarette, darling, to your other hand, away from me so that the smoke blows into someone else’s face! 4. Learn to control your mild depression and discomfort every time your date lights up (as if it doesn’t bother you). 5. Learn to look at, smell and love the sight of a dirty ashtray! 6. Learn to constantly feel like a nag for having to ask, “Honey can you wash your hands and mouth from the cigarette before cooking our food or kissing my face.” 7. Learn to hate being in closed quarters, especially cars, when your date begs, “Do you mind if I smoke, sweetie, I’ll keep the window down!” (As if his smoke defies science and nature by not entering the car.) 8. Learn to control your nervous twitch, snappy temper and dissatisfaction for dating a smoker as the weeks, months and cigarettes burn by! 9. Learn to take breaks from your date so that he or she can smoke while you’re nowhere in sight (crying over this smoky situation!) 10. And, lastly, learn to finally break up with your date before killing him, her or yourself for the torturous months of stink, disgust and disrespect which has now driven you to smoking! — 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 Sponsored by: Provincetown Business Guild 800-637-8696 . www.ptown.org
out in the stars by charlene lichtenstein :: qnotes contributor
July 23 - August 5 The world is our stage when the Sun enters dramatic Leo. Nothing — nothing at all — can rain on our Pride parade. Expand your scope, see the larger picture and be sure to make it in high definition. CANCER (06.22-07.23) Is money the key to success and happiness? You seem to be keeping score. Does it all add up? A drawback to all of this crass materialism is that deep down you’ll realize that an insecure personality is an insecure personality no matter how many bucks try to bolster it up. But, you won’t know if dough raises your inner worth if you don’t knead it! LEO (07.24-08.23) Get ready — Proud Lions are pushed onto center stage. Your charisma peaks and you can charm just about anyone. While you may yearn for approval of your ideas, don’t wait for others’ nods before you act. You have a very short window of opportunity to get personal projects launched. After that, you’ll be biding your time until the right moon phase. VIRGO (08.24-09.23) Explore your spiritual side and discover who you really are beneath all that glamour, glitter and greasepaint. If your closet door squeaks open a little, don’t be afraid of opening it much wider. There is nothing to worry about. The worry is, of course, when you hide your true feelings from the world and maybe even from yourself. Why do that? LIBRA (09.24-10.23) Proud Libras are the champions of gay rights. Become a rainbow flag waver and get involved with the movement. Maintain momentum and get the word out. The danger here is that your desire to belong may cause you to sublimate your personal desires in order to blend in with the groupthink. Not all champions have to think alike. But, are you that bipartisan? SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) A fire is set under you professionally. Proud Scorps are obsessed with career accomplishments and the need to make it big in the eyes of others. In fact, you now feel the urge to make your mark on the world and seek approval from those in power. Wade into the corporate shark tank and kanoodle with the suits. You may emerge unbitten and victorious. Then again. … SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.22) Life is a pilgrimage for gay Archers. So, expand your horizons by traveling to new exotic vistas or embarking on a brand new course of study. Although the sky is the limit, don’t forget to focus on the individual trees in addition to the entire forest. Will you live for the moment or plan on some distant utopia? Maybe you can find the cosmic balance and do both. CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) Pink Caps are even more intense than usual. Sexually, you dive head first into a steaming tub and boil until you are one big prune. Seek a meaningful connection to others and a deeper connection to your inner self as well. Plumb your depths and see what deep Freudian urges bubble to the top. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, but often it isn’t. Hmm. Tell me about it. AQUARIUS (01.21-02.19) Relationships become the be-all end-all for all Aqueerians. There seems to be nothing more important to you than to have a significant other in your life, so cement current relationships or seek new, more fulfilling ones. But, balance is very important. Give your heart freely, but don’t give away your soul. We are looking for a partnership, not a limited liability corporation PISCES (02.20-03.20) Even picture-perfect Guppies can use a little nip and tuck now. What better opportunity to achieve the sublime than the present? Work it! Increase or totally revamp your exercise regime. Or, begin one,
you lazy thing! What about your diet? Your body is a temple, after all. Attract a few new worshippers and a increase your collections. Wine and song anyone? ARIES (03.21-04.20) Proud Rams have a spring in their step and a song in their heart. Keep it going by getting involved in a range of artistic pastimes and projects. Can’t dance? Don’t ask me, but you can try other outlets like music or even sports. The most important thing is to completely relax and have fun. There is also the chance of a little romance, so save some creative juice for that too. TAURUS (04.21-05.21) Queer Bulls feel the tug and pull of home. Blame it on the heat when you plop in front of the TV rather than boogie the night away in every dive. Give yourself the time to recharge your batteries and plan your next big move. Then emerge rested, primed and far more in control of your personal agenda. There will be time to dive into those dives once again. GEMINI (05.22-05.21) No matter how extreme your ideas or politics, you have the uncanny ability to make yourself heard and understood. Folks may not agree with you, but they listen to what you have to say. So, put your thoughts forward and take up the charge on a good cause to change minds. Or, if you are shy, exercise those brain cells with study or debate. Use it or lose it, pink Twin. : : © 2011 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.
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Splish-splash for Pride Charlotte
July 30 • Charlotte Pride visits Whitewater Center Join Pride Charlotte for their Gay Splash Day at the Whitewater Center. Special discounted tickets and admission prices are available for U.S. National Whitewater Center attractions via pridecharlotte.com. Come for a day of fun in the sun: drink a little, eat a little, raft a little and rock out to the tunes of band One Night Stand. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy. 9 a.m.-dusk. For more information and access to discounted admission/tickets, visit pridecharlotte.com.
July 23 • Charlotte Community Unity Car Wash Come get your ride all squeaky clean and sparkly while raising money for great causes! All the hot guys and gals from Sidelines, Petra’s, Hartigan’s, the Woodshed and the Bar at 316 team up to host a community car wash raising money for Pride Charlotte and the Human Rights Campaign. H&H Automotive, 1909 South Blvd. Noon-5:30 p.m. July 23 • Charlotte Bear Swimsuit Party The Woodshed hosts Bear Encounters’ Hot Swimsuit party. The Woodshed Lounge, 4000 Queen City Dr. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. bear-encounters.com. July 25 • Winston-Salem Convo: Marriage and family equality This panel discussion will address the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) families in our community. Reception to follow. UU Fellowship of Winston-Salem, 4055 Robinhood Rd. 7-9 p.m. For more information, email interweaveuufws @gmail.com. July 27 • Winston-Salem Premiere: ‘Gun Hill Road’ OUT at the Movies, Winston-Salem presents the Southeastern premiere of the 2011 drama, “Gun Hill Road,” starring Esai Morales and transgender actress Harmony Santana in a breakout role. “An ex-con (Morales) returns home to the Bronx after three years in prison to find his wife estranged and his teenage son (Santana) exploring a sexual transformation that will test the fragile bonds of their family.” a/perture cinema, 311 W. 4th St. 8 p.m. For
tickets, visit aperturecinema.com.
Blvd. 3-5 p.m. charlotteprideband.org.
July 28-Aug. 1 • Charlotte Triangle Black Gay Pride The annual black LGBT Pride event in the Triange, attracting approximately 2,000 annually. For more information, visit triangleblackpride.org.
July 30 • Charlotte Lee Center celebration The Lionel Lee Jr. Center for Wellness celebrates its fifth anniversary with a “Youth Explosion!” event from 1-3 p.m. followed by an evening of dinner and entertainment featuring vocalist Miranda Little, recording artist Lonnie Green, Another Chance Music Ministry and Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir. Holy Trinity Luther Church, 1900 The Plaza. 1-9 p.m. For more information visit llcwellness.org.
July 29 • Charlotte Miss Pride Charlotte Judges crown the next Miss Pride Charlotte, chosen from a field of finalists from across the metro area. Scorpio, 2301 Freedom Dr. 9 p.m. For more information, visit pridecharlotte.com. July 29-31• Charlotte TransFaith In Color The Freedom Center for Social Justice, a project of Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte’s Bishop Tonyia Rawls, presents this special conference for transgender people of faith hosted at the Hilton University Place, 8629 J.M. Keynes Dr. Conference activities will include exhibits, workshops and plenaries with special guest speakers and presenters, receptions, cultural events and an interfaith worship service. TransFaith In Color is supported by the Arcus Foundation and Freedom Center for Social Justice, among others. To learn more, register or make hotel reservations, visit transfaithincolor.org. July 30 • Charlotte Pride Band Cookout The Charlotte Pride Band kicks off its 2011 season with their second annual summer cookout, an opportunity to learn more about the band, meet other musicians and enjoy the summer outdoors! Freedom Park Shelter 5, 1900 East
we want your who/what/where
July 30 • Charlotte Pride Charlotte volunteer day Interested in volunteering for Pride Charlotte. Drop-in at the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to learn more. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St. Suite B11. pridecharlotte.com. gaycharlotte.com. Aug. 5 • Charlotte Pudding Wrestling Hartigan’s hosts its last pudding wrestling event of the year. Winner receives $100 cash. Hartigan’s Irish Pub, 601 S. Cedar St. 10 p.m. $10 cover. hartigans.com. Aug. 5-6 • Charlotte Pride Charlotte Talent Search Hosted by Pride Charlotte Entertainment Chair Janice Covington, the talent search is on the look-out for live entertainment (no lip syncing) acts who can play instruments, sing, dance, juggle, do clean comedy or more! Winner gets the opportunity to perform on stage at Pride Charlotte on Aug. 27 in Uptown Charlotte. Judging completed by anonymous judges;
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events qnotes goqnotes.com/qguide/events
arts.entries entertainment. news. by views. all contestant must be received show time each night. Aug. 5: Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave. 10 p.m. Aug. 6: Hartigan’s Irish Pub, 601 S. Cedar St. 9 p.m. For more information, email janice@pridecharlotte.com or visit pridecharlotte.com. Aug. 6 • Charlotte Sidelines Anniversary Party Sidelines Sports Bar presents “Four Play,” a celebration of its fourth anniversary, and hosts a customer appreciation party with door prizes, drink specials and more. Sidelines Sports Bar, 4544-C South Blvd. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. thesidelinesbar.com. Aug. 7 • Jordan Lake Joint Den picnic Bring your bathing suits, towels, kayaks, volleyballs, coolers, beverages, side dishes and desserts for the Carolina Bear Lodge Joint Raleigh-Durham Den picnic at Lake Jordan’s Ebenezer Church Recreation Area Pavilion 1. Event begins at 10 a.m. and continues through 8 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, visit carolinabears.com, email mentorbear@ yahoo.com or call 919-218-3089. Aug. 13 • Winston-Salem Film: ‘Longhorns’ OUT at the Movies, Winston-Salem will screen the 2011 comedy, “Longhorns.” Contains male frontal nudity. UNC School of the Arts ACE Theatre Complex, 1533 S. Main St. 7 p.m. $7/general. $6/students and seniors. outatthemovieswinston.org.
We need your events! Help us fill our events calendar in each print edition of qnotes. Let’s make this a success together! Teamwork makes the dreamwork! It’s easy to submit your events online. Just provide us the who, the what, the where and the when at goqnotes.com/qguide/events/submit/.
Meetings: Program: Time: Membership: Information:
Third Thursday of every month, except when there is specialized programming, plus monthly socials to promote networking and friendship A wide variety of topics of interest to appeal to the diverse LGBT community After work with a cash bar social and heavy hor d’oeuvres with dinner and program following Visit the website for application options and benefits. Call 704.565.5075 or email businessguild@yahoo.com for more details or write to The Charlotte Business Guild P.O. Box 33371 | Charlotte, NC 28233
www.charlottebusinessguild.org July 23-Aug. 5 . 2011
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