July 7-20 . 2012 qnotes 1
Transcription
July 7-20 . 2012 qnotes 1
July 7-20 . 2012 qnotes 1 2 qnotes July 7-20 . 2012 inside July 7-20, 2012 Vol 27 No 05 connect goqnotes.com twitter.com/qnotescarolinas facebook.com/qnotescarolinas Sign up for our weekly email newsletter at goqnotes.com. contributors this issue Paige Braddock, Rosendo Brown, Kevin Grooms/Miss Della, Michael Harvey, Charlene Lichtenstein, Victor Lopez, Lainey Millen, Leslie Robinson, David Stout, Trinity, Brett Webb-Mitchell front page Graphic Design by Matt Comer & Lainey Millen Photo Credits: David Lari & Jimmie Cobb/JC Digital Photography Works news & features 6 8 9 9 News Notes: Regional Briefs LGBT DNC delegates N.C. hospitals lack protections 411 on the DNC opinions & views 4 4 5 5 Editor’s Note What the Rubberman Wrote General Gayety QPoll a local news partner of The Charlotte Observer 15 ‘I got picked on so much as a kid for being who I am and being called gay and a faggot and I really think that drove me to step out and try and be the best I can be.’ — Stylist MaCray Huff on his youth in Virginia and North Carolina a&e / life&style 10 On Being a Gay Parent 12 Easy Breezy: Fashion 13 Easy Breezy: Swimwear/Underwear 15 N.C. native in ‘Chicagolicious’ 16 Drag Rag 17 On the Map 18 Out in the Stars 18 Tell Trinity 20 20 Questions: Jef Madden 22Fabulance 22 Jane’s World 23 Q events calendar charlotteobserver.com/1166/ Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2012 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. Pride Publishing & Typesetting, Inc. P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ph 704.531.9988 fx 704.531.1361 Publisher: Jim Yarbrough Sales: x207 [email protected] Nat’l Sales: Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 Editor: Matt Comer x202 [email protected] Assoc. Ed.: David Stout [email protected] Production: Lainey Millen x205 [email protected] Printed on recycled paper. July 7-20 . 2012 qnotes 3 VIEWS editor’s note by matt comer [email protected] Collaboration and partnerships are key: Are you on board? It’s great to be back. The two weeks that led up to putting this print issue to bed and getting it printed and delivered to you were amazing. Sure, there was the obligatory and boring administrative organizing that goes on in any job change, but the transition was largely smooth. After a few months’ absence, I’m grateful to be back in the editor’s chair and serving you. As I noted in former editor O’Neale Atkinson’s last issue on June 23, I’m appreciative of everything he did to build bridges with new organizations and community members and strengthen already-existing partnerships. I’ll strive to continue his coalition-building. Moving forward, “collaboration” will be qnotes’ key strategy. Over the next few weeks you’ll begin to notice some important changes in print, on our website and in how we continue to gather and publish community news and events. Our staff will soon head into a special retreat where we can discuss strategic planning and other items. On our agenda are several items, including: • new distribution strategies that will increase our print circulation in Charlotte; • a revamped and community-centric online presence that runs on the power, energy and talents of our readers and community members; • new outreach efforts in Charlotte and across the state, including monthly coffeehouses, social hours, town hall meetings and more; and • increased opportunities for monetizing new print and online products that both serve readers and advertisers and increase our ability to continue offering exciting and innovative community news and events coverage. In addition to these changes, our staff is also gearing up for our participation in and coverage of the 2012 Democratic National Convention, held here in Charlotte this September. qnotes will be among thousands of mainstream, alternative, online, citizen and LGBT journalists descending upon the Queen City. We hope to offer exclusive coverage of the important progressive and LGBT issues that are important to you. As a reader, business or community organization, you have the opportunity to be involved in this special moment in Charlotte’s history. Covering the Democratic National Convention won’t be cheap and we’re working today to build up the capital it will take to ensure we offer the in-depth coverage we know our readers will expect and enjoy as all things DNC takeover our humble hometown. Individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations can learn more about becoming special sponsors of our convention coverage at goqnotes.com/dncsponsor/. The coming weeks and months will be a busy, productive and exhilarating time for this newspaper, this city, this state and our LGBT community. qnotes’ staff wants to be a part of that action. We want you to be a part, too. Together, we can make it happen. As we embark on our new strategic outreach efforts, I encourage you to reach out to us with your thoughts and comments. If you’ve got suggestions, brainstorming topics, constructive criticism or anything else on your mind, always feel more than free to get in touch. Our staff is available via phone (704-531-9988), via email (editor@ goqnotes.com) or in person (call or email to schedule an appointment). We can’t wait to hear from you. : : What the Rubberman Wrote: Preparing the International AIDS Conference Asheville’s Michael Harney prepares to head to D.C. for the XIX International AIDS Conference by Michael Harney :: guest contributor SUBSCRIBE! Summertime, Sunshine and Speedos may be the general theme across this state and nation right now, but I never forget HIV, STDs and hepatitis can easily be part of those three without vigilance and reminders to stay alert and prepared with condoms, lube and clean needles. In June, we get our annual media push from the National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA), napwa.org, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hivtest.org, to get tested for HIV — to know our status (June 27 was National HIV Testing Day). You’ve heard or seen these messages, right? Did you do anything about it? Take a friend or your mate and get tested together. Though the recommendation from the CDC is that all people ages 13 to 64 get tested regularly for HIV, you may know someone older than that, and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take him or her along too. After all, almost onefourth of persons living with HIV and AIDS in the U.S. are 50 and older (cdc.gov/hiv/topics/ over50/resources/factsheets/over50.htm). These tests are free at any North Carolina county health department (ncalhd.org/county. htm). Call 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) to find out where to get tested if you don’t have 4 computer access to the internet. Perhaps you were not able to get tested in June; don’t fret. HIV testing is available all year long. However, what we may not hear as much about all year is the latest in the fields of HIV/ AIDS, STDs and hepatitis. A great opportunity to do so is by attending or following coverage of the XIX International AIDS Conference which will be held in Washington D.C., July 22-27, 2012 (aids2012.org or kff.org). I’ll be there and in August will report back to you some of my observations and what I learned. There will be two excellent venues open to the general public free of charge during the conference week. First, you won’t want to miss the full exhibit of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt (Quilt2012.org or poz. com/quilt). You will be able to view all 47,000 panels of the Quilt and hear the reading of the 94,000 names. This collection has not been on full display since 1996; and because of its size now, it will fill not only the one-mile length of the National Mall, but also the grounds at other monuments in D.C. Second is the Global Village near the convention hall. Over the years, I have thoroughly enjoyed this part of the international AIDS conferences. From all parts of the world — These rates only cover a portion of our true cost, however, our goal is to serve our community Mailed 1st class from Charlotte, NC, in sealed envelope. Subscription Rates: ☐ 1 yr - 26 issues = $48 ☐ 1/2 yr - 13 issues = $34 Mail to: P.O. Box 221841, Charlotte, NC 28222 ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ name: ______________________________________________________ address: state: zip: ______________________________________________________ city: ☐ mastercard ☐ visa ☐ discover ☐ american express ______________________________________________________ credit card – check one: card #:exp. date: ______________________________________________________ signature: qnotes July 7-20 . 2012 people representing 190 or more countries — there will be things to buy, touch, read, see and experience. For example, there may be a table of beaded crafts made by women living in Uganda or South Africa and being sold to support an outreach program for women or youth living with HIV/AIDS. There may be a dance troupe from Thailand whose production reaches public sex workers in rural communities. I have to save enough money to buy a few T-shirts with safer-sex messages in German, French, Spanish, Thai and Hebrew, among others. The posters being given away could wall-paper my office; the music will take you to far-away lands. Bring the entire family. We haven’t had this conference in the U.S. for 22 years. It is bound to be one of the best and especially relevant in the midst of the U.S. election campaign. In my world of prevention/education at the Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) in Asheville, wncap.org, there exist pages more to write about for qnotes and its readers. By now you may have moved on to some of the websites above or to the next article, but in case you’re still with me, the last brief reminders I’ll share with you include recent news that gonorrhea is more and more resistant to antibiotic treatment — which makes me want to practice putting on a condom right now, even if I am not doing anything to be exposed to it tonight; and those syringe exchange programs — several of which exist in North Carolina (harmreduction. org for resources/connect locally) — are an important basic component to reducing the spread of HIV, hepatitis and other blood-borne pathogens among persons who would otherwise share injecting equipment. Controversial as some make them out to be, if the state won’t implement the very basics, including increased condom distribution and syringe exchange, the rest of the armamentarium of prevention will not be enough to do the job of reducing the 50,000 new HIV infections that occur in this country each year and the thousands more hepatitis infections among people who need access to condoms and clean works. Thanks for reading, and catch you after the conference in Washington D.C. : : — Michael Harney, The Rubberman, is an HIV/AIDS/STD/Hepatitis prevention educator and street outreach worker at the Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP). VIEWS general gayety by leslie robinson qnotes contributor Puzzling out the Phelpsians Some people argue that the best way to handle the ever-present, ever-protesting members of the Westboro Baptist Church is to ignore them. That sounds sensible. I just can’t do it. The truth is, I find Fred Phelps and his congregation fascinating. I get that they’re among the world’s biggest media whores — they could even give Donald Trump pointers — and will push any boundary for attention. Yet, they still manage to surprise me. Like just recently, when they journeyed to North Carolina. Since Westboro’s religious creed is God Hates Fags and since North Carolina passed the anti-gay Amendment One, a person might assume the Phelpsians visited the Tar Heel State simply to sniff the heady air of bigotry victorious. That’s not the Westboro way. North Carolinians don’t want gays to marry; Westboro members don’t want gays to live. So, they went to North Carolina to do what they always do, stage a protest. Their target was obvious, a man famous for supporting gay rights, a man who practically bleeds rainbow colors. Billy Graham. See, fascinating. The elder statesman of Christian evangelism a friend of gays? Right. And, Billy’s son and heir Franklin is a part-time imam. While Graham has taken fewer political stances in his career than, say, Jerry Falwell or Pat Robertson, he jumped into the Amendment One battle. “At 93, I never thought we would have to debate the definition of marriage,” Graham wrote in an ad that ran in newspapers around North Carolina. “The Bible is clear — God’s definition of marriage is between a man and a woman. I want to urge my fellow North Carolinians to vote FOR the marriage amendment on Tuesday, May 8.” Yup, he’s on our side, all right. Downright ready to head up a PFLAG chapter. So why, if Westboro and Graham are antigay bedfellows, did the Phelpsians protest Graham? Because the reverend isn’t anti-gay enough. Westboro has high standards. About a dozen church members picketed the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte and other Graham-centric locations. On Westboro’s website, according to WBTV, the church said Graham should use his influence to tell the world “it’s not okay to be a fag, it’s not okay to divorce and remarry, it’s not okay to fornicate, it’s not okay to kill your babies.” The man is 93. How can he be expected to remember all that? Protester Paulette Phelps told the Asheville Citizen-Times that Graham cares more for money and power than preaching God’s truth. “The true Gospel says if you don’t obey, you’re going to perish. There are consequences for not obeying. Homosexuality is all bad, all day.” She makes it sound like a radio format. Either Paulette or another Phelps — because most church members are related — held a sign reading “God H8S Billy’s Cow.” I was baffled as to why God would hate dairy products, unless he’s lactose intolerant, but it turned out that a “talking” cow offers stories and songs to young library visitors. All part of Graham’s money-grubbing, claimed the Phelpsians, who asked, “How many children can you lead to Satan through Bessie the talking cow?” I guess that depends on the quality of Bessie’s stories and songs. Only after I’d ruminated over Westboro’s attack on Billy Graham did I remember that this isn’t the first time the cult has targeted a prominent evangelical. In 2007, these folks protested at Jerry Falwell’s funeral, in part because of Falwell’s warmth toward gays. Yes, Falwell adored us. How could I forget they protested him? Because their reasoning is so bizarre I can barely wrap my mind around it. But, I won’t forget again. When Pat Robertson dies, I’ll expect the Phelpsians to picket his funeral. Since Robertson has always overflowed with love for gay people. : : info: [email protected] . generalgayety.com qpoll Did you lose respect for Billy Graham when he spoke out in favor of the anti-gay amendment? See the options and vote: goqnotes.com/to/qpoll July 7-20 . 2012 qnotes 5 BRIEFS news notes: carolinas. nation. world. compiled by Lainey Millen | David Stout | Matt Comer Charlotte Triad Health association ‘dismayed’ by amendment results Foundation awardees to be revealed CHARLOTTE — The American Public Health Association said it was unhappy with the outcome of the May 8 constitutional amendment vote banning gay marriage. “Public health is fundamentally about human rights,” said Georges Benjamin, M,D., FACP, FACEP, executive director of the association, which held its midyear meeting during the last week of June in the Queen City. “Our work to assure the health of all people is founded on principles of equality and justice. A ban denying citizens equal rights runs counter to our principles.” Various people across the country were concerned about coming to North Carolina after the vote. “The LGBT Caucus of the American Public Health Association requested that we still come, hold our meeting here and show our solidarity with them,” said Benjamin. “We decided to come and register our deep dismay.” “We commend the people of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County and those in other parts of the state who chose not to support this ban,” said Benjamin. For more information, visit apha.org. — L.M. 6 qnotes July 7-20 . 2012 WINSTON-SALEM — The Adam Foundation has recently completed its 2012 grants/projects voting and will award a record amount of $42,000 to its recipients on July 11, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the monthly Martini Night, 6th and Vine, 209 W. 6th St. Grant recipients will be on hand displaying their work within the community. The initiative is part of supporting LGBT-related projects over a 22-year foundation history. Martini Night supports local businesses who align themselves with the Adam Foundation mission, while providing a place for LGBT friends and allies to network. There is no cover charges or required fees. All contributions made are tax-deductible. In other news, the foundation is holding a logo contest for its 23rd Annual Adam Festival 2012 on Oct. 6. The theme is “Imagine ADAM.” Deadline is July 10. Concepts should be “cool, organic, nurturing, growing and even green,” the foundation said. The winner will be selected by the board and will receive two tickets to the Festival and two tickets to the sponsor and partner pre-party the evening before the main event. see next page u Charlotte council approves benefits CHARLOTTE — After prolonged budget discussion, council members passed the 2013 fiscal year operating budget at their meeting on June 25. The council’s budget debate included a significant decision— the extension of domestic partner benefits to same-sex partners of LGBT city employees. The passed budget gives City Manager Curt Walton the authority to develop and implement a benefits plan for same-sex partners of city employees. The partner benefits would mirror those currently offered to spouses and dependents of employees and include such items as medical and dental insurance and funeral and sick leave. North Carolina voters recently approved a state constitutional amendment defining opposite-sex marriage as the “only domestic legal union” recognized in the state. Despite the overwhelming 61-39 percent vote, Walton and city council members pushed forward with their plan to extend benefits to LGBT employees and their families. Mecklenburg County already offers similar benefits. No changes to the county plan have been authorized, though anti-gay Republican Commissioner Bill James had called for benefits to be stopped just one day after the May 8 amendment vote. It’s not immediately clear when city employees can begin to enroll in a city-sponsored domestic partner plan, which could, like the county’s, face legal questions or challenges from those who supported the discriminatory constitutional amendment in May. The Mecklenburg LGBT Political Action Committee (MeckPAC) had long worked to see the domestic partner plan implemented. The group has been instrumental in pushing through other LGBT-inclusive changes on the city and county level, including protections for workers against discrimination based on sexual orientation and the county commission’s adoption of domestic partner benefits in 2009. Be sure to pick up our special July 21 “InFocus: Charlotte” print edition for an in-depth feature exploring the behind-the-scenes advocacy work by a variety of community organizations and leaders that helped push domestic partner benefits to the Charlotte City Council. — M.C. Submit entries through private message to the foundation Facebook page at facebook.com/ pages/Adam-Foundation-Inc or email President Crystal Simmons at [email protected]. For more information, visit adamfoundation.org. — L.M. and, Rep. Donald A. Manzullo (R-IL), a 10thterm Congressman. Fourteen more House Republicans sponsored or co-sponsored at least four of the proposals. Just one Democrat cosponsored any of the anti-gay measures — Rep. Mike McIntyre of North Carolina, who co-sponsored a proposed constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage. — D.S. Triangle Man walks to Capitol to protest amendment passage RALEIGH — Randy Gillis said he needed to clear his head after passage of Amendment One on May 8. So, he trekked along 96 miles of backroads from his home in Sophia, N.C., to the General Assembly in Raleigh. He did not like the way his state had “changed overnight” and “felt like an alien.” He took off on June 9, arriving in the Tar Heel State capital five days later with 23 letters addressed to state Sen. Peter Brunstetter, one of the amendment’s architects, from people from around the state, both gay and straight, whose lives were impacted negatively by Amendment One, whichwaync.com reported. His journey did not go without incident. He was attached three times by dogs, endured rain storms and blisters. Wearing a T-shirt that said “GAY” painted on it and a similar banner across his backpack, he was stopped by police officers who informed him that the senator would be unavailable to meet with him due to budget discussion meetings. He gave the letters, along with one he crafted to accompany it, to Lt. Martin Brock of General Assembly police. Brock said he’d make sure that the senator received the package. To read the letter, visit http://whichwaync. com/2012/06/21/a-letter-on-amendment-one/. — L.M. National/Global Anti-marriage leader comes around NEW YORK, N.Y. — In a June 22 New York Times op-ed, David Blankenhorn, founder of the Institute for American Values and a key witness for anti-gay marriage proponents in California’s Prop 8 federal district court trial, revealed that he now supports marriage equality for same-sex couples. Blankenhorn noted in his piece, “[A]s a marriage advocate, the time has come for me to accept gay marriage and emphasize the good that it can do.” Adam Umhoefer, head of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, the sponsor of the court challenge to Prop 8, said, “Marriage equality has always been about building strong families and ensuring that loving couples and their families not be denied the fundamental freedom to marry. We are happy to consider Mr. Blankenhorn a supporter in that endeavor and applaud his commitment to equality.” Anti-gay activists dismissed Blankenhorn’s change of heart as a capitulation to societal pressure. — D.S. Bill targets military spousal equality WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) has introduced HR 6046, the Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act of 2012, that would change the definition of “spouse” in four areas of U.S. Code related to recognition, support and benefits for married service members and veterans. The changes would ensure that spouses of the same gender are eligible for key military benefits, including cov- Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, right, and U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were instrumental supporters in the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ Poll finds broad marriage support LONDON, England — A poll of more than 2,000 British people conducted for LGB rights group Stonewall has revealed that three-in-five people of faith support Photo Credit: Department of Defense photo by government plans to extend civil marriage Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley to same-sex couples, despite a vitriolic campaign against the proposal by some erage under TriCare insurance, an increased faith leaders. More than 80 percent of British housing allowance and survivor benefits. adults under 50 support the proposal. “Our nation’s senior military leaders and The YouGov survey shows that three-in-five commanders on the ground are increaspeople say there’s still public prejudice against ingly uncomfortable with administering two Britain’s 3.7 million LGB people, and four-in-five classes of recognition, support and benefits believe it’s right to tackle that prejudice where for our nation’s service members — one for it exists. The study also finds that more than straight service members and a different one four-in-five people would have no objection if for their gay and lesbian peers. There cannot the first child — and heir to the throne — of the be two classes of service members, and this Duke and Duchess of Cambridge grew up to be legislation addresses that effectively,” said lesbian, gay or bisexual. Army Veteran and Servicemembers Legal On the down side, the report reveals that Defense Network (SLDN) Executive Director in the last five years 2.4 million people of Aubrey Sarvis. working age have witnessed verbal homo— D.S. phobic bullying at work and 800,000 people of working age have witnessed physical Study looks at male role models homophobic bullying at work. Two-thirds of LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The absence of people aged 18 to 29 say there was homophomale role models did not adversely affect bic bullying in their school. the psychological adjustment of 17-year-old — D.S. teens raised in lesbian-headed households, according to a new study published in Gender & Society. “This study is part of a growing body of research that evinces the positive psychological well-being of children reared in planned lesbian families,” said the study’s co-author Nanette Gartrell, MD, Visiting Distinguished Scholar at the Williams Institute. Findings were based on teens who participated in the U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study. Approximately half of the teens had male role models. The teens with and without male role models did not differ from each other in psychological wellbeing, and also did not differ on stereotypical feminine (e.g., understanding) and masculine (e.g., competitive) traits. — D.S. Huelskamp most anti-gay Congressman WASHINGTON, D.C. — According to the Center for American Progress, the most antigay member of Congress has been freshman Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-KS). In his first 18 months, he has authored an amendment to ban a directive that allows military chaplains to voluntarily solemnize same-sex unions, an amendment to “prohibit the use of funds to be used in contravention of the Defense of Marriage Act and a bill to ban the use of military facilities for any same-sex unions. He also co-sponsored three more anti-gay measures. Six other House Republicans have each put their name on at least five anti-gay proposals, putting them just behind Huelskamp, They are: Rep. W. Todd Akin (R-MO), a sixth-term Congressman; Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN), a 15thterm Congressman who is retiring at the end of 2012; Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA), a fifth-term Congressman; Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), a first-term Congresswoman; Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO), a third-term Congressman; July 7-20 . 2012 qnotes 7 NEWS LGBT delegates say they are honored NC Democrats chose their first transgender delegate by Matt Comer :: [email protected] North Carolina’s strong LGBT community won’t be left out when the Democratic National Convention rolls into Charlotte in September. Community organizations across the state and especially in Charlotte are taking advantage of the spotlight the DNC brings. And, LGBT delegates will be there to help shape the Democratic Party’s platform, nominate President Barack Obama for a chance at a second term and serve as unofficial ambassadors welcoming their fellow delegates to the Great State of North Carolina. Among the several LGBT delegates chosen to attend the convention was Charlotte’s Janice Covington. She’s the first transgender person ever elected to represent the state’s Democrats at a national convention. “It feels great,” Covington said about the honor. “I really can’t come up with the words. To me it’s more than amazing.” Covington first tried running for a delegate position during congressional district conventions. She was passed over then, but ultimately picked at the statewide convention in Raleigh. Read qnotes’ full interview with Covington online at goqnotes.com/in/dnc/. Other LGBT delegates from across the state include several young people, openly gay elected officials and others. qnotes had the chance to catch up with a few of them and get their take on their pick as 2012 DNC delegates: Elena Botella, 20 Occupation: Student Representing: Mecklenburg County Identifies as: Bisexual I am so proud to be a part of a political party and a community that treats everyone with respect and with dignity. It means so much to me to be able to stand up in support of President Obama, because of the way in which he has stood up for me. Marcus Brandon, 37 Occupation: State legislator Representing: Guilford County Identifies as: Gay Words cannot express the honor I have as serving as a delegate for the DNC. Watching it on TV since I was a little boy, I cannot believe that I am actually going to be sitting on that floor, nominating our President Barack Obama for a second term. The fact that North Carolina has unprecedented representation from the LGBT community at the convention, coincides with us having a president that has unprecedented support for LGBT issues. It’s no secret our community suffered a loss at the ballot box, but I maintain we were victorious in moving public opinion, particularly among African-Americans. I am proud to stand with my president who has shown excellent leadership on moving this country forward for every single American. Jake Gellar-Goad, 28 Occupation: Community Organizer Representing: Orange County Identifies as: Gay As someone who does organizing for a living, I’m very excited to be a part of this historic moment and, in whatever small way I can, help represent the LGBT Dems and my little slice of Chapel Hill as vice chair of my precinct at the Democratic National Convention here in North Carolina. I am especially proud that the majority of delegates from my county will represent the LGBT community. I believe having the president and the North Carolina Democratic Party both coming out in support of marriage equality presents a unique opportunity to press all candidates for office on LGBT equality issues. And, given the recent amendment fight, I feel that it is more important than ever that the LGBT community stays civically engaged in whatever ways we can. see Diverse on 22 For the most up-to-date coverage, visit us online at goqnotes.com 8 qnotes July 7-20 . 2012 Hospitals still lack protections CHARLOTTE — The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization, has released its annual list and ratings of LGBT-friendly hospitals. The group’s 2012 Healthcare Equality Index includes ratings of hundreds of hospitals across the country, including 15 in North Carolina and 8 in South Carolina. Among the nearly two dozen Carolinas hospitals surveyed, the Durham, N.C.-based Duke University Hospital and Durham Regional Hospital were named “Leaders in LGBT Healthcare Equality.” The two Durham hospitals were the only two medical institutions in the state to answer affirmatively to all of the index’s four criteria which include LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination employment and patient policies, visitation policies and inclusivity training for staff. Seven of the eight South Carolina hospitals received the same “Leader” honor. In addition to Duke University and Durham Regional, Carolinas hospitals opting in to the survey this year included several affiliated properties of the Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health (Forsyth Medical Center and Charlotte’s Presbyterian Hospital, among others), UNC Health Care and several hospitals in the Greensboro, N.C.-based Moses Cone Health System and the Greenville, S.C.-based University Medical Center and Greenville Hospital System. Read the rest of this story and see our chart of Carolinas hospitals’ rankings at goqnotes.com/15459/. : : xuu on the DNC Carolina Fest moved to Uptown The large-scale “CarolinaFest” party originally slated for Labor Day at the Charlotte Motor Speedway will move to Uptown Charlotte. That’s the latest news from the Charlotte in 2012 Host Committee, the group charged with raising funds for the 2012 Democratic National Convention and in charge of planning the Sept. 3 public festival. Moving CarolinaFest to Uptown will help facilitate convention-goers and delegates who want to attend the event, but also have caucus or other convention-related events to attend in and around Center City. The event will be held along the Tryon St. corridor. : : — Compiled by Matt Comer from press releases and other reports. July 7-20 . 2012 qnotes 9 VIEWS on being a gay parent by brett webb-mitchell qnotes contributor Not a J.C. Penney family The adage “A picture is worth a thousand words” bears truth in light of the rush of praise and criticism of J. C. Penney’s Fathers’ Day advertisement. The ad was unforgettable and rather iconic: two dads are caught midlaughter as they play with their cute, rambunctious children on the clean living room carpeted floor. Throw in a family dog and you have a family that could fit in Anywhere, USA, somewhere near Pleasantville, perhaps on Wisteria Lane. Real-life Todd Koch and Cooper Smith are the dads who are enjoying what looks like a game of tickle wars with their two adopted children. The advertisement line that accompanies the picture is quite appealing: “First Pals: What makes Dad so cool? He’s the swim coach, tent maker, best friend, bike fixer and hug giver — all rolled into one. Or two.” This ad is J.C. Penney’s response to the anti-LGBTQ-American Family Association’s offshoot group, One Million Moms, attempted boycott after the department store signed up out-lesbian Ellen DeGeneres as a spokesperson for their merchandise. I am aware of more same-sex couples, especially gay dads, being in the spotlight this year when it comes to advertisements for Fathers’ Day, as well as in the news. They are extraordinarily handsome dads, with gorgeous and well-behaved children, in immaculately clean and stylish homes. For example, there’s the picture of Ricky Martin in a carefully staged publicity photo with his two adorable children using him as a jungle gym, climbing all over him. And, Neil Patrick Harris and his partner David Burtka went two-to-one with Oprah herself on television, discussing life as dads and surrogacy on modern outdoor furniture near their contemporary home’s pool. There appears to be a full-frontal assault of advertisement and public exposure to gay television personalities. MTV is already working on a reality series of same-sex parents and children and Bravo network and the “E” or Entertainment channel are trying to figure out which family will be used for their next reality television show. It is safe to say that the rather conservative impulse of making our LGBTQ-headed families (two dads or two moms and two young adult children) part of the mainstream of American middle-class life, along with the other accoutrements of the American dream, like mom and apple pie. Images matter in making change happen. While being out and engaging in conversation and relationships with others is one way of shaping people’s impressions regarding same-sex partnership, there is also power in iconic images of same-sex parenting families that also hastens changing the larger public’s impression and acceptance of who we are. What is lost in J.C. Penney ad wars and Madison Avenue’s image of certain families is the longer, thicker, more intricate story of our families. We don’t all live in well-kept houses with outdoor pools and contemporary furniture. Many LGBTQ individuals and couples with children from a previous marriage, in vitro fertilization, adopted or through surrogacy, are people from a wide variety of national heritages and ethnicities, of all ages, economic conditions, educational backgrounds, with all kinds of body shapes and sizes, pierced and tattooed…and the same goes for our children. In other words, we are more interesting than the sanitized version of what a public relations person would want us to look like. And, yet, amid the change that we represent in our same-sex parenting relationship, we do what only a parent can do: provide the constancy of support, of hope and of love. It is not that glamorous. No pictures quite capture what it all looks like amid the roller coaster of emotions — exhilarating highs and pathos that knows no end, all in one day. And, there’s no Oprah, Matt Lauer or Rachel Maddow to capture our stories in all their wonderful detail. We, who are parents in same-sex relationships, are pioneers, telling and writing new stories for generations of parents to follow in the years and generations to come. We tell our stories so that the next generation of LGBTQ parents has a map that will enable them to more successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities that are still new to us all. All I ask is for you to take a photograph of the family to share with others. : : We’re got you covered. Visit us online at goqnotes.com. Monthly Social: 7th Street Market, 224 E. 7th St. Wednesday, July 11, 2012, 5:30-7 p.m. Sample Wine/Beer and Organic Food Learn about organic shopping/cooking with locally-grown food Free parking @ 7th Street Station Monthly Dinner Meeting: Immigration Judge Barry Pettinato Tuesday, July 17, 2012, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Black Finn @ The Epicenter Reservations/Parking Info: www.charlottebusinessguild.org Reservations required by July 11, 2012 www.charlottebusinessguild.org 10 qnotes July 7-20 . 2012 If you haven’t been checking in online at goqnotes.com here’s what you’ve been missing! June 19 :: Dissension grows among anti-gay right as hate group awards incendiary N.C. pastor Leaders of the anti-LGBT religious right are at odds following a recent awards ceremony in which an incendiary anti-gay North Carolina pastor was honored as a “Watchman of the Year.” Read more at goqnotes.com/15423/. June 21 :: CMPD chaplains told not to use ‘Jesus’ in official prayers Joining a move toward nonsectarian prayer, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has asked its chaplains to stop including Jesus in their invocations at official Photo Credit: Adam Jennings/Charlotte Observer Online Only department ceremonies. Read more at goqnotes.com/15450/. June 27 :: N.C.’s Mike McIntyre is sole anti-gay Democrat in US. House According to progressive blog ThinkProgress, only one Democrat in the entire U.S. House of Representatives, Wilmington’s Mike McIntyre, has the distinct pleasure of being an anti-gay homophobe Or, he’s the only one willing to put his name to it. Read more at goqnotes.com/15651/. June 28 :: One Direction Charlotte concert photos The increasingly popular British-Irish boy band One Direction performed to thousands at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte on June 27. Their openness and comfort with sexuality is a boon for today’s generation of gay youth, says one blogger who posted a reader-submitted YouTube reel of the band’s so-called “gayest moments.” See the photos and watch the video at goqnotes.com/15668/. July 7-20 . 2012 qnotes 11 EASY BREEZY 1 12 qnotes July 7-20 . 2012 Stay cool an sexy style th nd stay casual without sacrificing his summer and into early fall 1 2 Shirt: Express Men. Pants: Zara. Jacket, Tie and Pocket Square: House of Abbeydale (houseofabbeydale.com). Shirt: Express. Leather Bag: Enemy to Fashion (enemytofashion.com). Shoes: Calvin Klein. Glasses: Burberry. 3 Bag: Enemy to Fashion (enemytofashion.com). Hat: Banana Republic. Jacket: Fink. Glasses by Burberry. ON THE COVER Shoes: Flersgeim by Duckie Brown. Shirt: Yves Saint Laurent. Shorts: Maparama Recycled. Glasses: Gucci. 3 Photography: David Lari Stylist and Model: Daniel Stroupe SIZZLING Show some sexy skin in sunny, sweltering summer 1 2 PPU Boxer Underwear, $29 PPU Boxer Underwear, $29 Papi Cotton Spandex underwear, $24 Geovanny underwear, $15 3 Vuthy Navy Board Shorts swimwear, $39 MORE ONLINE: See more photos from our swimwear and underwear shoot online at goqnotes.com. Photography: © Jimmie Cobb/ JC Digital Photography Works. Models: LeMond Hart, Trey Love, Taylor Overcash, DJ Patterson. 1 3 2 sponsored by 2 July 7-20 . 2012 qnotes 13 World AIDS Conference in the United States by Dale Pierce ~ Practice Manager/Ryan White Program Director The return of the International AIDS Conference to the United States in July 2012 represents a significant victory for public health and human rights. The selection of Washington, D.C., as the site for the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) is the result of years of dedicated advocacy to end the nation’s misguided entry restrictions on people living with HIV — restrictions that were based on fear, rather than science. The biennial International AIDS Conference is the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policymakers, people living with HIV and others committed to ending the epidemic. It will be a tremendous opportunity for researchers from around the world to share the latest scientific advances in the field, learn from one another’s expertise and develop strategies for advancing all facets of our collective efforts to treat and prevent HIV. 14 qnotes July 7-20 . 2012 AIDS 2012 is expected to convene more than 20,000 delegates from nearly 200 countries, including 2,000 journalists. The conference will be held from July 22-27 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The International AIDS Society, the world’s leading independent association of HIV professionals, with 14,000 members in 190 countries, will organize AIDS 2012 in collaboration with international and local partners. We are gratified by the enthusiastic support expressed by our U.S. government and civil society partners for holding AIDS 2012 in Washington, D.C. The world’s leading AIDS experts will gather for AIDS 2012 in a community deeply impacted by the epidemic, providing a tremendous opportunity for partnership and exchange that will further sow the seeds of solidarity among all of us dedicated to ending this scourge. The selection of Washington, D.C., as the AIDS 2012 venue is also significant as it is home to key players in the global response to AIDS, including the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (which directs PEPFAR — President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), the National Institutes of Health and the World Bank. AIDS 2012 will play a key role in shaping international responses to this devastating epidemic. As with all our conferences, we will work with partners to make sure that the conference has a deep and lasting impact in our host city and country. We look forward to partnering with the residents of Washington, D.C., and with other groups across the U.S. to ensure the conference further strengthens the U.S. role in global AIDS initiatives, re-energizes the response to the U.S. domestic epidemic and focuses attention on the particularly devastating impact HIV is having in Washington, D.C., and in racial and ethnic minority communities across the U.S. During the President’s Dec. 1, 2011, World AIDS Day talk, he referred to “the beginning of the end of AIDS” and “getting to zero” because a remarkable new study has found that HIV treatment in heterosexual couples in which one person is living with HIV and the other partner is HIV negative can reduce the relative risk of HIV transmission by up to 96 percent. We do know what to do to “end AIDS.” The president is clearly interested in HIV/ AIDS. On July 13, 2010, he released the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) and challenged the country, saying, “So the question is not whether we know what to do, but whether we will do it.” This landmark comprehensive HIV plan includes five-year goals regarding HIV prevention, care, housing, program coordination and health disparities (highlighting especially the disproportionate burden of HIV among gay men of all races and ethnicities and in African American and Latino/ Latina communities). Some HIV advocates, researchers and members of Congress have asked that the federal government produce an official estimate of the cost of implementing the NHAS. I agree. In a 2010 academic paper, I estimated that the total five-year cost of the NHAS would be just over $15 billion in new funding from either the public sector, private sector or both (roughly two billion in prevention programs, one billion in housing and the remainder for care and treatment). Making this investment was estimated to save just under $18 billion in future treatment costs and, therefore, would more than pay for itself. But, the longer we wait to make the investment, the worse the public health and economic returns before 2015. A Congressional Budget Office “official” estimate of the NHAS could still be produced before July, current investments gauged against it and a plan developed and announced for phased-in “full funding” of the NHAS. At Rosedale Infectious Diseases, we strive to always be a part of local, state, national and international events that will heighten the awareness of HIV/AIDS in the global community and raise awareness to a new level. Events like this conference and its kind are fundamental to breaking stigma and furthering the cause of research and advocacy for our community as a whole. We are excited to be sending Dr. Frederick Cruickshank, Wes Thompson, PA-C, Dale Pierce (Practice Manager), and Linda Strand (LPN/ Nursing Manager). Visit us at Facebook or our website at rosedaleid.com for updates on the conference. — Sponsored Content — A&E Former N.C. stylist stars on ‘Chicagolicious’ MaCray Huff says he took a leap of faith to be on Style Network’s new reality show by Victor Lopez :: guest contributor MaCray Huff, 30, always felt a little bored growing up in Virginia and North Carolina, but he knew his talents would one day be his ticket out of the south. “I always knew I wanted to do hair and used to want to play with my sisters Barbie dolls,” says MaCray. “I got picked on so much as a kid for being who I am and being called gay and a faggot and I really think that drove me to step out and try and be the best I can be.” like New York. Los Angeles was just too far and Chicago seemed like a good spot,” says MaCray, who often commutes between the Windy City and Greensboro, still seeing clients in the Southeast and visiting family. Soon after landing in Chicago, MaCray was hired by AJ’s Salon, the epicenter of the Style Network’s new reality TV show “Chicagolicious.” The show takes viewers to the Windy City to follow AJ Johnson whose salon’s clientele includes a bevy of actors and models, including Angela Bassett and Iman. And, while it sounds cliché, Huff insists going out on a limb is what gave him an edge over others. “Sometimes all it takes is a leap of faith,” says MaCray, which is exactly what helped manifest taking his life savings and moving to Chicago to pursue his dream of becoming a successful hair stylist. “Chicagolicious” comes from the creator and executive producers of Style’s number-one hit series “Jerseylicious.” Though the show is still new, producers have already ordered 10 more shows taped due to demand. Velma Huff, MaCray’s mother, says her son was always a character affecting everyone’s life for the better. “In high school, I told him he’d be president of the student body,” says Velma. “And you know MaCray was the first African-American president in his high school.” Even in high school, Velma remembers her son’s special sense of fashion. “MaCray was always changing his hairstyles and making his own clothes, people really loved to have him around,” she says. “He was always showing out.” The Dairy Queen was the local hangout when MaCray was in high school, Former Greensboro resident MaCray Huff stars in the Velma recounts. All his friends wanted Style network’s ‘Chicagolicious.’ him to stop by after school and in true Photo Credit: Robert Trachtenberg/Style. MaCray fashion, nothing happens without his individual pizzazz. As a teen, MaCray dreamed of being on “They would have to sing a special television and being famous, which would ‘MaCray song’ and then he’d pull over and change the way people thought about him, hang out,” said Velma. regardless of his sexuality. He held onto that Though Velma was afraid to see her baby faith for years until it was finally realized. boy go to the Windy City, she never wants to MaCray was born in Martinsville, Va., hold MaCray back from his dreams. where he lived through school. Though he As far as the Windy City is concerned, loved living near his family, he wanted to MaCray says it has definitely been a transition. spread his wings and leave home. “Going to Chicago was a bit overwhelmEnter then MaCray’s move to Greensboro, ing. I went from driving a car everywhere to N.C., some 10 years ago. walking, riding the bus and train wherever “I initially moved to Greensboro for I have to go, “ he says, hinting that viewers clientele, but work picked up in Virginia, so are in for a ride each time they tune into Style I commuted back and forth,” says Huff, who Network’s “Chicagolicious.” loves North Carolina’s nightlife, the weather “Really the producers caught real moments and shopping. that are unscripted,” says MaCray. “I think it MaCray’s larger-than-life personality is will be an awesome show and I cannot wait to hard to miss. Whether at Greensboro’s rustic see it, it’s like a baby to me.” LGBT watering hole The Q Lounge, at dance “Chicagolicious” airs on the Style club Warehouse 29 or any other social gatherNetwork every Monday from 8-9 p.m. Learn ing, his personality, flair for dressing and voice more about the show at mystyle.com/ catch everyone’s attention. tv-shows/chicagolicious/ and more about Professionally, MaCray wanted to go MaCray at macrayhuff.com. : : further than what he thought North Carolina — Victor Lopez is a senior staff writer for could offer. The Guilfordian (guilfordian.com), the student “You know I wanted to move to a big city newspaper of Greensboro’s Guilford College. July 7-20 . 2012 qnotes 15 A&E drag rag by miss della qnotes contributor It’s hot in the city and in drag! Well, kids — while LaFaverz, and it I write this dittie, it’s was so good to hot as hell in the Queen catch up with her, City. Here we are, especially since having celebrated July she’s doing so 4th and I needed some well and just being independence from the happy! humidity, by golly! No I’d like to offer thinking of drag for me an apology to two until November now, dear sisters who okay? Welcome to my were recently left party, where the guest of out of a story in the honor is a good pageant drag edition that or some good drag. Or a we recently had fierce queen! And there about different local are a few of those still girls who’d won around, thank goodness. national contests in I come to you the “Big 4” systems. bringing news from all Two former Misses around. Why not start Continental PLUS with congratulating from NC would Lindsay Starr, the new include Amaya, Miss Legends, and her also a former Miss runner-up, Emory Starr. NC U.S.ofA., now Poison is the newest making her home Layla LaRue, Miss Gay U.S. of A. Classic winner of the Drag Race in Cary, and Tajma of San Antonio, TX contest that they have Hall, who lived in there at Legends and I hear she is quite the Raleigh before moving on to Chicago, IL. little fishy Latina queen. I forgot to mention We have results from the Miss NC weeks ago that on my last trip to WinstonEOY contest which took place not long Salem, I ran into my little sis Marina ago. Malayia Chanel Iman won in what I’m going to call a big marshmallow gown (the category was creative, after all) and her runners-up were (in order) Macaria Rage, Phil Voila, Onyx, Eureka O’Hara and Chyna. Good luck to the girls going on to compete at the national competition in Louisville in several weeks. I’l use this space to brag about a flawless birthday party I attended recently — Carmen Banks’ 30th at the Levine Museum of the New South. They gave the White Party a run for the money, honey, and I was so glad to be on that guest list. The food was crazy — sushi bar, candy/sweets bar, any kind of hors d’oeuvres you could imagine and Carmen’s famous bacon bar (as in chocolate-dipped bacon). Then Burger King starts selling a sundae by the same flavor! And, let’s not forget the show afterwards, consisting of Angela Lopez, Amber Rachelle St. James and Felicia Monet. If any can top this one this year, please make sure to invite me so I can see it, okay? I’ve gotten to see Pandora Boxx at Spirit Square, part of the Queen’s FabFest by Queen City Theater Company. They had Coco Peru, too. Then Buff Faye did her Oz sing-a-long on Saturday night! Buff and her girls at the Hartigan’s Sunday brunch recently honored my sponsored son Gerardo in Central America with the proceeds from a great time, with a show featuring Buff herself, Miley Virus, Kiana Lane, Brionna Davis, former Miss NCA Detra Panucci, Starla DaVinci and current Miss NCA Jessica Raynes Starr. It was the first time I saw Jessica do her Reba or Dolly and I must say, that girl is so damned talented! Read more of Miss Della’s drag wrapups, including news of Miss Charlotte, the Continental pageant, SC Unlimited contests and other national pageants at goqnotes.com/ to/drag-rag/. 16 qnotes July 7-20 . 2012 on the map nightlife Sunday Barbeque & Bloody Marys, Bar at 316 free BBQ from 3-6 p.m. The Sunday Social Spades/Card Games & House Muzik, Nickel Bar from 5 p.m.-Midnight House Cast Show, The Scorpio with DJ 4Real. 11:30 p.m. Woodshed Sundays, The Woodshed free dinner buffet served at 6:30 p.m. karaoke, 9 p.m. Monday Movie Night, Bar at 316 starts at 9 p.m. Monday Madness, Chasers pool tournament at 11:30 p.m. $25 cash prize and $25 bar tab. Boxing & Monday Night Football, Sidelines Free Pool, The Woodshed all day. Tuesday Karaoke with Metro Mike, Bar at 316 starts at 9 p.m. Pool Tournament, Central Station Twisted Trivia, Chasers with Tiffany Storm & Brooklyn Dior. Showtime at 12:30 a.m. Trivia Tuesdays, Marigny hosted by Roxxy C. Moorecox 7 p.m. Midwood Madness, Petra’s half-price bottles of wine Karaoke, The Woodshed starts at 9 p.m. Underwear Night, The Woodshed Friday Game Night, Bar at 316 Team Trivia and Line Dancing, Hartigan’s starts at 8 p.m. Karaoke, Petra’s hosted by Rachel Houdek. 9 p.m. Wicked and Wild Wednesdays, The Scorpio featuring Tiffany Storm with DJ 4Real. 11 p.m. Pool Tournament, The Woodshed starts at 10:30 p.m. House DJ and Dancing, Bar at 316 Free HIV Testing, Connections the 4th Friday of every month. 8-10 p.m. A-List Fridays, Marigny hosted by SugaWalls Entertainment. 10 p.m. Feel Good Fridays Dance Night, Nickel Bar from 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Live Performances, Petra’s Roxy’s Rainbow Review, The Rainbow In starts at 11p.m. Life’s a Drag, The Scorpio with Tiffany Storm. 11:30 p.m. Thursday Saturday Wednesday Thursday Night House Party, Bar at 316 Pool Tournament, Central Station Rockin’ Well Thursdays, Chasers with Valerie Rockwell. Show starts at 12:30 a.m. Free HIV Testing, Connections the 2nd Thursday of every month. 8-10 p.m. Karaoke Night, Hartigan’s hosted by Roxxy C. Moorecox. 9 p.m. Team Boystown, Marigny starts at 10 p.m. $10 cover after 11 p.m. Drink-n-drown. SpeakEasy Thursday Open Mic Night, Nickel Bar from 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Karaoke Night, The Rainbow In free for members. $5 guests. $6 under 21. House DJ and Dancing, Bar at 316 The Angela Lopez Show, Chasers show starts at 12:30 a.m. Live DJ, Hartigan’s Krewe Saturdays, Marigny Sexy Saturdays Special Events, Nickel Bar from 9 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Live Performances, Petra’s Urban Variety Show, The Scorpio with Elaine Davis. Midnight showtime. Congregations MCC Charlotte Worship service every Sunday, 10:45 a.m. Bible study every Tuesday and Wednesday, 7 p.m. New Life MCC Worship service every Sunday, 7 p.m. Monthly covered dish dinner and coffeehouse-style worship service on the first Sunday of every month, 6 p.m. Unity Fellowship Church of Charlotte Worship service every Sunday, 10:45 a.m. Bible 101: second and fourth Sunday of every month, 9 a.m. Wednesday night Bible study and discussion, 7 p.m. Community The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte Promoting the diversity, acceptance and visibility of the LGBT community through programming and events. gaycharlotte.com White Rabbit North Carolina’s LGBT everything store. Complete line of Pride merchandise, plus books, magazines, DVDs, T-shirts, underwear and more. info: Don’t see your bar listed here? Submit your regularly scheduled events to [email protected] July 7-20 . 2012 qnotes 17 A&E out in the stars by charlene lichtenstein qnotes contributor July 7 - 20 Feisty Mars enters Libra and squares volcanic Pluto. Oh, no. Our best of good intentions have a way of running amok. This may be good for devil-may-care types, but for those of us with a bit of a conscience, it’s better to think it rather than act on it. Try to scramble your cracked eggs to make a soufflé. CANCER (06.22-07.23) They say that rewards come to those who sit and wait, but I disagree. Gay Crabs can cut the waiting time on any project that impacts their public persona. Dig deep into your resources (meaning all sources including family) and see what happens. Focus on home-based projects and don’t forget to take out the garbage. Anyone we know? LEO (07.24-08.23) Proud Lions are moved to speak…no, yell…to make their opinions known. My opinion is that you should carefully monitor and edit your screed. Commentary leads to dysentery and may cause some surprising fallout from some very unexpected, heretofore, hidden places. Your communication is about as subtle as a descending anvil. Keep looking up! VIRGO (08.24-09.23) You think money will solidify friendships, but it can as easily cause great chasms. Consult the financial tea leaves before you sponsor a party or event. Some relationships may chaff at the bottom line and will not run as smoothly as you would like. When in doubt, party on the cheap or encourage potluck soirées. Save the champagne for later on, queer Virgin. LIBRA (09.24-10.23) Actions taken to jump start your personal agenda spark changes in your career. Proud Libras love to savor the center stage and you have opportunities that are too tempting to resist. Be sure that your spotlight doesn’t overshadow certain relatives. Calculated action could catapult you to the top of the family list. The question is: Which list is that? SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) Doing a good deed could lead to great, unexpected rewards. Queer Scorps must maneuver carefully as the most unassuming effort could spiral out of control. Intuitive sparks can illuminate the landscape. Collect and connect your various shards of information to get to the solution to the puzzle. How many pieces of your mind will it require? SAGITTARIUS (11.24-12.22) Friends think they have your best interests at heart, but they wind up tossing some rather rotten garbage onto your path of true lust. Gay Archers find that there is extra stress placed on the range of relationships — platonic and passionate. You may be attracted to some rather unusual types now. Will you find a gem among the trash. It depends on which dump you frequent. 18 qnotes July 7-20 . 2012 CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) Are you able to handle your fast corporate rise? Let’s see how it goes as pink Caps are pushed onto the fast track to the professional executive boardroom. They say that the scent of power is alluring and you will wear it well. Try to splash that fabulous scent around and then get out there and meet and greet. You get ahead of any stinky competitor. AQUARIUS (01.21-02.19) Aqueerians find that their minds soar into the stratosphere. Global ideas and compelling political philosophies have a powerful impact on anything secretive and inspirational. So, be discerning and see what a great cause first requires of you. You enjoy the thought of a proletariat revolution, but you are hard pressed to give up all those nifty perks. PISCES (02.20-03.20) Guppies have their hotspots tickled. Woo, hoo. But, sexual antics can stir up distractions in the workplace if you are not careful. This could mean that you meet your next feast du jour at the watercooler or that the light bite from last night becomes the main course at your next departmental retreat. Who knows what tricks are up your sleeve…or other garments. ARIES (03.21-04.20) Gay Rams should prepare for a grand dance in their personal relationships. If you’re hankering to revise, refresh or review a certain partnership, don’t be surprised if it results in a complete upheaval. It’s a breath of fresh air if it cleans out festering problems and solves them. However, if your driving a steamroller, be careful of crushing a few toes. Ouch! TAURUS (04.21-05.21) If there was ever a time that queer Bulls could be tempted to blurt out the wrong thing, it could be right now. Words take on a gale force all their own, so think before you fan the air. Complain if you must, but make sure you are totally justified in your opinions. If you insist on being heard, all I can say is expect fireworks that can go viral. Hey it could be good. GEMINI (05.22-06.21) Fun may be far more expensive than you think. This is not a particularly good time for pink Twins to go into the red with their green. Other folks may be able to risk their swag and win big, but not you at this time. Try to involve yourself in more creative and cheaper low-risk pursuits. How about sharing a box of fingerpaints with a handy friend? : : © 2012 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. A&E tell trinity by trinity qnotes contributor We’ve never met, but i’m in love Hey Trinity, A few months ago I met a guy on the internet who lives in another state. We talk on the phone a lot, but we’ve never met. Now, I am falling in love and I want to tell him. Is this a good idea? Falling in Love, Wichita, KS Hey Falling, Love at first sight, yeah, but love at first internet photo or first voice? And, now you’re in love? Without seeing him? Listen, pumpkin, fall in love, but don’t break your neck in the fall. Before you tell him that you love him, you first must meet him, touch him and see him. That’s all I ask. He could be the voice of your dreams, but filled with so many nightmares. So, get on a plane, bus, boat or car and go meet him first. Seeing and touching is believing! To Trinity, My lover and I of four years have become very comfortable with each other, so comfortable that I no longer “turn her on,” as she puts it. I know I’m not the sexiest dresser alive, but shouldn’t she love me for what’s inside, not outside? Un-Dolled Up, Winston-Salem, NC To Un-Dolled Up, There comes a time in every St. Valentines Day massacre, I mean, relationship when two people say, “I love you no matter what.” But you still have to spend your life trying to turn her on, impress her and show her she is special! As Dr. Ruth puts it, “You must keep ‘za’ flame alive.” Any good chef knows it’s about presentation and taste! Listen, sister, you must keep trying new ways to present yourself, to keep the flame alive. How would you like it if your favorite restaurant changed from filet mignon to spam? (I can show you how to turn heads if you check out my cartoon.) Dearest Trinity, I’m 50 and still in the closet. I want to come out, but I don’t want to hurt my friends and family. I also have not been with anyone in 12 years. I want love, but I push everyone away. Wanting What I Can’t Have, Chicago, IL Dearest Wanting, Somewhere you learned to fear your Godgiven gift of being gay. And, you learned to push potential lovers away who challenge that. Remember Alexander the Great or Joan of Arc. They said, “I’m queer! Now deal with it world.” You not only must come out as part of your deep, spiritual destiny, but you must accept that being gay is like winning the lottery, like finding out you’re a Rockefeller or Marilyn Monroe’s illegitimate son. Honey, the world is your oyster and being gay is your pearl. Come out and claim it! Dear Trinity, You should think about teaching classes or giving lectures. But, my question is, if you had your own finishing school, what would you teach? Admirer, Philadelphia, PA Dear Admirer, I’ve given lectures and taught classes, but finishing school? Darling, I love the idea. So, here are: Trinity’s Finishing School Tips From Head To Toe 1. Walk with your head up high, not your nose. Beware of nose hair. 2. Going for a job interview? Hair up. Going on a first date? Hair down. 3. A splash of cologne is a nice touch. Smelling like a department store is way too much. 4. Mile for mile, good looks run second place next to class, charm and style. 5. Going to buy milk? Dress down. Going on the town? Dress up. 6. A wanton tongue brings home sour fortune cookies. 7. If cleavage is meek, a pushup bra promises much more than a free drink. 8. Obviously, it’s all about you. But saving that fact until much later helps make one equal two. 9. Flats are fine when with husband and child, but heels turn heads for miles and miles. 10. If you think that finishing school finishes, then you’re never finished with finishing school. : : — With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity hosted “Spiritually Speaking” a weekly radio drama performed globally and is now minister of WIG: Wild Inspirational Gatherings. info: www.telltrinity.com [email protected] Sponsored by: WIG Ministries Gay Spirituality for the Next Generation! www.wigministries.org July 7-20 . 2012 qnotes 19 LIFE 20 Questions Jef Madden, Charlotte by David Stout :: [email protected] Photographer Jef Madden is establishing himself as the go-to guy for shooting community events like the AIDSWalk and Pride Charlotte and for documenting LGBT-themed projects like The Human Canvas, Project Colors and the mural that’s currently being painted on the White Rabbit store. He recently shot new promo pics of me (to promote my professional alter-ego DJ Big David — see them on my Facebook page) and was a doll through the entire process. Naturally, I had to recruit him for the column. Get to know this talented artist a bit better by reading on. Which person (living or dead) would you most like to photograph? I always run on instinct and it hasn’t let me down yet, so my first choice is David Bowie. He’s a sexy older man who’s not scared to be wild and be different. I love being creative and pushing beyond what’s expected and David Bowie is one to let the photographer have all control…and I love that. What’s your favorite brand of lube? I’m a water-based man and what’s in my travel bag is Astroglide. Need I say more? Have you ever had a broken bone? I’ve had my heart broken several times! But, yeah, broke my wrist playing soccer and three ribs playing around a pool at a Fourth of July party. Again, need I say more? LOL! What would be the name and theme of your first photo book? “Peephole.” The name of my business is Peephole Photographers so that comes pretty naturally. (I hope I can give a plug for Peephole Photographers on Facebook here. Support me!) As for the theme, it would be all about LGBT pride. I’m working a project now called “Project Colors” with 16/5:653(>6--0*, 3HYY`>1VOUZVU (;;695,@ 7OVUL! -H_! 76)V_ /PJRVY`5* 31VOUZVU'31VOUZVU3H^6MÄJLJVT 20 qnotes July 7-20 . 2012 my design partner Gil Croy that celebrates and brings imagination to the six colors of the LGBT Pride Flag. Which needed household chore are you putting off because you hate it? Wow! Okay, I’ll tell: I hate to do laundry. I work in a warehouse, so luckily I can wear the same shorts over and over again. LOL! But I could spend all day doing laundry and probably not finish. How do these films rank based on the number of times you’ve seen them: “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “A Fish Called Wanda,” “Snakes On A Plane”? To be honest, the only one I’ve seen is “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.” Love me some Liz Taylor and I’m a more of a classics guy — Liz, Marilyn, James Dean, Tab Hunter, etc. There’s a lot of magic in the classics that’s hard to reproduce today. Who is your all-time favorite female Olympian? I seem to follow the guys more but, okay, I’ll answer. I really liked following Lindsey Vonn in the 2010 Olympics. She had spunk and I only wish I could ski like her. When was the last time you slept in a tent? The first thing that came to mind was a personal tee-pee. LOL! But you’re talking about an actual tent, so, hmmm. You know, I guess it was when I was a kid and my dad used to take us camping in the Smoky Mountains. I won’t give you the year, but I know I was 14. Do you own a tea kettle? Absolutely. It’s a precious little red Japanese kettle with two matching tea cups. I think I got it at The Sleepy Poet. But now, whether I have ever used it is a different story. What’s the sexiest non-sexual part of a man’s body? I’m torn between two parts here. But, okay, the foot is my first choice. I love the shape of a man’s foot, the hair along the top and across the toes — long slender toes. Giving foot massages is a pleasure to me. If you could trade places with any photographer for a week, who would it be? Oh, my god, hands down it’s Annie Leibovitz! She has photographed all the classic Disney fairy tales with stars like David Beckham, Penelope Cruz, Beyoncé, Scarlett Johansson, Queen Latifah, Julianne Moore, Michael Phelps and many others as the classic characters. If you haven’t checked her out, do! How would you finish this sentence: “I’m standing here in my underwear so you know…” I’m not taking this lightly. I don’t sleep around, but in you I think there’s something more. I would like to see if what I think about you might be true. What song never fails to get you up and dancing? I have to pick one? Okay, “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” by Usher. I guess it’s the whole fallin’ in love again thing, the beat, the words. It totally puts a smile on my face. Watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew? Watermelon, because it usually means summer party, outside. And that means water and that means fun! Have you ever worn lipstick? Yep, black. Hey, what can I say, I love the dark look — eyeliner and black lipstick. I can put in my purple contacts and be a vampire…or live the life of one. Are you more likely to pick up a wayward penny or step over it? Dude, I pick it up! It’s all about fortune and fate and you don’t ignore that. I photographed an event a couple of weeks ago at Freedom Park and as I was taking pictures I noticed an old “lost” angel medallion on the ground beneath me. I’m carrying it with me today. Do you file your fingernails after you’ve cut them? Cut them? I’m not a cutter; I bite! Do you consider yourself good at telling jokes? Yeah, but not like your standard “jokes.” I make things funny. I take whatever’s there right in front of me and turn it into a joke. It’s the 12-year-old in me. How many albums do you own by Elvis, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, added together? Zero, but that’s because I’m not an album guy. I love love love The Beatles and The Rolling Stones and have a bunch of their songs on my MP3 player, but I don’t have any albums by anyone. How many nude males have you photographed this year? This is a number I would really really really really like to be higher so help me out here, LOL! But, right now, it’s only four. Totally open for more. : : July 7-20 . 2012 qnotes 21 continued from page 8 Matt Hughes, 21 Occupation: Student; Chair, Orange County Democratic Party Representing: Orange County Identifies as: Gay I am happy to join the North Carolina delegation to the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Being a delegate is a competitive and prestigious honor as our peers have selected us with trust and respect to represent them in Charlotte. As a North Carolinian, it brings me great pride to see the Democratic Party represent the interests of all Americans as it commits to marriage equality. The Democratic Party is a big-tent coalition with an inherent commitment to diversity that celebrates every walk of life. In Charlotte, we will celebrate this commitment with one of the most diverse delegations for a host-state in DNC history. As one of 22 qnotes July 7-20 . 2012 the youngest delegates and as a party leader, I know that our politics are changing and this election will be a watershed moment for all of us. In 2012, we have a lot of progress to guard, such as the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the president’s own commitment to marriage equality. Ultimately, the 2012 convention is one-step further toward our continuing goal as Democrats, a more just and fair America — the kind of America we all deserve. Mark Kleinschmidt, 42 Occupation: Mayor Representing: State At-Large Identifies as: Gay I am honored to have been elected a delegate to represent North Carolina in Charlotte this year. A long-time political activist, it has always been a childhood dream to participate in this important part of our democratic process. Additionally I am proud of our president’s commitment to progressive values and LGBT rights. In addition to the president’s efforts to pass the DREAM Act and take on difficult immigration issues, this year is a milestone year for LGBT rights. Barack Obama is the first president to openly endorse marriage equality, and has been instrumental in advocating for policy reforms like the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” I am grateful and looking forward to supporting the president in the upcoming convention. goqnotes.com Diverse delegates chosen to represent N.C. daily news, blog posts and lgbt community event listings Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter: goqnotes.com/subs Black Prides set for Charlotte, Raleigh Two LGBT African-American expos and other events slated for end of July Charlotte Black Gay Pride :: July 19-22 Charlotte Black Gay Pride will host their annual celebration July 19-22 at various venues across the Queen City. Festivities ramp up with a community forum on the ballroom scene at The LGBT Community Center of Charlote on Thursday, July 18. On Friday, July 20, a networking and meet-andgreet hour will be held at the lobby and bar of the host hotel, Holiday Inn Center City. As of press time, specific events and venue information for activities on Saturday, July 21, had yet to be announced. Sunday events include a Pride Worship Service at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church. For more information on these and other events, visit charlotteblackgaypride.com. Triangle Black Gay Pride :: July 26-29 Shades of Pride’s third annual Triangle Black Gay Pride will be held July 26-29 and present new opportunities and experiences for attendees. Ally agencies and entertainers, national celebrities and local commu- nity activists have collaborated to create four days of unique activities and events. Activities kick-off with a special party at 313 Nightclub in Raleigh on July 26 and a special welcome reception with Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt on July 27. On Saturday, July 28, Shades of Pride will hold workshops and seminars at their annual community expo where a film festival, writer’s workshop and health screenings are also planned. Workshops include discussions on depresssion in black gay men, prostate cancer, relationships, transgender issues and other topics. Planned film festival showings include “M.I., A Different Kind of Girl,” “Tracks” and “Genderf*kation: A Gender Emancipation.” Several nighttime parties and other events are planned that evening. Finally, Sunday events include an inspiration jazz brunch, a pool party and an evening VIP reception. For more information on these and other events, visit triangleblackpride.org. — All information compiled from release and organization websites. Win FREE tickets to see Kathy Griffin in Durham Comedian Kathy Griffin will perform in Durham during the N.C. Gay & Lesbian Film Festival on Aug. 10, 2012. qnotes has partnered with the Durham Performing Arts Center to give away FIVE pairs of FREE tickets to our readers. Fill out the ticket giveaway submission form below and mail it back to us to enter for your chance to win two, free tickets to the show. All entries must be postmarked by Aug. 1, 2012. Winners will be notified by email and/or phone. Just complete the form below and mail to: QNotes. PO Box 221841. Charlotte, NC 28222. ______________________________________________________ name: ______________________________________________________ address: ______________________________________________________ July 6-31 • Winston-Salem Art exhibit benefit Ember Gallery in Downtown Winston-Salem presents a month-long exhibit of the artwork of Chapel Hill resident Blaine Willis. A portion of the proceeds from the exhibit will benefit AIDS Care Services of WinstonSalem. An exhibit opening is scheduled for July 6, 7 p.m. The exhibit runs through July during regular Ember Gallery hours. 690 Trade St. emberav.com. blainewillisart.com. July 8 • Raleigh A Gay Independence Day The LGBT Center of Raleigh celebrates Independence Day. This art activity will include storytelling and events for children. LGBT Center of Raleigh, 411 Hillsborough St. 3-5 p.m. Free. 919-832-4484. lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. July 12-15 • Charleston Charleston Pride LGBT Pride takes over this historic coastal town. Events include an art walk, film festival, books signings, social hours and parties, drag pageant, a Pride parade and rally and a beach party at the popular Folly Beach. charlestonpridefestival.com. July 12 • Charlotte Mr. Pride Charlotte 2012 Join Chaser’s for the 2012 Mr. Pride Charlotte Pageant. Chasers, 3217 The Plaza. 9 p.m. 704-339-0500. chaserscharlotte.com. July 13 • Columbia Joan Rivers SC Pride and Koger Center for the Arts presents come- dic legend Joan Rivers. 1051 Greene St. 8 p.m. $30-$60. Tickets on sale at capitoltickets. com or by phone at 803-251-2222. For more information, visit scpride.org/joan. Q July 14 • Charlotte Roller Girls The Charlotte Roller Girls host one of their popular bouts at the Grady Cole Center, 310 N. Kings Dr. 6-8 p.m. goqnotes.com/qguide/events $6-10, advance. $8-$14, home nearby follows. For door. Tickets available more information, visit at either Common Market equalitywinstonsalem.org. locations, Sleepy Poet Antiques Mall or online at July 20-29 • Winston-Salem charlotterollergirls.com. ‘Spring Awakening’ The Winston-Salem July 14 • Charlotte Theatre Alliance presents Pride Band 2007 Tony Award winner The Charlotte Pride Band for Best Musical, “Spring presents their newest Awakening,” a classic addition, a jazz ensemble. coming-of-age tale Join the band for a jazz intertwined with themes of concert, including swing and adolescent sexuality, teen jazz classics like “Fly Me to pregnancy, abortion and the Moon,” “April in Paris,” trauma. Features full-frontal “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” nudity; 18 and up only. 1047 and “Someone to Watch W. Northwest Blvd. Various Over Me.” Metropolitan Times. $14-$16. 800-838-3006. Community Church of wstheatrealliance.org. Charlotte, 1825 Eastway Dr. 7 p.m. Minimum donation July 20 • Raleigh of $10 (benefitting MCC). HIV education charlotteprideband.org. Crape Myrtle Festival, Gilead Sciences and the LGBT July 14 • Winston-Salem Center of Raleigh’s Gay A ‘Sordid’ Night & Gray Initiative offer an Sponsored by OUT at educational program on HIV the Movies and Equality and aging. Discussion topics Winston-Salem, this benefit include treating HIV as a to raise funds for Winstonmanageable chronic disease Salem Pride 2012 will and how care providers include a special showing, can integrate care for aging 7 p.m., of “Sordid Lives: populations. 11 a.m.-Noon. The Movie,” ACE Theatre Free. 919-832-4484. Complex, UNC School of lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. the Arts, 1533 S. Main St. A public reception at a private events city: state: zip: ______________________________________________________ phone ______________________________________________________ email address ______________________________________________________ Submitting an event for inclusion in our calendar has never been easier: visit goqnotes.com/qguide/events/submit July 7-20 . 2012 qnotes 23 24 qnotes July 7-20 . 2012