QNotes Aug. 6-19, 2011

Aug. 6-19 . 2011

qnotes

qnotes

Aug. 6-19 . 2011

inside Aug. 6-19, 2011 Vol 26 No 07

a&e / life&style 14 14 15 16 17 18 21 23

14

[Gay] Wedding Singer Logo summer film fest New Charlotte film series Drag Rag Out in the Stars Tell Trinity On Being a Gay Parent Q events calendar

news & features 1

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InFocus: Orgs defy transparency News Notes: Regional Briefs InFocus: Non-profits at a glance Community mourns losses InFocus: Orgs identify needs Mayfield receives national nod Amendment scare mobilizes ENC

opinions & views 4 4 5 5

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Editor’s Note General Gayety Guest Commentary QPoll

contributors this issue

Matt Comer, Kevin Grooms/Miss Della, Charlene Lichtenstein, Lainey Millen, Jared Pillsbury, Leslie Robinson, Bryan Samuels, David Stout, Trinity, Brett Webb-Mitchell

front page Graphic Design by Matt Comer & Lainey Millen

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Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2011 and may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of the editor or publisher. Advertisers assume full responsibility — and therefore, all liability — for securing reprint permission for copyrighted text, photographs and illustrations or trademarks published in their ads. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers, cartoonists we publish is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or photographs does not indicate the subject’s sexual orientation. qnotes nor its publisher assumes liability for typographical error or omission, beyond offering to run a correction. Official editorial positions are expressed in staff editorials and editorial notations and are determined by editorial staff. The opinions of contributing writers and guest columnists do not necessarily represent the opinions of qnotes or its staff. qnotes accepts unsolicited editorial, but cannot take responsibility for its return.

Editor reserves the right to accept and reject material as well as edit for clarity, brevity.

Aug. 6-19 . 2011

qnotes

VIEWS

editor’s note by matt comer matt@goqnotes.com

Transparency is not an option

This issue, qnotes publishes the results of its second Community Assessment Survey, an annual project we began last year as a tool to gauge community nonprofit organizations’ financial health and commitment to transparency.

Successfully operating a community non-profit organization is no small feat.

Anyone who has spent even the slightest bit of time helping a community group fundraise, balance the books, maintain an office or engage volunteers knows this. And, for the most part, many of these tasks are often performed by volunteers, especially in the LGBT community. A lot of that work goes by unnoticed. A lot of phenomenal community leaders go un-thanked.

Of all the tasks a non-profit must complete, the most difficult is building trust with its community, donor base and volunteers.

Successful non-profits are able to capitalize upon the buy-in of those who feel the

group is worthy, valuable and trustworthy — with cash, with other assets and with volunteers’ and supporters’ time. That’s why transparency is important. In fact, it’s so important that it’s not even an option.

Groups registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 organizations are required each year to file annual tax returns. This filing, known as a Form 990, details an organization’s income and expenditures and helps to provide a publicly-accessible accounting of the cash flow of an organization given the special privilege of owing no taxes to Uncle Sam. Filing these returns aren’t voluntary — they are legally required, as is public disclosure of these forms when asked by any member of the public. When groups fail to file their Forms 990 for three or more consecutive years, they face automatic revocation of their tax-exempt status. Groups that fail to disclose their Forms 990 also face

general gayety by leslie robinson :: qnotes contributor

Gay history lands in the lesson plan

SUBSCRIBE!

News item: California is the first state to require public schools to include the contributions of LGBT people in social studies curricula.

We take you to the classroom of Mr. Mitchell a couple of years from now, as he adds the new material to his AP American history class.

Mr. Mitchell: I assume you all read the chapter on civil rights movements last night.

Jeff: Mr. Mitchell?

Mr. Mitchell: Yes? Jeff: I have a note from my dad. He didn’t want me to read the chapter because of the gay parts.

Mr. Mitchell: Do you still want to go to Yale?

Jeff: Yes. Mr. Mitchell: Read the chapter. Did anyone else have trouble?

Sarah: Well, not trouble exactly, but the pic-

ture of gays picketing confused me. The women wore dresses. My aunt’s a lesbian, and she hasn’t worn a dress since her First Communion.

Mr. Mitchell: Why do you think homosexuals who protested during the period before Stonewall dressed conservatively?

Ben: Because they didn’t have a sense of style yet.

Mr. Mitchell: Try again.

Skye: Because they didn’t want to offend anybody. People we’re already wary of them.

Mr. Mitchell: You got it.

Ben: If they were so concerned with what people thought, why did they go to bars run by organized crime? Like Stonewall?

Mr. Mitchell: Why do you think?

Skye: The Mob had better music.

Sarah: The bars were the only places they could be themselves.

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qnotes

Aug. 6-19 . 2011

civil liabilities and, ultimately, could have their tax-exempt status revoked as well.

One North Carolina group, in particular, had the opportunity to learn a valuable lesson on the importance of transparency and accountability this June. Last year, as qnotes undertook it’s first Community Assessment Survey, it was revealed that NC Pride had failed to file their annual Forms 990 for several years, though how many no one is sure. This paper has documented that story extensively, and several questions regarding the group’s finances and leadership remain unanswered as director John Short continues on his unabated path of closed-door, tight-lipped secrecy.

As of yet, Short and NC Pride have refused to learn these lessons on transparency, trust and accountability. Other groups, too, have failed to maintain community trust. Many, like Metrolina AIDS Project, have since closed their doors — a natural by-product of a lack of transparency and loss of credibility. Hopefully, NC Pride will take a cue from MAP’s demise and decide not to take similar paths to self-destruction.

This message and call for transparency is just as important for those groups who declined to participate in this year’s Community Assessment Survey. Though

participation in our survey was optional, disclosing or making publicly available recent Forms 990 wasn’t — a request made along with invitations to participate in the survey a total of six separate times to each of the 16 organizations asked to complete the survey this year. We invite those organizations who didn’t participate in the survey to do so as soon as they can; we can publish your organizations’ data in future issues. We also encourage those organizations who chose not to disclose recent Forms 990 or other financial documents open to public inspection to do so as soon as possible. While gaining the trust of a community can sometimes be a difficult task, being transparent isn’t. It takes only moments, though its rewards can last a lifetime.

Finally, we thank each of the seven community organizations that both participated in our survey and complied with the legal requirements of our Form 990 requests, including Campus Pride, Equality North Carolina, Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte, The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN), SC Equality and Time Out Youth. We appreciate and applaud your commitment to your communities and to transparency. : :

Jeff: Why are we learning about bars?

We’re underage.

Miguel: We covered speakeasies. They were important during Prohibition.

Jeff: I think, if we’re going to talk about bars, we should learn something useful. How to make a Manhattan. That’s useful.

Mr. Mitchell: I can see we need more structure to this discussion. You all read about the March on Washington in 1963, when Martin Luther King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. But, what you didn’t read — because the new textbook isn’t ready yet and don’t get me started — was that the organizer of the march was a black gay man, Bayard Rustin.

Jeff: Now you’re just making things up. If that were true, we’d all know it. It would be a famous fact.

Mr. Mitchell: Ah, Jeff, you’ve brought us to a critical point. It is true. But, why haven’t we known it?

Ben: Martians wiped our brains.

Skye: Homosexuality was something you just didn’t talk about.

Mr. Mitchell: It was a taboo subject. Gays and lesbians hid that part of themselves or

history hid it for them.

Jeff: I hope we’re going to talk about all the bad stuff gays did too. They destroyed Rome and started World War II. That’s in my dad’s note also.

Mr. Mitchell: No wonder it’s three pages.

Okay, everybody, in my high school history class we studied white men only. What would be the problem with that?

Jeff: Nothing.

Sarah: It makes it sound like everyone else just stood around and didn’t do anything.

Miguel: It leaves out the history of everyone else.

Jeff: Can I go see the nurse?

Mr. Mitchell: Why? Skye: His head hurts from being pried open.

Mr. Mitchell: Let’s address the homework question before you depart. For Monday, pick one of the names on the board — Malcolm X, Cesar Chavez, Harvey Milk and Gloria Steinem — and write two pages about their roles in their respective movements. Don’t be so depressed, Jeff. In a couple of weeks you get to write about Ronald Reagan. : : info:

LesRobinson@aol.com . generalgayety.com

VIEWS

guest commentary

Meeting Date: Program:

by Bryan Samuels ::guest contributor

Creating a safe place: Supporting LGBTQ youth in foster care

Darryn entered the foster care system as an abused and frightened child. By the time he was 16, he was struggling with new fears and painful misconceptions about his sexual orientation. Fortunately, his foster mother treated him with unconditional love, creating an environment in which he could heal and feel free to explore his identity. The sense of self that his foster mother nurtured in him through her warmth and respect helped him emerge a strong, confident adult.

Darryn’s experience shows how a foster family can change a life. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth must deal with a myriad of issues common to all adolescents, but their journey is often more difficult. We know that LGBTQ youth encounter a disproportionate amount of cruelty simply because of who they are. For youth in foster care, too often the system has been unable to respond to their needs for community, kindness, sanctuary and services that are specially designed for them.

That’s why the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families is urging child welfare programs in every state to train their caseworkers and tailor their practices so that they are maximally responsive to the unique challenges of every child — including LGBTQ youth. Our intent is to ensure that every single young person has the opportunity to lead a healthy, productive life with the support of loving, respectful caregivers.

This past spring, the Administration for Children and Families wrote to state social service providers to remind them of the challenges these young people face. We outlined a series of supports that the federal government can provide to systems that serve foster children across the country, such as help with training caseworkers to better serve LGBTQ youth, recruiting and orienting foster and adoptive parents, addressing unique safety issues, and encouraging LGBT parents to adopt. And of course, we are also urging states to diligently pursue all forms of permanent placements, including reunification with biological parents and families, as long as these are in the best interest of the child.

A recent study that followed a group of young people as they moved from foster care into adulthood found that as many as 1 in 10 males and almost 1 in 4 females identified their sexual orientation as other than “100 percent heterosexual.” More often than not, these young people have experienced discrimination, bullying, scorn and ostracism and have remained in foster care longer than their straight peers. They are also at higher risk of suicide, homelessness, and sexual exploita-

tion on the streets.

LGBT youth need our protection and they deserve our help. The practices we are encouraging states to adopt are designed to provide that.

Overall, we are at a point of progress in the child welfare system. During the last several years, states have consistently been able to reduce the number of children in foster care, finding permanent homes for many of them faster than ever before. This allows us to push the system forward to address the needs of children and youth for whom we struggle to find permanent families and homes.

Our focus on LGBTQ youth is part of a larger mission to craft strategies that respond to the needs of children in foster care. With a grant of almost $10 million, several child welfare systems are taking the lead, pioneering approaches that we hope will be suitable for replication across the country. Kansas is testing an innovative program with severely emotionally disturbed children; California and Arizona are both striving to speed up the placement of African-American and native American children into permanent homes; Nevada’s Washoe County is targeting children with immediate safety risk; Illinois is targeting children exposed to serious trauma. The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center is working with LA County to develop a model program to protect the health and well-being of LGBTQ foster youth and to eliminate the barriers that keep them from settling into permanent homes.

The child welfare system is moving forward in recognizing the specific needs of LGBTQ youth. As social service providers and as leaders who care about America’s future, we cannot afford to waste precious young lives. Instead, we look forward to a time when the success stories will outnumber the sad ones, when more youth have stories like Darryn’s to tell.

That’s the outcome we want for all of our young people. : : — Bryan Samuels is the commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ACYF administers funding for a broad range of programs that serve vulnerable children and youth, including foster care, adoption, and shelters and outreach for runaway and homeless youth.

Time: Cost: To Reserve:

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 Michael Scott Mater Foundation (www.msmf.org) (Sustainable Solutions/Green Micro-Loan Initiative/ School4School Initiative) The Lesbian & Gay Community Center 820 Hamilton St. Cash Bar Social/Heavy Hor d’oeuvres @ 5:30 pm Program starts @ 6:45 pm $20 Call 704.565.5075 or email businessguild@yahoo.com for more information or pay online via PayPal at www.charlottebusinessguild.org

www.charlottebusinessguild.org

qpoll Does the level of an organization’s financial transparency affect your opinion of its trustworthiness?

See the options and vote: goqnotes.com/to/qpoll Aug. 6-19 . 2011

qnotes

qnotes

Aug. 6-19 . 2011

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 Talent contests abound

CHARLOTTE — Pride Charlotte has announced that there are several opportunities for people to compete for a spot on stage at its festival slated for Aug. 27 in Uptown.

Live entertainment with no lip syncing acts who can play instruments, sing, dance, juggle, do clean comedy or more are permitted.

On Aug. 5, Petra’s, 1919 Commonwealth Ave., held their competition from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Entries were due by 10 p.m. that day.

On Aug. 6, head over to Hartigan’s Irish Pub, 601 S. Cedar St., to capture the win from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Entries are due by 9 p.m. that day.

Entertainment Chair Janice Covington hosts these events. Judging will be completed by anonymous judges.

For more information, email janice@ pridecharlotte.com.

The Bar at 316 will hold their Voice contest on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. during August for singers leading up to Pride Charlotte. This is geared around the Pride Charlotte Karaoke Contest. Each week they will select two winners who then will face off on Aug. 23 for the top spot. Special prizes will be awarded to winner. Admission is free.

For more information, email danmauney@ gmail.com.

In other news, Pride Charlotte is still seeking volunteers to assist in the festivities.

Training will be held on Aug. 13, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, 820 Hamilton St., Suite B11.

For more information, email volunteers@ pridecharlotte.com or visit pridecharlotte.com to complete an online application.

— L.M.

Triangle Mathews called for pastorship

DURHAM — On July 24, Imani MCC voted unanimously to extend a call to Rev. Venson Phillip Mathews to take the position as its pastor. Formal installation will be later in the year.

Mathews has spent well over 10 years serving MCC congregations. He came to the Triangle from Washington, D.C.’s MCCDC where he served as its associate pastor for 11 years.

In 2008, he was asked to assume the role of interim pastor of Imani when Rev. Wanda Y. Floyd resigned to focus on her studies at the Divinity School at Shaw University in Raleigh.

As a certified spiritual life coach, his ability to guide those on their spiritual journeys is one of his strong suits. He has headed up missions to the Dominican Republic, as well as leading the Infinity Diamond Club in Durham.

Currently, he teaches Imani’s Wednesday

Raleigh Center exec to step down RALEIGH — The executive director of The LGBT Center of Raleigh announced on July 27 that he will leave the organization on Oct. 14 in order to pursue other career opportunities.

“Leading the LGBT Center of Raleigh has been an absolute honor and I am proud to have been part of something so important to so many,” Bobby Hilburn, who has worked as the group’s executive director for the past year, said in a release. “I became involved in order to help create a place for our community and never envisioned I would become its first director. The Center will always have a very special place in my heart and I look forward to the future as it continues to serve and support our LGBTQ community.”

During Hilburn’s tenure, The LGBT of Raleigh grew from a small, temporary location to a larger location at 411 Hillsborough St. and saw an increase the number of its supporters, donors and volunteers. The group has also been able to keep it’s community center open seven days a week.

“Bobby has been the face of the LGBT Center for the past several years and has been instrumental in directing the amazing growth and success of the Center,” Center Board of Trustees Chair Glen Medders said in a release.

“He has worked on this project for more than five years and oversaw the opening of our first location on Cabarrus Street and our monumental move to 411 Hillsborough St. this year. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Bobby in the future as the Center continues to expand and mature.”

The LGBT Center of Raleigh’s board has established a committee to oversee a national search for their next executive director.

— M.C., compiled from release night Bible study, facilitates the Thursday night healing circle and leads Saturday morning prayer at the developing New Ministry Center, 3602 C-View St. Mathews does not stop with spiritual service. He is a committed volunteer with an AIDS care team, contributes to CAARE, Inc., as well as been an AIDS Walk+Ride participant.

His talents also extend to the stage with parts in “Jade City Chronicles Vol. 1” and “Tool Box Monologues” at Manbites Dog Theatre in Durham.

For more information, visit imanimcc.org.

— L.M.

YMCA alternate recommended

CHAPEL HILL — Updating the July 9 issue’s News Notes 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.

Although the merger has yet to take place, LGBT members of the Triangle community have shared other possible alternatives to joining the YMCA. Kenny Levine, with Triangle Families - NC LGBT Parents Group, shared that the Levin Jewish Community Center in Durham, 1937 West Cornwallis Rd., provided a gender neutral application to its prospects. He visits the pool daily and has found the atmosphere to be welcoming, especially to those in multiracial families. Members come from “virtually every corner of the earth,” Levin commented.

In a post to the listserv, Levine wrote: “But before writing this post, I decided to check in with the J’s director of membership to see if she would want me to post this message on a listserv for LGBT families. When I asked her about it, she didn’t just say, ‘okay,’ but she was thrilled that I was interested in doing some outreach to the LGBT community on behalf of

the J. She said that in designing their membership policies, they made an active decision to be fully inclusive, and they are happy to have that word go out.”

For more information, visit levinjcc.org.

— L.M.

Triad Healthcare chat slated

WINSTON-SALEM — The second in a series of community conversations on issues impacting the LGBT community will be held at Temple Emanuel on Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. under sponsorship of Interfaith Voice and PFLAG Winston-Salem.

Featured speakers for this healthcare issues focused event will be Kevin Mundy, vice president, marketing and community relations for AIDS Care Service; Andy Hagler, executive director of the Mental Health Association; Christopher A. Ohl, M.D., associate professor in internal medicine and infectious diseases at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center; and Dee Leahman, director, Community Partnership for End of Life Care, Hospice & Palliative Care Center.

Topics include a report on the latest news on AIDS care and treatment and the recent increase in cases as some people ignore the safe sex message; mental health issues that especially affect LGBT people; the latest on other sexually transmitted diseases; and how to be a good patient advocate.

There will be an extended opportunity for discussion and conversation on these topics.

Refreshments will follow in the Temple lobby.

The conversations are being presented by PFLAG and Interfaith Voice, a coalition of 11 local congregations.

Interfaith Voice also plans to be a resource to other congregations considering how they might become open and affirming.

For more information, call Janet Owen at 336-406-9771 or email interweaveuufws@ gmail.com or Tim Sturgis at 336-978-3408 or email timboilf@msn.com.

— L.M.

Campus Scene Students promote ‘respect’

RALEIGH — The GLBT Center at North Carolina State University (NCSU) is gearing up for a host of events as part of welcoming the fall semester.

They are joining together with the student government and other departments on campus to initiate “Respect the Pack,” which will help promote unity, traditions and stand against hate to support NCSU’s values. They will paint the Free Expression Tunnel on Aug. 16, 8-11 p.m.

Earlier that day, they will host an open house from 3-5 p.m. at 360 Harrelson Hall. On Aug. 17 from 7-9 p.m., stop by for camaraderie, fun and refreshments. Bop on down to the Talley Student Center on Aug. 20 for the IRC Silent Disco from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

Still can’t get enough? Then attend the GLBT-CA meeting on Aug. 23, 7 p.m. to learn more about what the center has to offer. Stay for board games.

Cap off the fun with a rave party on Aug. 26 in the Walnut Room in the Talley Student Center from 7-10 p.m. Admission is free.

The center is also looking for interested people to run for office or to help with a number of other functions to help sustain its work.

For more information, email Paul Cash at pmcash@ncsu.edu or Adam Ward, adviser, at arward@ncsu@gmail.com or visit ncsu. edu/student_affairs/glbt.

— L.M.

see News Notes on 8 Aug. 6-19 . 2011

qnotes

News Notes continued from page 7

Regional Hate crimes spur concern

STATEWIDE — An Asheville man, Lamon Hopkins, was arrested with felony assault with inflicting serious injury after police were told that he attacked and berated Luke Hankins with anti-gay slurs, WLOS-TV reported.

The beating occurred in an Ingles parking lot. Two other men and one woman were in a car shouting out threats and anti-gay comments when Hankins went into the store and when he came out, they targeted and pursued him, then physically assaulted him. Hopkins punched him in the face. Hankins sustained three fractures to his skull and a bloody eye. A witness helped him until police came. He took himself to the hospital.

Hankins, who says he is not gay, claims that the police officer, T.J. Jones, who answered the call failed to file a report immediately. He and the incident are both under investigation and is classified as a hate crime.

Meanwhile, across the state in Wilmington, police have not as yet found the person who assaulted gay student Michael Nelmark on June 25. The Wilmington Star said that Nelmark was unconscious for 20 minutes following the attack. He sustained a head wound as well. Nelmark claims that the officers who came to the scene turned the men who were responsible loose.

Anne Nelmark now “worries that her son’s attackers will not face justice.”

This incident is also being treated as a hate crime.

— L.M.

Gala seeks workshop proposals

STATEWIDE — Equality NC Foundation’s (ENCF) Equality Conference & Gala will be held on Nov. 12 at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. It is the largest gathering of LGBT and allied North Carolinians focused on securing equal rights and justice across the Tar Heel state.

This year, the annual conference will focus on LGBT activism and ENCF is actively seeking workshops designed to equip participants with the skills they need to work strategically and effectively for positive policy change.

The state’s LGBT community has found itself at the center of controversy this year as legislators consider an anti-LGBT amendment prohibiting same-sex marriages and other relationships. ENC said that the event “will serve to ‘rally the troops,’ educate participants on current policy issues and contribute to the movement by promoting the best practices in grassroots organizing. Workshops tailored to audiences from across the activist spectrum are encouraged, from those who are brand new to LGBT rights to those who have been in the movement for decades.”

Proposals are due in by end of day, Friday, Aug. 19. For proposal development guidance, call 919-829-0343 or email rebecca@equalitync.org.

Full details and application are available at equalitync.org.

— L.M.

National

Barack Obama, U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen notified Congress July 22 that the military is ready to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the discriminatory two-decade old policy that bars lesbian, gay and bisexual people from serving openly in the military.

Under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal Act passed by Congress in December 2010, Obama, Panetta and Mullen were required to certify that the plan to repeal the policy is “consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention of the Armed Forces.”

The certification started a 60-day transition period before the policy finally becomes history.

— D.S.

DOMA repeal hearing held

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On July 20, the Senate Committee on the Judiciary held the first-ever hearing on the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill that would repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Committee members heard from several supporters of the repeal measure, including people who have been harmed because of the discriminatory law.

The Respect for Marriage Act was introduced on March 16, 2011 by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) following the Department of Justice’s historic decision to stop defending DOMA in court because it is unconstitutional.

If passed, the bill — which has 27 co-sponsors — would ensure that the federal government recognizes every marriage that a state performs, including marriages of same-sex couples.

Maya Rupert, Federal Policy Director at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said. “Today’s hearing exposed the severe burdens that this despicable law imposes on thousands of loving families across the country. Congress needs to pass the Respect for Marriage Act to end this shameful chapter in our nation’s history. DOMA harms families, stigmatizes our relationships as unworthy, and perpetuates a climate of hostility for all LGBT people, and it is long past time to repeal it.”

— D.S.

School district sued for harassment

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The National Center for Lesbian Rights, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), and Faegre & Benson, LLP, filed a federal lawsuit July 21 challenging the pervasive anti-gay harassment in schools within the Anoka-Hennepin School District as well as the district’s “gag policy” that prevents teachers from discussing issues related to LGBT people.

The agencies filed the suit on behalf of five students who have faced severe anti-LGBT bullying and harassment while attending school in the district. It charges that the district’s gag policy perpetuated the harassment suffered by these students and others.

The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota after the school district failed to address the persistent abuse or repeal its discriminatory policy.

“There is something seriously wrong in

DADT certified for repeal

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President

qnotes

Aug. 6-19 . 2011

see News Notes on 20

InFocus: community non-profits

at a glance: finances

Unless otherwise specified, all figures below are reported from 2009 Form 990 filings for calendar and tax year 2009 (Jan. 1-Dec. 31). Boards of directors chairs, presidents or other volunteer positions are listed for organizations without paid executive directors or CEOs. Data is presented for groups that declined to participate but had Forms 990 publicly available; please see story on page 1 for more information, including organizations that declined to participate in the survey.

Organization

Expenses

Revenue

Administrative Costsa

Top Officer/Employee (Salary)

Campus Pride

$ 161,152

$ 178,114

$ 55,982

Shane Windmeyer ($ 23,600)

Equality NC Equality NC Foundation Equality NC PACb

$ 294,916 $ 256,995 $ 10,724

$ 322,975 $ 273,283 $ 29,762

$ 267,359 $ 13,614 $ 4,037

Ian Palmquist ($ 56,698)c N/Ac N/Ac

Faith in America¶

$ 200,631

$ 137,751

$ 21,465d

Brent Childers ($ 71,576)e

Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte

$ 52,814

$ 62,340

$ 33,593

John Quillin (volunteer)

LGBT Community $ 63,048 $ 69,557 $ 59,332 Center of Charlotte

Denise Palm-Beck (volunteer) Current: John Stotler (volunteer)

Regional AIDS Interfaith Network

Debbie Warren ($ 63,485)

$ 939,343

$ 1,090,133

$ 134,797d

South Carolina Equality $ 8,071 $ 6,380 $ 520d SC Equality Foundation $ 129,787 $ 126,235 $ 19,430d

N/Ac C. Ray Drew ($ 70,649)c Current: Christine Johnson ($ 70,000)

Time Out Youthf

Steve Bentley ($ 45,500)

$ 143,128

$ 150,338

$ 116,933

a - As used in this report and unless otherwise noted, “administrative costs” include: Salaries, other compensation and employee benefits; professional fees and other payments to independent contractors; occupancy, rent, utilities and maintenance; printing, publication, postage and shipping. b - Equality NC PAC does not report to the Internal Revenue Service. Equality NC PAC reports financial data to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. c - Both Equality North Carolina and South Carolina Equality operate various legal entities affiliated with each other. Each individual group shares staff, such as the executive director, and each share some expenses, such as salaries, rent and other administrative costs. For the 2010 Community Assessment Survey, Equality North Carolina noted in detail: “Equality NC Foundation and Equality NC PAC contract with Equality NC for the portion of their time spent working for that entity plus the overhead costs (rent, phone, etc.) based on a cost-sharing agreement.” d - Total reported for share of management and general expenses (Form 990, Part IX, Column C). e - Childers is not directly employed by Faith in America; however, his company was paid $71,576 in 2009 for consulting services. f - Data reflects that reported on Time Out Youth’s Form 990 for their fiscal year Sept. 1, 2009-Aug. 31, 2010. ¶ Organization declined repeated requests to participate in the survey.

Organizations defy call for transparency continued from page 1

In an historic show of transparency and trust, qnotes’ 2010 Community Assessment Survey resulted in the participation of each of the 22 non-profit groups across the Carolinas asked to complete it.

A change in qnotes’ editorial direction and distribution areas earlier this year resulted in a decrease in the number and type of organizations asked to participate in this year’s survey. Of the 16 groups that were asked to participate, nine — more than half — declined.

The request for participation included a request for Forms 990 or other financial documents open to public inspection. Forms 990 are the annual tax return forms that non-profit groups must file with the Internal Revenue Service.

Many of the groups declining to participate also declined to provide the requested Forms 990 or did not have Forms 990 or other financial reports readily and publicly available either via their own websites or on GuideStar. org. A non-profit group is legally required to disclose their Forms 990 when asked. qnotes first requested each group’s participation via U.S. Postal Service on June 28, 2011. Groups were given nearly a month to complete the short survey and were requested to return it by July 22, 2011. Additionally, qnotes reached out to organizations via email with digital versions of the survey and reminders about the participation deadline a total of

five times on June 28, July 12, July 20, July 26 and July 28.

NC Pride continues to operate in shadows Last year’s Community Assessment Survey and the resulting coverage revealed that NC Pride had failed to file their Forms 990 for several years in a row. Though the organization, officially “The Pride Committee of North Carolina,” did complete the inaugural survey, they were unable to fulfill our 990 request.

At the time, NC Pride Director John Short said he and his organization would work to fix the oversight; nearly a year later, it remained uncorrected. On June 8, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) revoked NC Pride’s tax-exempt status — the only active LGBT community organization in the state to lose its 501(c)3 status.

Short remained silent for more than a week after the revelation. On June 19, he issued a written statement and said the group was working with the IRS to restore their taxexempt status. He also noted that 100 percent of the group’s revenue — self-reported at $65,000 last year — came from their Pride Guide advertising revenue alone. There has been no way to officially verify Short’s claims regarding the revenue, though it’s factual inaccuracy is likely certain as the group collects fees and other payments for vendor spaces and other services.

Since Short’s brief, written statement to qnotes on June 19, he has repeatedly declined and ignored several requests for more information regarding the IRS revocation, the group’s finances and their leadership (a full, public list of the group’s board of directors and their contact information remains elusive).

On July 22, Short also declined to participate in this year’s Community Assessment Survey.

“While we will not be participating with your project this year, I can tell you that we now expect to have our 501c3 status restored

by December of this year and will be sending you our current 990 form at that time,” he wrote in an email.

Other declining organizations Charlotte Pride Band declined to participate and did not have any publicly-available Forms 990. The group was founded in 2010 and has not yet been required to file these forms.

The Mecklenburg LGBT Political Action Committee declined to participate; their finance reports were not publicly and readily available at the time of this report.

One Voice Chorus and Southern Country Charlotte also declined to participate.

Though both groups had a Form 990 on file at GuideStar.org for tax year 2008, there were no

documents available for 2009, the most recent year for which other organizations had valid Forms 990.

Finally, qnotes also requested participation from three of Charlotte’s primarily LGBT faith congregations: Metropolitan Community Church of Charlotte, New Life Metropolitan Community Church and Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte. Each declined to participate. Churches and other faith institutions are not required to file Forms 990 with the IRS. : : What’s in the survey?

Each organization that receives a Community Assessment Survey is asked to provide: • information about their organization type and status and membership and leadership structure; • feedback on their own self-reported strengths, weaknesses and needs; • an open-ended answer to the question, “Other than funding concerns, what is your organization’s biggest need at this time?”; • a list of items on the organization’s “wish list;” • information on organization expenses and revenue; • a complete list of the organization’s board of directors; and • information regarding the organization’s top officers and employees including salary and benefits totals for each. : :

Aug. 6-19 . 2011

qnotes

NEWS

Community mourns losses of three leaders In Memoriam: Tedd Messner, Nan Robinson, Pamela Jones

by Lainey Millen :: lainey@goqnotes.com

Messner Ted Allen Messner, 64, died on June 18 in Tampa, Fla. He was a graduate of The University of Akron and was a U.S. Navy veteran.

Messner was a member of Queers United in Concord/ Kannapolis, MeckPAC and One Voice Chorus.

LaWana Mayfield, Mecklenburg Justice Program coordinator at Grassroots Leadership and a current candidate for Charlotte City Council, shared in a Facebook posting, “Ted brought a lot not only to the Charlotte area but to me personally. He always had a strong hug and a bright smile when we saw each other and I always heard his smile through the phone on our calls.”

Charlotte Business Guild’s Bert Woodard said Messner was “an asset to so many organizations.”

A memorial service will take place on Aug. 14, 4 p.m., at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Rd. Memorial gifts may be made to One Voice Chorus of Charlotte, P.O. Box 9241,Charlotte, NC 28299; MeckPAC, P.O. Box 9807, Charlotte, NC 28299; and Myers Park United Methodist Music Ministry, Business Office, 1501 Queens Rd., Charlotte, NC 28207.

Robinson On June 26, Nancy Elizabeth (Nan) Robinson, 58, died in Charlotte.

A memorial service was held on July 17 at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church.

Robinson, who came from Lancaster, S.C., received her bachelor’s degree in media arts from the University of South Carolina and served the South Carolina Arts Commission as director of media arts after graduation. She also attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as well as American University at Aix en Provence in France.

Later she co-founded and co-owned Kingfisher Films, providing screenwriting, production and editorial services. Two of her documentaries were “Growing Up With Rockets” and “Dizzy Gillespie — A Night in Tunisia.”

Afterward she lived in Washington, D.C., where she served as a freelance editor.

There she also worked for Hood College’s Department of Public Relations, as well as Washington’s Children’s Museum.

In 2004, she moved to Charlotte where she spent time volunteering at the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, in addition to the Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Teresa Davis, center secretary, shared that when they launched the GayCharlotte Film Festival, Robinson was present at every screening to take tickets, calculate demographic information and ensure that everyone found a comfortable seat. She was also a member of the center’s Diversity Diner’s Club, and she contributed a wealth of ideas to the center’s programs committee. “Nan felt rejected by her church, but found a family with the center. … It breaks my heart that she’s no longer with us. For all you awesome LGBT Community Center volunteers, I promise you that she is giving you a huge thumbs up for all that you do. For Pride Sisters, Film Festival attendees and everyone else in our awesome community, I know that Nan appreciated the magnificent

strength of our community and relished being a part of it.”

Contributions may be made in her memory to the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, P.O. Box 33535, Charlotte, NC 28233, and the Greater SPCA of Charlotte, P.O. Box 77491, Charlotte, NC 28271.

Jones Pamela Renee Jones died on July 19 in Charlotte.

This transgender person gave of herself to her community, be it as a volunteer with the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, Equality North Carolina or Sean’s Last Wish. She did not stop there.

She was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where she served as a lay pastor. Jones also co-founded the Charlotte Gender Alliance.

Pastor Nancy Kraft with Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, commented in a memorial on July 22 that “Pamela had a particular passion for bridging the gap that exists between religion and the LGBT community. … Pamela spoke widely about the transgender experience with university classes, civic groups, churches, and at the corporate level. If you ever had the opportunity to hear her speak, you were probably blown out of the water.…

Pamela Jones knew who she was. I can’t say that about very many people I’ve known.”

Kraft also shared a quote from Jones which said, “Many of us spend a lifetime trying conform to what others think we should be, rather than who we were intended to be. There eventually comes a time when the need to be a real person takes precedence over all else. There comes that defining mo-

ment when we must take off the mask and become genuine. Before we can give the world our best, we must first give ourselves our best. We learn that it really is okay to be who we are, no matter who we are. It is in these defining moments when we learn how to live, rather than to merely survive, when we feel that spark of hope that lies within each of us and come to the realization that our lives have a higher purpose than we ever dreamed.”

Longtime friend, Stephanie Marie, said of her: “Pamela was one of the most principled, centered, yet down-to-earth people I have ever met. I was inspired by her reaching out to LGBT and mainstream groups. My friends in the contra dance community can credit her with helping me to search for that place where I could grow and blossom. A place where I can be me and give back. You will always see a bit of her light in me. Even in recent weeks when I knew she wasn’t feeling well, she took the time to comfort me following a job loss. She even said to not worry about her but do what I needed to do. That’s a friend through and through. So with many tears, I take comfort in knowing she has been commended as a ‘good and faithful servant.’ I can only hope we carry her memory through giving to others as she did so often.”

Jones’ parting words were shared on Facebook and spoke to how she held life.

“Lasting peace and joy do not come from our worldly endeavors, or the individual successes that we may attain to in our present circumstances. It is in that abiding sense of hope, that comes from deep within, that we are progressing toward something that is good and right…something essentially supernatural in scope, and in which, we know without doubt, that our eternal future is secure (author unknown).” : :

Volunteers, donors top list of org needs Community groups detail list of needs, wish lists IN FOCUS: Several community organizations participated in qnotes’ 2011 Community Assessment Survey (see story, page 1) and provided commentary about their groups’ biggest needs, items on their wish lists and their perceived strengths and weaknesses. Top among organizations’ many concerns were needs for increased volunteer engagement, donor support and technological improvements.

Volunteers, donors a must Each of the seven groups that returned this year’s survey specifically cited a need to engage more volunteers, donors and business/corporate support.

“The biggest need currently at The LGBT Community Center is that of engaged, passionate volunteers,” wrote John Stotler, chair of the group’s board of directorts. “The community is asking a lot of The Center, but without resources to help plan, organize and deliver these great programs and services, we cannot meet the community’s needs. We are making progress, but more people are needed to help with our programs.”

Campus Pride, a national, Charlotte-based

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qnotes

Aug. 6-19 . 2011

group that works to support LGBT student leaders at colleges and universities across the country, said they most needed better business connections and volunteers to help provide items like safe and clean housing for summer interns and unique places to host Charlotte-area special events. Volunteers are also needed for administrative tasks, such as answering phones, email and mail.

Similarly, the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) indicated a need for volunteers to help carry out day-to-day administrative duties and support for fundraising and organizing special projects.

Improved technology/space Five of the participating organizations indicated a distinct need to improve either internal or external, outreach technologies. In particular, several of those groups specifically cited a need for new laptops, scanners, copiers or other computer equipment.

Equality North Carolina said they needed new laptops for mobile computing as they continue to fight efforts to amend the state’s constitution and ban same-sex marriages.

Similarly, SC Equality noted a need for two new computers, and a copier.

In addition to technological needs, including new computers, printers and other items, Charlotte’s Time Out Youth, an agency that serves LGBT, queer and questioning students aged 13-23, said their biggest need was better physical space with “up-to-date electrical, HVAC, lighting, etc.” The group currently leases space at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on The Plaza.

Wish Lists Equality North Carolina: New or newer laptop computers to help with the anti-LGBT amendment.

Campus Pride: Visibility in the Charlotte community as a national non-profit that has had a large impact on LGBT relations and issues in the city, county and statewide.

Individual donors, corporate sponsors of Charlotte events. Housing for summer (May, June, July, August) for college interns in Charlotte (safe, clean, privacy important).

Volunteers for local Charlotte events and for administrative assistance (answering emails/

phones/mail). In-kind fun and unique places to host special events.

Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte: Singer recruitment (this drives everything about the organization). Increased diversity in singers and audience. Youth leadership to support our partnership with Time Out Youth. Affordable performance spaces.

LGBT Community Center of Charlotte: Continuous, giving donors. Volunteers.

Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN): Volunteers to support administration and fundraising to take on a project and to support day-to-day administrative operations. Bus passes. Gift cards to grocery or discount stores. Food for consumer events. Copy paper.

New computer equipment. Office support (volunteers during the day).

SC Equality: Staff (field organizer and programs director). Infrastructure needs (new computers, new scanner, Xerox machine).

Time Out Youth: Better physical space that would include up-to-date electrical, HVAC, lighting, etc. New carpet. More current office/ technology hardware (computers, printers, copier, etc.). : :

Aug. 6-19 . 2011

qnotes

11

NEWS

Mayfield receives national endorsement Gay & Lesbian Victory Funds prez says out candidacy important for progress in Charlotte

by Matt Comer :: matt@goqnotes.com

CHARLOTTE — A local candidate for city council has received a national endorsement from a group formed to support the candidacies of out LGBT citizens.

In late July, the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, based in Washington, D.C., endorsed LaWana Mayfield, an out lesbian candidate running to unseat incumbent District 3 Charlotte City Councilmember Warren Turner. Mayfield is the fourth openly gay or lesbian person to run for office in Charlotte.

If successful, she’d become the city’s first and only openly LGBT elected official.

Mayfield’s campaign is particularly important in Charlotte, which has no city ordinances banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund President Chuck Wolfe says candidates like Mayfield help put a face on otherwise controversial issues.

“Charlotte deserves an experienced community leader like LaWana Mayfield — someone who won’t be afraid to speak authentically about what it means to be part of the LGBT community there,” Wolfe said in a release posted at the group’s blog.

Mayfield and Turner will face off in their Democratic primary on Sept. 13.

Last year, Turner was accused of both sexist and homophobic behavior and sexual harassment. Though he denied the allegations, a later independent investigation found

LaWana Mayfield, who is challenging incumbent Warren Turner, has received the national Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund’s endorsement.

the complaints consistent and credible. Turner later lost his job as a probation officer with the North Carolina Department of Corrections, though the official reason for his firing stemmed from unrelated activities.

A Republican challenger, Ed Toney, also filed to run in the District 3 race. : : more: Follow more local, state and national politics at goqnotes.com/in/politics/.

LEGISLATIVE WATCH

Brief amendment scare mobilizes pro-LGBT advocates A surprise move by Republican legislative leaders caught a handful of lawmakers, lobbyists and advocacy organizations off-guard late in a session originally intended to address redistricting and the governor’s vetoed bills.

As their session wound up during the last week of July, state lawmakers briefly considered changing their adjournment rules in order to hear several constitutional amendments, possibly including an anti-LGBT amendment on same-sex relationships, but eventually decided against the plan.

Both the House and Senate are considering anti-LGBT constitutional amendments that could ban all recognition of same-sex marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships.

Statewide advocacy group Equality North Carolina emailed their supporters and urged them to contact their legislators. The group also issued a call for volunteers to help them staff phone banking efforts to encourage others to engage with their legislators as well.

Read the rest of this story in detail online at goqnotes.com/11897/.

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Aug. 6-19 . 2011

Positive Postings Faith healing?

by Dale Pierce ~ Practice Manager/Ryan White Program Director

No, don’t worry, we are not saying that pulling out snake oil and rattling chains are going to cure HIV, or any other disease for that matter. However, I wanted to address the importance of a person’s faith as a part of their own healing journey.

For the most part, many organized religions and their leadership do not talk about sexuality and HIV. It has been studied however, that most leaders in the faith communities consider themselves a “reasonable and responsible” party in their parishioners’ lives, which would include counseling them on issues surrounding their HIV status and their mortality and health in general. A study at Cambridge University found that over 90 percent of all Americans believe in God or a Higher Power.

I am the first to say that my take on this will most likely come out in the writing of this article.

Not to say that one path or belief is any better or more believable than another, I just know what works for me. I have to believe that this would probably be the most common response of my fellow Americans, including the ones that are reading this article. Everyone’s path to God is different, even within the same religious denominations. So, no one person has the same path to God. My friend, singer, songwriter and author, Janet Paschal, wrote about this in her 1997 best-selling book, “The Good Road.”

“We all take different roads home,” she writes. “Each of us is heading for the same destination, but we face our own variety of twists and turns and narrow places, as well as a few stretches that are all downhill. You and I encounter differing relationships, experiences and challenges, only to realize that somewhere along the way we arrive at the same impasse.

It is a threshold to be weighed and pondered.

A directive to be decided. A summons that will change our past, present, and future.”

I believe this with all my heart, just as fervently as I believe that my belief in God and His only Son have played a part in my healing and maintained good health. What do I know for sure about my faith in my treatment? I know that through my belief I have faith and promise of a better tomorrow. I know that I am leading with my faith and trying to live and be the

example that God has called me to be. I know that when the waves and winds compound my daily life, I have shelter in my faith that keeps my hope alive. Hope that one day, on this earth or in Heaven, I will be free of sickness, pain and suffering. Can it be proven? Not by statistics or data on a spreadsheet, but in my heart and through my living I know it to be a part of who I am and who He is.

This is the key, in my opinion, that whatever you believe or however you chose to pray, you do it relentlessly and without ceasing.

Medications, tests and medical providers have all played a part in my healing, but without faith and belief in them, would I be where I am today? You see, this is where I believe that faith can lead you to victory over your circumstances.

No matter if anyone else believes what you believe, stand your ground, hold your faith close to your heart and you can feel the power of its healing potential.

Since biblical times, healing through prayer has been a common practice. In Psalms 41:3 it was written, “The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”

I am not advocating my ways or beliefs on anyone. Nor do I believe that prayer and faith alone can heal any illness. What I am saying is that in world that is so negative, destructive and

punitive today, why not believe in something?

Why not allow yourself to believe in the power that your attitude and beliefs have an impact on your own path?

Can it really hurt to try and live a more positive, faith-based life? Can’t we take the time to enjoy the gifts we are given today and believe that each new day is just that — a gift?

Maya Angelou once said, “When we cast our bread upon the waters, we can presume that someone downstream whose face we will never know will benefit from our action, as we who are downstream from another will profit from that grantor’s gift.”

I still believe that there is hope. I don’t know about you but I refuse to stop believing that I can change things in my life through faith. I think that one day, we will all have a better circumstance if we live our lives to the best of our ability and remember those in need through charity. Doing what you believe and know is right for you and not following what others think or say is still the greatest message I think we can share. Till then, I’ll pray for you and your healing if you’ll do the same for me?

Don’t forget to visit our website at rosedaleid.com and friend us on Facebook for community and clinical updates.

— Sponsored Content —

Aug. 6-19 . 2011

qnotes

13

A&E

The [Gay] Wedding Singer As marriage equality expands, artists find new venues for their talents

by Jared Pillsbury :: qnotes contributor

N

ew York recently became the sixth state to legalize gay marriage. The ruling has opened new business opportunities for florists, wedding planners and club artists, many of whom are now clamoring to moonlight as wedding singers.

“Weddings are big business,” confirms Kristine W who ranks as one of today’s most popular gay club artists. She has had 16 number-one dance singles — only Madonna and Janet Jackson have had more.

“My highest paid private performance was at a wedding for the daughter of the late Kerry Packer, one of the wealthiest men in Australia. He flew my whole Vegas show over to England,” she says.

Weddings are proving a profitable subsidy for club artists who have been struggling with decreased record sales (due to internet music pirating) and club bookings (due to the weakened economy).

“Clubs used to bring artists in every weekend,” laments Miss W. “Now they book artists once a month and offer smaller fees.”

She says it’s even worse for the support team behind the artist. “They (clubs) have stopped bringing in backup singers and dancers. They’re not paying for sound people. Some bookings don’t include hotel accommodations.”

“The business has shrunk, but if you don’t adapt, you will be sitting home,” she warns.

It’s not just about the money for some artists. Out hippopper Aiden Leslie looks forward to performing his first gay wedding “for the simple reason that it is exercising our equal rights,” he says.

He feels his track, “Worlds Away,” is a perfect gay

wedding song because “it is about putting the past behind you, looking toward the future and knowing that anything is possible.”

Massachusetts-based club artist, Sariah, has been performing gay weddings since they were legalized in her state seven years ago. She is best known for her club hit, “All About Sex,” but it’s her single, “Believe in Me,” that is most requested at nuptials. “It’s the story of two lovers meeting and learning to build and believe in their love together.”

“The main difference between performing a gay wedding verses a straight one, is the underlying accomplishment felt by all,” she says. “There is a certain shared pride that we have fought to make this happen. It makes the celebration that much more celebratory.”

In addition to New York and Massachusetts, gay marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire and Vermont. Washington, D.C. and the Coquille Indian Tribe in Oregon also allow gay marriage.

In addition to performing gay weddings, club artist Lala sees opportunity in creating music specifically for gay weddings. “As a songwriter and singer, I look to current trends to influence my work. I’m currently in the studio working on new tracks that talk about same-sex marriage.”

In the meantime, she says her club hit “I Love My Sex” is surprisingly appropriate for gay weddings. “It’s about boys loving boys and girls loving girls, appreciating their same gender for all its beauty.”

She asks, “What better way to show appreciation for your gender than to marry it?” : :

— Provided courtesy Project Publicity

Out hip-popper Aiden Leslie looks forward to performing his first gay wedding “for the simple reason that it is exercising our equal rights,” he says.

A&E

Photo Credit: Project Publicity

Logo’s ‘Hot Summer Nights’ film festival to feature award-winning films Some films also available full-length at logotv.com

Logo, available on Charlotte digital Time Warner Cable channel 325, debuted its 2011 mid-summer film festival, “Hot Summer Nights,” on July 24.

Sure, it’s true you’ve already missed a few great films, but you’ve got over one more week to catch up on some more! The event runs through Aug. 14, with new and award-winning film screenings peppered throughout the network’s schedule.

Among the films to be showcased this year is “Eating Out: Drama Camp,” the fourth installment of the raunchy “Eating Out” comedy film franchise. : : — compiled by qnotes staff

Logo’s “Hot Summer Nights” film event started July 24 and runs through Aug. 14, screening films like the three of the four films in the popular “Eating Out” comedy franchise.

we want your who/what/where 14

qnotes

Aug. 6-19 . 2011

Submitting an event for inclusion in our calendar has never been easier: visit goqnotes.com/qguide/events/submit

A&E

New film series screens ‘Trollhunter Charlotte Film Society seeks to screen indie, foreign films

‘Trollhunter’

‘Hobo with a Shotgun’ Charlotte’s artistic and cultural scenes are getting an addition this summer as the Charlotte Film Society ramps up its Back Alley Film Series.

The series will seek to screen a collection of films organizers say might not otherwise ever be exhibited in the Queen City. Their selections will be unique and provocative, continuing the society’s successful philosophy since its founding in 1982.

Back Alley Film Series’ first screening, “Trollhunter,” is slated for Aug. 18, 7:30 p.m. at Carolina Cinemas Crownpoint, 9630 Monroe Rd. A documentary-style, feature-length film, “Trollhunter” was shot in the countryside of Norway and written and directed by Norwegian Andre Ovredal. The film tells the story of a veteran hunter who is shadowed by a group of film students and brings the

audience into a world of beasts known only to Norwegians in childhood stories.

Back Alley will also screen “Hobo with a Shotgun,” an independent American film backed by the South by Southwest Film Festival. In the film, a homeless man arrives in a town ruled by a crime boss and his murderous sons. The “hobo” eventually decides to take matters into his own hands, turning vigilante in order to bring justice back to the the town. “Hobo with a Shutgun” will be screened Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m. at Carolina Cinemas Crownpoint.

The film series will screen other films this fall, as well. For a full list of film screenings, visit backalleyfilmseries.com.

All screenings are $5 with a Charlotte Film Society membership or $8 for the general public. : :

Aug. 6-19 . 2011

qnotes

15

drag rag by miss della :: qnotes contributor

It’s hotter than blazes in a hand basket, but the shows are way cool!

Oh my goodI’ll call Rachel LaRue Kardashian, and GQ, the ness, kiddies, here newest Mr. Texas USA. Talk about a baby doll!

I am sweating like Rachel was actually telling me that when she a ‘ho in church. I and Layla were younger, they lived in NC for a always hate the short time. I had no idea! summers in this part of the state, so it was with On final night, the contestants competed great pleasure that I was in Asheville just last in Talent after the announcement of awards weekend (along with my good friend Richard) from the night before. The audience was to judge the last prelim to Miss NC America, treated to numbers by most of the formers, Miss Western at O’Henry’s. Only thing is there minus the first winners, Alyssa Edwards was just one contestant, so Anjelica Dust and Whitney Paige. The outgoing queens, took home the crown after she presented her an amazing Asia O’Hara (also a former Miss categories in the show, and insisted we judges U.S.ofA.) opened the show along with Armani interview her for practice. One smart cookie!

Nicole Davenport. Kelexis Davenport kept Joining her in the show were former Miss the folks in stitches with her antics, but this NC Jamie Monroe, current Miss NC Emery big gyrl can work a number, too — and a Starr, Natalie Smalls, Jessica O’Brien and Big make-up brush, along with bags of chips and Shirli Stevenz who also emceed. My thanks cookies! Ha! Layla earned a special mention to promoter Doug McAllister for the accomhere with her Adele number — fantastic! The modations and hospitality. Many of us popped winners that night were Desiree Brooks of into Scandals after the show to run into stars of Corpus Cristi (also Most Beautiful) along with the stage like Tyra Couture, Ashley Michaels, Amanda LaRue of San Antonio and Fantasia our reigning Miss NC EOY of Dallas and for the AtManhattan and my little Large, Ka’Aliyah McKim baby Dior, who tells me I Diamond of San Antonio, missed what might be her Nadine Hughes of Austin last show. What a shame, and Onyx of Dallas. A but I’d rather look at her as special mention goes out a guy anyway. Wink, wink! to Gizelle Bevon Ashton, The prelim before Miss TX America, and that was Latina Diva, held Tom, who helped Layla in Divas at Scorpio. The run the pageant. Those gorgeous, statuesque kids worked their butts off Jessica Reigns Starr and made things run like won with RU Gabrielle clockwork!

Cooper. It was that same Turns out one of the evening that former Miss judges, Assyri, part of the Continental and U.S.ofA. Colorado Sexton family, Erika Norell performed will have a sister pageant at Scorpio and I’m sure to Miss TX out in Las wowed the crowd with Vegas on Nov. 7 — locaher talents and incompa- Erica Martinez of Cleveland, OH tion to be determined. rable wardrobe. I’m told Assyri was proud to report Miss Gay Classique Unlimited she’d love to come back that little sis Aurora had since she had such a nice time. I missed both just won KY EOY the night before in Louisville. events since I was in San Antonio for the July As soon as I got back, I had the plea4th weekend. sure of popping in on a first — a workshop Layla LaRue had me out to judge the Miss at Scorpio held by the current Miss Gay Texas FFI and At Large contests at the Saint.

America, Coti Collins, for qualified Miss NC Just so happens the Saturday night I got there contestants. Never have I heard of a national was S.A. Pride, but I missed the parade and queen doing a workshop for anyone! Coti the Martha Wash concert! Later that night at gave the queens excellent, learned pointers The Heat, I saw internationally famous photogfor every category and fielded questions as rapher Mike Ruiz who served as parade grand well. Quite impressive and so selfless! marshal earlier. Can you say yummy? I got a And, speaking of Scorpio, they keep bringchance to hang out that night with my hostess, ing in the Drag Race stars. As you may have Taryn Taylor, former TX Continental, her hot seen from the advertisements, Jessica Wild friend Blake and Sierra Andrews, formerly of will kick off Pride, then I’m told Manila Luzon Dallas (and also a former Miss Dallas U.S.ofA.) will be here for Labor Day and could it be that Such sweet people! The Heat and the Saint this year’s winner Raja will make an appearwere packed that night with sweating, brownance around Thanksgiving? Oh, my gosh! On a skinned menfolk. I thought I’d died and gone side note, it sure has been good to see Elaine on, for sure. We attended an after-hours party Davis back in the saddle, working and hosting at the home of Leandra Lang who’d just won after being under the weather for a hot minute.

Miss TX Continental two nights before.

In closing, a big shout out goes to an The next evening, the contestants old friend from Charlotte now living in competed in Presentation and Fashion, Birmingham, AL — Eddie, whose camp name which could be Evening Gown, Swimsuit, is Edna Smoot. He’s just won Miss Pool Slut at or Sportswear. It was so good to bump into a venue down in Bessemer called the Original old friends like Alexis Nicole Whitney, the Castle owned by drag aficionado Jonathan super-hunky dancer R.J., former Mr. Texas Edmundson. There were five contestants and USA Mark Anthony, Tersa Matthews, former Edna turned it at the pool with the Jaws theme Mr. TX Cont. R.K. LaRue, Denise Mykels and followed by a boogie song in rocking chair (in my mind) the First Lady of San Antonio, shoes. Well done, Miss Crawford! : : Kourtney Deveraux. I was also able to meet info: Drop me a line, OK? two new friends, Layla’s fierce sister, whom TheTeaMissD@yahoo.com

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out in the stars by charlene lichtenstein :: qnotes contributor

August 6 - 19 Rowdy Mars opposes retrograde Pluto. Well placed actions can create unparalleled, earth-changing results and we can deliver the goods in no uncertain terms. Handle all packages with care and don’t bend or fold unless requested.

LEO (07.24-08.23) Your imagination revs into overtime. Proud Lions delve deep into their psyche and come up with some fairly outrageous scenarios. Clear your mind and see what and who wafts in. Plan a seance, create a myth and become a muse. At the very least, just be amusing. Uh, maybe its time to hang up your turban and take a long-awaited and well-deserved vacation.

VIRGO (08.24-09.23) Watch what you say and do in any social situation now. You think you are being funny. But, some of your stray comments can upend the dynamics among a particular circle of your friends. Queer Virgins prefer to remain on the fringes of the group where they can observe and assess. Now, all eyes are upon you. Do you have a milk moustache?

LIBRA (09.24-10.23) This can be a very profitable time for you if you have been diligent in your professional pursuits. It is time to get a reward for your hard work. Cash in on your efforts and don’t be shy. You possess more power than you realize and are ready, willing and able to fry some corporate sharks and serve them for lunch. Pack the pepto just in case, gay Libra!

SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) Travel is broadening or so they say. What is quite obvious is that travel is exciting, unruly, out of control and gloriously delicious. So, what are you waiting for, proud

Scorpio? It is time for you to get going and seek new exotic stimuli to get those creative juices flowing once again. Replenish and rejuvenate in any way possible. Paris anyone?

SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.22) Gay Archers flip head over heels for just another pretty face.

Your heart is on fire and your animal magnetism is strong. Make good use of time, lover, before you lose your steam. But, note: Your pursuit of happiness may cost more than you think. Watch your spending and save something for the cold winter months — unless you can now snag a well endowed benefactor.

CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) It doesn’t matter if you are in a partnership now or not. Relationships in general — the mere concept of them — get under your skin and get you thinking. Chalk it up to a philosophical conundrum — the need for balance and compromise. What are you looking for in another person? Sometimes it is not always about you. Rarely though.

AQUARIUS (01.21-02.19) Careful planning and gut intuition pay off. Apply a little elbow grease on the job and see how profitable it can be.

Aqueerians are often apt to let day-to-day assignments fall fallow while they feast at the political banquet table. Now, you can charge your engines for all sorts of detailed work that can demonstrate your considerable work skills beyond apple polishing.

PISCES (02.20-03.20) Once you were bursting with fresh new ideas, but, lately, it has been a bit of a dry spell. Worry no longer. Now your creative ideas and artistic expressions burn brilliantly. The secret to your success is to rely on friends to help you turn an idea into a reality.

There may be some starts and stops along that path, but perseverance will win out. Find some-

one who can do that.

ARIES (03.21-04.20) There is no such thing as boredom. In fact there could be too much to do from home to work. But, concentrate on the many fascinating domestic activities that pique your interest. And, don’t pique alone. Plan a few fun get togethers where you can show off your culinary talents. When that fails, show off your other admirable talents. Can we think of any?

TAURUS (04.21-05.21) Expect to have a range of fiery philosophical and political conversations with anyone and everyone. Queer Bulls are usually fairly measured, but now you feel compelled to call it as you see it. This is a powerful new stance for you where you can gain followers and fans. But, it can also create clashes with those who are not as insightful as you. Pick your fights.

GEMINI (05.22-06.21) Pink Twins feel emboldened and may want to take a calculated corporate risk. Rather than spend your life pushing

a pencil in some drab cubicle, the planets now formulate a professional coup d’etat with you as the heir apparent. Storm the barricades comrade and upset the natural order of things. Then you can push a pencil in the corner office.

CANCER (06.22-07.23) Gay Crabs are advised to be grandiose, unapologetic self-promoters. There is no time like the present to meet, greet and pour on the charm with anyone with a gram of importance and influence. Keep talking. Your best suggestions find their way into cyberspace where they can take root and become more than just another piece of spam.

Well, perhaps. : : © 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.

Aug. 6-19 . 2011

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tell trinity by trinity :: qnotes contributor

Feeding the fire of your relationship Hey Trinity, After seven years with the same person, our relationship has become sexually stale. Some of our friends who are also couples say, “Try different and alternative sexual activities.” Don’t you think sexual “alternatives” are cop-outs?

Alternative Desires, Glenn Falls, NY Hey Desires, Some people say, “Being in love and making love should be enough and anything else is a cop-out.” To them I say, “You’ve obviously spent lots of time in divorce court.” Pumpkin, as time goes by, every relationship needs love, happiness and things that help the relationship grow, emotionally as well as sexually. Every relationship truly needs its share of naughty, nice and spice, which also means opening up to relationship alternatives.

Besides counseling and taking romantic vacations together, many couples turn to alternatives such as role-playing, intimate videos and/or sexual toys. Some couples even try mild S&M, threesomes and sex clubs (gasp). Communication is what keeps a relationship alive, but seeking alternatives in a relationship is often what helps a relationship to thrive!

Hello Trinity, I’m trying to convince my friend to come out (of the closet) to his family and friends. Don’t you think that it is better and healthier to come out than to hide it from everyone all the time?

Coming Of Age, Savannah, GA

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Hello Coming Of Age, Yes, coming out has to be one of the single most important transitions a healthy and happy gay person makes. Being “closeted” in some way or another leaves people with a sense of shame or of being “in hiding” which is dangerous, debilitating and dumb! Remind your friend of Dorothy in the “Wizard Of Oz” who was afraid of the great and powerful wizard until one day she realized that he was actually afraid of her and that her desires to go home actually gave great freedom to the people of Oz. So, darling, keep pushing your friend to come out because there really is “No place like home!” (Follow the yellow brick road to see what I do in my cartoon.)

Dear Trinity, Every time I’m at my boyfriend’s house, he has houseguests cooking, hanging out and watching TV. There is never any privacy. I always feel like we’re making his guests uncomfortable. My house is not an option. How do I get his houseguests to leave when we need privacy?

House Guests Horrors, Chicago, IL Dear Horrors, It’s difficult to have any sense of romance or privacy when you’re in a fraternity house full of houseguests — unless you always want to lock yourself in the bedroom. First, ask your boyfriend if you can either have a quiet evening at his home or pick a night of the week that he can ask his friends not to visit.

And, if all else fails, sweetie, go to the fuse box and “suddenly” create a power outage to see if that doesn’t get these “superglue” houseguests to stick themselves somewhere else.

Dearest Trinity, Why do some people have the ability for figuring out if a man is gay or not. There must be clues?

Clueless, Chattanooga, TN Dearest Clueless, Some men give away their sexuality by the way they dress, act, and/or by the company they keep, but mostly by what they say.

Next time you’re in a pinch, honey, try this word association test. It may help!

Trinity’s Word Association Test For Straight And Gay Men (read across) Straight Word Association Gay Word Association 1. House – Building 1. House – Decorating 2. Sports – Bar Room 2. Sports – Locker Room 3. Fire – Truck 3. Fire – Men 4. Mussles – Bake 4. Mussles – Worship 5. Food – Fast 5. Food – Gourmet 6. Court – Divorce 6. Court – Empress 7. Sunday – Football 7. Sunday – Brunch 8. Garden – Madison Square 8. Garden – London’s Covent 9. Cleaning – I Don’t Know! 9. Cleaning – That’s All I Do! 10. Car – Racing or Repair 10. Car – Chauffeur or Mechanic 11. Parade – What?

11. Parade – Where! : : — 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

Aug. 6-19 . 2011

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News Notes continued from page 8

the Anoka-Hennepin School District, and district officials know it,” said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell. “In school after school, kids who are perceived as gay are harassed mercilessly until they drop out, melt down, or lash back. This epidemic of harassment — unlike anything we’ve seen in neighboring districts — is plainly fueled by the district’s shameful and illegal policy singling out LGBT people and LGBT people alone for total exclusion from acknowledgement within the classroom.”

— D.S.

Attack victim sues Sizzler

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Lambda Legal filed a discrimination lawsuit July 28 in Queens County Supreme Court against the Sizzler Restaurant in Forest Hills, Queens on behalf of Liza Friedlander, who was attacked while dining with friends. On September 18, 2010,

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Friedlander and two friends went to a Sizzler restaurant in Forest Hills for the breakfast buffet. After paying, Friedlander served herself from the buffet and while walking back to her table, a Sizzler manager aggressively approached her. In front of other restaurant patrons, he began yelling at Friedlander, accusing her of not paying. He violently shoved her in the chest, causing her to fall backward, and kicked her in the legs while yelling for her to get out of the establishment and calling her a “fucking dyke.”

The harrowing scene escalated when patrons began terrorizing Friedlander, screaming homophobic and hate-filled epithets. One male diner called her a “he-she freak” and demanded that she leave the restaurant. Another man threatened to take her outside and sexually assault her, shouting that he would show her “what a dick is.” Finally, after police arrived, a battered Friedlander was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

— D.S.

Global U.N. commish salutes watershed case

GENEVA, Switzerland — Navi Pillay, the world’s highest ranking human rights official, paid tribute to the 1994 case taken by a Tasmanian gay activist to the United Nations that led to the state’s laws against homosexuality being overturned and turned the global tide toward LGBT equality. U.N. Human Rights Commissioner Pillay released a video July 28 looking back at the case as part of a new push from her office to highlight continued discrimination against LGBT people around the world.

In the video Pillay says the UN’s decision in 1994 to uphold Nick Toonen’s case and condemn Tasmania’s former anti-gay laws “reverberated around the world” because it was the first time the U.N. acknowledged that the right to be free from discrimination applies to everyone regardless of sexual orientation.

“The Toonen case was a watershed with wide-ranging implications for the human rights of millions of people,” Pillay said. Since

1994, more than 30 countries have taken steps to abolish laws against homosexuality.

“Some have enacted new laws providing greater protection against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity. And in many parts of the world we have witnessed a remarkable shift in public attitudes in favour of greater acceptance of gay and lesbian people.”

Nick Toonen said he was proud to have been involved in such an important moment in the advancement of human rights.

“It’s humbling that so many people around the world have benefitted from the decision in my case,” Toonen said. “The obvious message from the case was that gay rights are human rights, but equally important was the message that everyday people like me can take effective action to protect human rights.”

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

on being a gay parent by brett webb-mitchell :: qnotes contributor

Moving One of my most complex memories — fond and sad — involved the simple act of moving a set of bunk beds into my son Parker’s bedroom in the house that I then lived in with his mom.

My son was almost three years old and the bunk bed was to be put in his bedroom as he moved out of a crib that had grown too small to fit his growing body. He was ready for a bed of his own. Given his propensity of climbing anything and everything that did or did not move, we bought a bunk bed that had a removable ladder or he’d be up on the top bunk in no time at all. Watching my young

boy grow from a crib to a bed of his own was one of those small, happy turning point moments in fatherhood. And, he smiled with glee when he saw the bunk bed appear at the house.

What made this a sad moment was that my former wife and I were in the process of separating. I had already moved out of the bedroom I shared with my children’s mom and was slowly making my way toward the door — physically and metaphorically — exiting the family I had helped create carefully with my former wife. The person helping in the move was none other than my partner. I needed his assistance in using his Chevy S-10 pick-up truck to deliver the bunk bed and then his aid in getting the multiple parts of the bed into my

son’s bedroom. This moment was awkward because it was dawning on me that this was pivotal when my former wife would be meeting my possible partner, though the future of my relationship with him was uncertain at the time of the move. I had only recently come to accept the truth that I was, without question, gay.

More important, I had also come to the realization that in order for me to move forward with my life — relationally, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually as a gay man — I needed to simply do what I wrestled with to no end: move out of the home I had created with my former wife and children.

Fifteen years later: I am writing this essay in the middle of Miami International Airport, waiting for our delayed flight to RaleighDurham to board. Across from me are my partner and son, chatting to one another about our visit to my son’s new school. My partner and I are in the process of helping move my son again. It is an exciting time in my son’s life. He has moved comfortably into young adulthood. My son is moving on, having

long left his bunk bed life to one of a young college student. He is excited about this move, calling the university he is attending simply: “Sweet!� What was amazing to my partner and I was quite simple and profound: there was, first, the joy of watching my son grow up. Second, we were still together, in a world in which many LGBTQ partners face incredible pressures in the South that still does not legally, socially, spiritually, physically and communally support such relationships. In the case of North Carolina, along with a state Defense of Marriage Act that makes our being a legally wedded or united, committed couple null and void, there is now the threat to constitutionally mandate our status as second-class citizens. Nevertheless, we are still here, still together, witnessing my son’s next big move in his pilgrimage of life. When I reminded my partner that we had watched my son move from a crib to bunk bed, tears welled up in him. We are still all together now, celebrating my son’s move to young adulthood. We are all moving, together, on this pilgrimage of life. : :

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A bit o’ the Irish

Thru Aug. 20 • Charlotte ‘The Irish Curse’ Queen City Theatre Company opens their 2011-2012 season with the hilarious, award-winning comedy, “The Irish Curse.” The New York Post called the play “’The Vagina Monologues’ for guys.” The play, written by Martin Casella, tells the story of a group of Irish-American men who meet every week in a New York City Catholic church basement for a self-help and support group for men with small penises. The production takes a funny and honest look into sex and body image, revealing a portrait of how men and society define masculinity and what it means to be a man.

Duke Energy Theatre, 345 N. College St. Various dates/times. Various prices.

Tickets available online at queencitytheatre.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. 6 • Charlotte Leatherworks: Pride fundraiser Marigny Dance Club hosts a fundraising party for Pride Charlotte. Break out the harnesses, leather pants and other gear for Leatherworks. Marigny, 1440 S. Tryon St., Suite 110. 10 p.m. marignycharlotte.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. 10 • Charlotte CBG Monthly Social The Charlotte Business Guild hosts their free, monthly social at Hartigan’s Irish Pub. Afterward, stick around for team trivia or free country line dancing lessons from Southern Country Charlotte. Hartigan’s Irish Pub, 601 S. Cedar St. charlottebusinessguild.org.

Aug. 11 • Charlotte & Aug. 16 • Charlotte Identity Festival The first-ever touring electronic music festival featuring artists such as Kaskade, Rusko, Chuckie, Steve Aoki, Steve Lawler and many more. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, 707 Pavilion Blvd. 1-11:30 p.m. Various prices. identityfestevents.wantickets.com.

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.

Aug. 16 • Charlotte CBG: Amanda Breeden The Charlotte Business Guild hosts Amanda Breeden from the Michael Scott Mater Foundation at its monthly dinner meeting.

The Mater Foundation’s several initiatives include sustainable and green technologies, green micro loans and global education. LGBT Community Center, 820 Hamilton St., Suite B11.

5:30-7:30 p.m. $20. Admission includes appetizers, dinner, dessert and iced tea provided by Armin’s Catering. charlottebusinessguild.org.

Aug. 18 • Winston-Salem Interfaith voices The second in a serious of conversations on issues impacting the LGBT community will be held at Temple Emanuel. This second dialogue will focus on healthcare issues. Featured speakers include a variety of professionals from area medical and mental health agencies. Temple Emanuel, 201 Oakwood Dr. 7 p.m. templeemanuel.com.

Q

events qnotes goqnotes.com/qguide/events

arts. entertainment. news. views.

Aug. 19 • Charlotte It’s Britney Bitch! Drag Fundraiser The Queen City’s favorite drag queens take to the stage to impersonate Queen of Pop Britney Spears just days before her Charlotte concert at Time Warner Cable Arena.

Sponsored by CBS Radio and benefitting the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN).

Pheonix, 300 N. College St. 7 p.m. takeoverfriday.com.

Aug. 20 • Charlotte Miss Gay NC America One of the longest-running drag pageantry shows in the state, Scorpio hosts the Miss Gay NC America Pageant, the official state preliminary to the Miss Gay America Pageant.

Featuring Raleigh resident and Miss Gay America 2011 Coti Collins and Miss Gay NC America 2010 Emory Starr. The Scorpio, 2301 Freedom Dr. missgaynorthcarolinaamerica.com.

Pride Charlotte Events Pride Charlotte ramps up its 2011 festivities with a full slate of events co-presented and organized by a variety of community organizations and businesses. For a more detailed and up-to-date listing of events, visit pridecharlotte.com/events/. Be sure to pick up qnotes’ Aug. 20 print edition for a full Pride Charlotte pull-out section complete with a detailed events listing, festival map and more!

Mondays in August Pride at Flying Biscuit Join other community members at Charlotte’s two Flying Biscuit locations on each Monday throughout August.

Flying Biscuit will donate 10 percent of all proceeds each Monday throughout August to Pride Charlotte.

Park Road, 4241 Park Rd. Stonecrest, 7930-A Rea Rd. flyingbiscuit.com.

Aug 19 • 6-9 p.m.

The Human Canvass Art Exhibit An art and gallery exhibit featuring live, painted models and photography from the LGBT Community Center’s StillOut Photography Club. LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. 820 Hamilton St., Suite B11. gaycharlotte.com.

Aug. 22 • 7-9 p.m.

Bowling Night Sidelines Sports Bar and Billiards and AMC Centennial Lanes host a special

“rainbowling” night. Donations accepted for free bowling on all lanes between 7-9 p.m. $5 minimum suggested.

Proceeds benefit Pride Charlotte. AMF Centennial Lanes, 4501 South Blvd.

Aug. 22 • 8-11 p.m.

Bowling After Party Sidelines Sports Bar and Billiards hosts a “rainbowling” after party. Free pool. $2 drafts. $3 well drinks. 4544 South Blvd. thesidelinesbar.com.

Aug. 25 • 5-8 p.m.

It’s Britney! Pre-Concert Takeover Takeover Friday lights up a no-cover pre-Britney Spears concert social and mixer with DJ Bethany, drink specials and more. Hotel Sierra HBAR. 435 E. Trade St. For more event details: takeoverfriday.com.

Aug. 25 • 7:30 p.m.

The Sounds of Pride A joint production of Pride Charlotte, Charlotte Pride Band, Gay Men’s Chorus

we want your who/what/where

of Charlotte and One Voice Chorus.

Mint Museum Uptown, James B. Duke Auditorium, 500 S. Tryon St. For more information and to purchase tickets (seating is limited), visit pridecharlotte.com/soundsofpride/.

Aug. 26 • 7-11 p.m.

Kick-off to Pride Charlotte Takoever Join the guys and gals of Takeover Friday for a special pre-Pride Charlotte Festival Takeover at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Open to the public. Free. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. For more event details: takeoverfriday.com.

Aug. 27 • Noon-8 p.m.

Pride Charlotte Festival The LGBT Community Center presents its annual Pride Charlotte Festival, this year in a new and larger venue: Uptown Charlotte! Featuring entertainers ranging from drag and hip-hop to indie and folk, including Jessica Wild of Logo’s

“RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Eyes of the Elders, Richard Cortez, Snagglepuss, Ryan Cassata and more. S. Tryon St., between 3rd St. and Stonewall St. (Levine Center for the Arts). For more detailed information, visit pridecharlotte.com/events/festival/.

Aug. 28 • Noon Buff Faye’s Sunday Pride Drag Brunch Food, fun and drag for the whole family!

Benefitting Pride Charlotte and the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte.

Hartigan’s Irish Pub, 601 S. Cedar St. bufffaye.com.

Aug. 28 • Noon-4:30 p.m.

HRC Family Fun Day Come enjoy a family-friendly day in the park with members of the local Human Rights Campaign family. A cookout with hot dogs, hamburgers and sides will be provided. Event is free; No alcohol permitted. Independence Park Shelter 1, 300 Hawthorne Ln.

Submitting an event for inclusion in our calendar has never been easier: visit goqnotes.com/qguide/events/submit Aug. 6-19 . 2011

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