April 14-27 . 2012 qnotes

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April 14-27 . 2012
qnotes
qnotes
April 14-27 . 2012
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April 14-27, 2012 Vol 26 No 25
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20 Questions
Southern hills to Hollywood
Cazwell larger than life
On the Map
Drag Rag
On Being a Gay Parent
Tell Trinity
Out in the Stars
Fabulance
Jane’s World
Q events
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10
news & features
opinions & views
6 News Notes:
Regional Briefs
14 Cowboys back in town
4 Editor’s Note
4 General Gayety
4 QPoll
only online
Pride Charlotte announces featured headliner
TalkBack: Amendment One
Playing the field
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April 14-27 . 2012
qnotes
VIEWS
editor’s note
by o’neale atkinson
[email protected]
One final push
Our last chance to make a stand against
Amendment One
VIEWS
By the time you read this, I sincerely
hope that you are registered to vote in North
Carolina if you are a citizen of the state. If you
have not registered to vote, then you have lost
your opportunity to formally speak out against
Amendment One on May 8. Sure, you can still
spread the word and can attend events to rally
others against the amendment and I encourage
you to do so, but you have passed up on your
foremost individual opportunity to impact the
outcome.
For the past few issues I have focused
on Amendment One and the importance of
speaking out against it. Without beating a
dead horse, it has been my hope that using
this space as a means to oppose Amendment
One will have, at the least, encouraged one
person to be more active in this fight. I am not
a very political person by nature, but this is an
issue that needs to be addressed. In the past
month, response against Amendment One
has been overwhelming. More and more we
are seeing religious groups and conservative
political leaders speaking out against this
general gayety
by leslie robinson
qnotes contributor
Coming at you with quiz-able news
SUBSCRIBE!
Have you been paying attention to LGBT
news lately? Let’s find out! Choose the right
answer to each question.
1.In New Hampshire, what did the House
of Representatives do with a bill to repeal
same-sex marriage?
a. Delayed it.
b. Passed it.
c. Rejected it.
d. Cut itty-bitty Republican elephants
out of it.
2.Docked at an island during a gay cruise,
two California men had sex in sight of
people on land. They were arrested and
pleaded guilty to indecent exposure.
Which island was this that prohibits sex
between men?
amendment because they see the injustice
inherent within the legislation.
Even House Speaker Thom Tillis, who supported putting Amendment One on the ballot,
sees the futility of this amendment and believes that it would not last long if it does pass.
An N.C. State student asked Tillis about the
amendment during a Q&A session, to which
he replied, “It’s a generational issue. The data
shows right now that you are a generation
away from that issue. If it passes, I think it will
be repealed within 20 years.”
If that is the case, why would we want to
allow such a piece of ephemeral legislation
come into play to begin with?
According to polling done at the end of
March, six out of every 10 people polled were
opposed to the amendment. According to
John Robinson, director of communications
for the Elon University Poll, “These results reflect what’s occurring nationwide. Opposition
to any legal recognition for same-sex couples
has been on the decline for a year and support for full marriage rights has been increas-
a. Maui
b. Jamaica
c. Dominica
d. Island of Misfit Toys
3.In Croatia, over 400 people joined a
Facebook group that threatened Pride
marchers in Split with violence. Croatia is
staunchly:
a. Jewish
b. Sikh
c. Catholic
d. Moonie
4.The National Organization for Marriage
is boycotting Starbucks because the
coffee titan:
a. charges too much for a latte
b. closed some of its stores
ing. Our results suggest that the majority of
North Carolinians do not want same-sex marriages and domestic partnerships banned in
the state constitution. Further, it appears that
citizens support at least some kind of legal
recognition for same-sex couples, either civil
unions or marriages.”
Seeing this change in the opinion of the
opposition did not just happen by chance.
Individuals, organizations and communities are
actively speaking out and informing people of
the harm this amendment will do to all North
Carolina citizens, not just the LGBT population.
As we have mentioned in recent issues,
Jen Jones of Equality North Carolina has
been literally running across the state to
spread the word about Amendment One since
January. On March 2, Jen concluded her run
in Wilmington, N.C., completing 322 miles and
having hosted anti-amendment events across
the state. Her actions have made a difference
in this fight and the support she has received
throughout her race to the ballot shows that
people of North Carolina see this amendment
as unjust.
So, what can we do now? With less than a
month to go, should we just wait and see the
results of our efforts? I believe now more than
ever we must continue to push and help to
advocate against Amendment One. While the
voter registration drives are over, there is still
time to sway the opinions of those who are
in favor of an amendment such as this. If you
still have not talked to friends, family members
and loved ones about the importance of this
issue there is still time to do so.
You can also make a visual statement
against Amendment One. Get a yard sign
to display your opposition to injustice. The
Coalition offices have some available on their
website that you can purchase and you can
find them at various places throughout the
state. You could also be creative and come
up with your own sign and personalize your
message against this amendment. I personally have always loved a good graphic T-shirt
and there are plenty out there to choose from.
On the Coalition to Protect All NC Families
website they have a store with some of these
items available for sale. It is an easy way to
display your stance on this issue and possibly
spark up a conversation.
For more ideas on how you can make a
stance against Amendment One, you can visit
the Coalition’s site. Their website has an abundance of resources and tips for ways to get
involved from home to social media sites such
as Facebook to out in your own community.
Through their website, you can also locate your
local field office and find out ways that you can
volunteer or be active within your own community. It is now time to really dig in and make
this last month before the vote count!
For more information about Amendment
One and how you can make an impact please
visit protectallncfamilies.org. : :
c. supported same-sex marriage in
Washington state
d. will not stop using that suggestive
mermaid logo
5.The Miss Universe Canada pageant disqualified contestant Jenna Talackova for:
a. falsies
b. not having a talent
c. being transgender
d. slicing another competitor’s swimsuit
to ribbons
6.Alpharetta (Ga.) High School officials say
Reuben Lack was dismissed as student
body president because he hadn’t met
expectations. Lack says it was because
he tried to make the prom inclusive for gay
students. What step has Lack just taken to
be reinstated?
a. He picketed the school board.
b. He held a sit-down strike in the principal’s
office.
c. He filed a federal lawsuit.
d. He chained himself to a math teacher.
7.Which performer announced her intention
to speak out against St. Petersburg’s nasty
new anti-gay law at her August concert in
the Russian city?
a. Cyndi Lauper
b. Lady Gaga
c. Madonna
d. Miss Piggy
For each question, the answer is “c.”
But, you knew that, didn’t you? Just nod. I’ll
believe you. : :
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April 14-27 . 2012
LIFE
20 Questions
by David Stout :: [email protected]
Peter Presta, Charlotte
Hey DJ! Put a record on — I wanna
dance with my baby! International circuit
DJ Peter Presta is a recent transplant to
Charlotte. Over his career, the Brooklyn,
N.Y., native has racked up over 400 productions and remixes for artists spanning from
Usher to Duran Duran to Sade. Not too
shabby, right? His DJ sets have taken him
around the world filling up three passports.
Here at home, he’s packing ’em in tight
at Marigny with his monthly “Be Proud”
parties that shake the dancefloor and raise
funds for local LGBT groups. You know how
we are here at 20 Questions — we had to
find out more about the Queen City’s new
club culture Queen Bee. Keep reading to
see what we learned.
If you were a shoe, what kind would you be?
A high heel. It’s sexy, strong and reaches to
the top.
What food do you most associate with
your childhood?
You’re kidding right? Pizza!
If you could only have one dance music
album in your collection, what would it be?
Boy George’s first album.
How long do you typically wait between
haircuts?
I get a haircut every week.
Which pro athlete would you like to trade
places with for a day?
Rocky Balboa…does that count?
How do these John Travolta films rank
based on the number of times you’ve seen
them: “Grease,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Look Who’s
Talking,” “Saturday Night Fever”?
“Saturday Night Fever” (come on, I’m from
Brooklyn, watch it at least twice a year);
“Grease” (maybe once every other year);
“Pulp Fiction” (maybe once every other year);
“Look Who’s Talking” (never).
Have you ever read a Nicholas Sparks novel?
I’m not sure if I’ve ever read a book. Did I
graduate? Wait a minute, let me think! LOL!
Do you have any scars from an accident
or injury?
I have a few scars on my eye, underneath my
chin and on my leg. Are street fights accidents?
Ha!
Can you juggle?
I juggle my balls in the shower! No I did not!
LOL!
What is your all-time favorite board game?
Monopoly. I just love taking over cities.
Do you prefer to watch foreign films with
subtitles or dubbed into English?
Dubbed into English. Didn’t I just mention that
I’ve never read a book. Pffff!
What is the largest event you’ve ever DJ’d?
Parade Festival France, which holds millions in the streets, with other global DJs and
PRIDEFEST, which holds over 100,000-plus
people. (I was the main attraction for this one.)
What household chore
have you been putting off
for much too long?
Cleaning my studio and
my record room. Did I
mention that I have over
100,000 vinyl discs —
all disco!
Which painter (living or
dead) would you like to
be seated beside at a
dinner party?
My close friend Marc
Carranza who was one of NY’s most legendary graffiti writers. He died in a car accident. I
was supposed to be with him that night. I miss
you Marc!
Do you currently own a physical or digital
copy of any porn film?
Wanna hear a funny story? I used to sell pornos on VHS tape out of my car. This was when
I had a beeper!
Boiled cabbage, cole slaw or sauerkraut?
F*ck…I love it all.
Who is the funniest female stand-up
comedian?
Ellen DeGeneres.
Have you ever been parachuting or
parasailing?
I never done either of them but I would love to.
How many bumper stickers are on your car?
None.
Who are the top five dance music divas of
all time?
Madonna, Boy George (he’s a diva, right?),
Donna Summer, Diana Ross and definitely
Sylvester!
Does the adage “less is more” have any
relevance to sex?
Sure thing — talk less, get more sex!
We want you to be the subject of a
future “20 Questions.” If you’re interested,
send your name, city and a few sentences
about yourself to [email protected].
You’ll be asked to supply a photo of yourself suitable for publication later in the
process. If you’d like to see a particular
person featured here or have questions
for us to use, drop us an email.
April 14-27 . 2012
qnotes
BRIEFS
news notes:
from the carolinas, nation and world
compiled by Lainey Millen :: [email protected] | David Stout :: [email protected] | O’Neale Atkinson :: [email protected]
It’s festival time!
RALEIGH — The LGBT Center of Raleigh,
411 Hillsborough St., has announced that its
OutRaleigh Street Festival will be held on
May 5, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., from Fayetteville St. at
the capitol all the way to City Plaza. Theme is
“All Families Matter” with a special focus on
the May 8 Amendment One ballot measure
with volunteers of the Coalition to Protect All
NC Families on hand to answer questions.
Equality North Carolina is encouraging voters
to take advantage of the last day of early
voting on May 5. Go vote and then join the
festivities at the capital city.
About 80 vendors are expected to showcase their goods and services. Attendees can
peruse the booths and exhibits, as well as the
festival free of charge. The event will happen come rain or shine. Last year the event
attracted 6,000 and organizers are hoping for
10,000 next month.
This family-friendly atmosphere will
include a main stage performance area complete with local and regional musical groups,
along with dignitaries and speakers. They
have the children covered with the KidsZone,
where kids will be able to enjoy free activities
and educational entertainment.
Who’s Bad, the Ultimate Michael Jackson
Tribute Band, as well as Kristy Lee will be on
hand to entertain, along with Someone’s Sister
qnotes
and a host of other acts to satisfy every palette.
Special performances by Team Don’t H8, a
Gastonia dance team that embraces diversity,
and DV8, a group of teens from Burke County,
who will be providing characterizations on the
issues of intolerance, inequality and rejection
through song, dance, sign shows, and painting.
Rev. Jimmy Creech will join other faith leaders for the festivities, as well as other speakers.
The event is seeking volunteers. Training
is scheduled for April 24, 25 and 28.
Many events request an OutBand which
can be purchased for $5 at the center or at
the festival.
Read the entire story online at goqnotes.
com/14782
For extended detail on events and other
information, including ticket purchases, etc.,
visit outraleigh.org.
— L.M.
Charlotte
City says no to Pride
SALISBURY — A gay Pride event has
been denied a permit to stage its festivities
the Salisbury Post reported.
In 2011, 2,000 attendees and 200 protesters
gathered for the first Pride event held in this
lower Piedmont town.
Organizers wanted to secure the 100 block
of E. Fisher St., as it had last year, but were
told no due to safety concerns.
Police Chief Rory Collins did share that
he “would grant the request under certain
circumstances.” Suggested would be a partnership with a private property owner in the
downtown area to use a parking lot that could
be secured to deter the mingling of protesters
with event participants.
Already, some suggestions were recommended and if they use private property they
do not have to secure a permit to host the event.
The organizers’ Facebook page stated that
an announcement was forthcoming.
— L.M.
Triad
Page call out big guns
GREENSBORO — One of North Carolina’s
most supportive, gay-owned companies
has sent out a plea to large donors to ante
up in the fight against Amendment One, The
Advocate reported.
Of course, Bob
Page (pictured), owner of Replacements,
Ltd., is no stranger
to lending his hand
to LGBT causes. He
indicated that contributors who had dug
deep for California
and New York efforts
have not followed suit with regard to the
North Carolina ballot initiative. He said that
to “win this battle” supporters across the
country need to chip in.
Page added that educating the public about the real issues surrounding the
aftermath of passage of Amendment One is
one of the top challenges, but so necessary.
Radio and television ads and commentary are
important tools to share the message.
— L.M.
Triangle
Tar Heel groups oppose A1
CHAPEL HILL — On April 5, 600 University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill students
donned yellow shirts to show their opposition
to the Amendment One measure that will appear on the ballot on May 8.
The Daily Tar Heel reported that sophomore Josh Orol headed up the action for the
UNC Coalition Against Amendment One.
Other days are planned for the awareness
campaign. The group says that education is
one of the key components of the initiative.
Meanwhile, the university’s Employee
Forum has unofficially asserted its opposition as well. Jackie Overton, the Forum chair,
said that if Amendment One passed, it would
affect “many people, not just gay couples.”
A letter was sent to Chancellor Holden Thorp
from Forum participants that the measure
was vague legislation, was discriminatory
and had a negative impact of faculty and staff,
especially in the area of benefit loss.
“The coalition includes campus groups
such as Project Dinah, Feminist Students
United, Young Democrats, Students for a
April 14-27 . 2012
Democratic Society and the Gay, Lesbian,
Bisexual, Transgender and Straight Alliance,”
the Tar Heel shared.
Francis Wong, co-president of the UNC
Roosevelt Institute, indicated that its focus
was more from a departmental perspective,
both from the foreign policy and economics
arenas, and has taken that approach which is
different that the other groups.
— L.M.
Library expands offering
RALEIGH — The LGBT Center of Raleigh,
411 Hillsborough St., has announced that it
has launched its library multimedia membership program, Disc Club, for DVDs and CDs.
On April 6 is debuted a collection of more
than 150 titles. There is also a non-circulating collection available for viewing on the
center’s premises only.
Membership is open to Wake, Durham
and Orange county residents over the age of
18 or currently registered with a valid center
library card. A one-time fee of $5 is required
and may be obtained at the center.
For more information, visit lgbtcenterof
raleigh.com.
— L.M.
Regional
Movie filming heads to N.C.
STATEWIDE — Gay U.S.A. The Movie will
be venturing South to the Tar Heel state to
capture footage as a backdrop that will feature Amendment One for its film. They have
already visited a number other states across
the country, including California, New York,
Minnesota, D.C., Washington.
The project’s staff say that North Carolina
is is critical with regard to the fight for marriage equality.
Kristina Lapinski serves as producer.
People from every walk of life have been
interviewed for the documentary.
Businesses interested in participating or
helping out should email [email protected]. Participation comes with being
named a sponsor of the project.
For more information, visit
gayusathemovie.com.
— L.M.
National/Global
Bill targets condom convictions
NEW YORK, N.Y. — State legislators are
being urged to reconsider and support the
passage of bill S323/A1008, a measure that
would prevent police and prosecutors from
using possession of condoms as evidence of
prostitution and prostitution-related offenses.
Advocates say passing this bill is a critical step
toward protecting the health of communities
disproportionately impacted by HIV, including
gay and bisexual
men, transgender
people, at-risk youth
and sex workers.
“It makes no
sense that the New
York City Department
of Public Health has
distributed over 200
million free condoms
as a matter of good
public health practice, and then the NYPD and
prosecutors try to use them as evidence of
prostitution,” said Hayley Gorenberg (pictured),
Lambda Legal Deputy Legal Director. “When
law enforcement sends a message not to
carry condoms, it puts the health and safety
of New Yorkers in jeopardy. Now it is the
legislature’s responsibility to take action to
protect the public.”
S323/A1008 is one of the more than 300
bills the New York state legislature has filed
away to the Rules Committee preventing them
from being voted on.
— D.S.
LGBT orgs address Martin killing
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A coalition of 29
national LGBT rights organizations issued
an open letter April 2 declaring the killing of
17-year-old African-American Trayvon Martin
a “national call to action” urging local and
federal authorities to find answers in the case
and demanding justice be served.
The open letter states, in part, “The tragic
killing of Trayvon Martin is a national call to
action. … Many in our community have been
targets of bigotry and bias. We have a great
deal of experience grappling with the role
bias plays in violent crimes against our communities. We well know the stories of young
people targeted for violence just because of
who they are: Rashawn Brazell, Lawrence
King, Ali Forney, Deoni Jones, Brandon White,
Matthew Shepard, Angie Zapata, Sean
Kennedy and countless others.
“Trayvon’s killing is a wakeup call to the
enduring cancer of racism and racial profiling.
The pain his family continues to endure transcends communities and unites us all. Every
person, regardless of race, religion, sexual
orientation or gender identity, must be able to
walk the streets without fear for their safety.”
— D.S.
Boehner chided for appointment
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. House
Speaker John Boehner drew fire for his
March 27 appointment of Robert George,
co-founder and chairman emeritus of
the National Organization for Marriage,
to the U.S. Commission for International
Religious Freedom, which, according to the
Commission’s chairman, addresses “the challenges of religious extremism, intolerance,
and repression throughout the world.”
The appointment was made on the
same day the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
released internal documents detailing NOM’s
divisive, racially-charged strategy to stop
marriage equality.
“For the Speaker to appoint someone
who embodies NOM’s deep seated anti-gay
animus is the wrong thing to do,” said HRC
President Joe Solmonese. “This appointment
is counter to the Commission’s stated mission
because George represents a narrow and
exclusionary ideology. Unfortunately, Rep.
Boehner has further aligned himself with the
extremist wing of his party.”
— D.S.
speakers who gather with students for student
leadership development, campus organizing
techniques, conflict management, social justice advocacy, diversity education and more.
Zach Wahls, the YouTube “two moms”
sensation and young adult leader, will be hosted by Camp Pride, as well as being presented
with the National Voice & Action Award for
his stand on marriage equality.
Early registration at $815 runs through
May 1. Afterward the price goes up to $945.
First-priority deadline for scholarship application is April 16.
For more information, visit campuspride/
org/camppride/.
— L.M.
Black, Latino marriage support up
NEW YORK, N.Y. — GLAAD and the
Human Rights Campaign have released
statistics showing broad support for LGBT
people among the African-American, as well
as the Latino and Hispanic communities. The
statistics were compiled after HRC released
internal documents from the National
Organization for Marriage (NOM) revealing the group’s campaign to foster hostility
between the LGBT community and the Black
and Latino communities.
After the documents were released, former
NAACP Chairman Julian Bond called NOM’s
tactics “reprehensible.” Recent studies show
that NOM’s plan has not been successful, with
a majority of African-American, Latino and
Hispanic people supporting LGBT Americans.
A 2010 Bendixen & Amandi International
poll found 74 percent of Latinos support marriage equality or other forms of legal recognition for gay and lesbian couples. Similarly,
a NBC/Wall Street Journal poll released in
March 2012 showed support for marriage
equality among African-Americans at 50 percent. A Field Poll of California voters released
in February 2012 found that 53 percent of
Latino and 50 percent of African-American
respondents approved of same-sex marriage.
— D.S.
Trans beauty contestant OK’d
TORONTO, Canada — After initially being
selected as one of 65 finalists for the Miss
Universe Canada competition, and subsequently deemed ineligible because she is
transgender, at press time Jenna Talackova of
Vancouver is back in the May 19 contest.
Following the reinstatement pageant officials said in a statement, “The Miss Universe
Organization will allow Jenna Talackova (pictured) to compete in the 2012 Miss Universe
Canada pageant provided she meets the legal
gender recognition requirements
of Canada, and the
standards established by other international competitions.” Talackova’s
birth certificate,
driver’s license and
passport all reflect
the fact that she is female.
“The Miss Universe Organization made
the right decision and has taken an important first step,” said GLAAD spokesperson
Herndon Graddick. “Now, GLAAD urges the
Organization to include all women and use
this incident to speak out in support of the
transgender community.”
— D.S.
Campus Scene
Early bird registration nears
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Camp Pride will be
held from July 17-22 at Vanderbilt University in
Nashville, Tenn.
This annual event features top leaders and
April 14-27 . 2012
qnotes
A&E
From Southern hills to the
Hollywood lights
Musical artist gets major break with TV network as platform
by Lainey Millen :: [email protected]
A
cross the globe, a variety of talented musical artists and
vocalists hope to find a conduit into the Big Show — being showcased on national television, as well as growing
a larger-than-life persona that would increase numbers at
concerts to throngs of devoted fans.
This journey is not always easy, nor is it free from the challenges that beset the entertainment industry. Struggles abound.
Producers and record company executives say no. Gigs at local
clubs may be few and far between. Bills have to be met and
sometimes artists resort to sleeping in their car because they
don’t have enough money otherwise to survive.
In an effort to help foster new talent, shows like “American
Idol,” “America’s Got Talent,” “The XFactor” and “The Voice”
bring to the stage a boatload of superstar wannabes. Some
have the chops to make it big, as seen by Kelly Clarkson, Carrie
Underwood, Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson and Adam Lambert.
Others have a modest career afterward. But, without these
shows, these executives would be hard pressed to find new,
raw artists from which to develop big careers. These wide nets
form a quicker way to cut through a swarth of people who are
looking for a chance, a break. Industry executives have seen
how this formula works and how successful it can be. One such
master is Mark Burnett, a television producer who has brought
shows, such as successful ventures like “The Apprentice”
and “Survivor,” to viewers everywhere. Last year, he and his
organization brought “The Voice” to the U.S. It was modeled
after “The Voice of Holland” and it debuted on April 26, 2011 on
NBC, with Carson Daly as host and Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo
Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton as coaches. These topof-the-charts coaches nurture aspiring artists as they compete
for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for the winner — a
contract with Universal Republic and $100,000.
Photo Credit:
V. Michelle Oprisi
qnotes
April 14-27 . 2012
On a dare by Chris Monteleone
with whom she had recorded two
CDs at Sound Box Studios in Ft.
Lauderdale, Fla., one such contender downloaded an audition to
YouTube for the show’s producers, never expecting to ever hear
from them. When she got a call an hour later that she’d been
selected to come to Hollywood for the blind auditions round, she
was really surprised, shocked and elated. But, she was still a little
skeptical. She was in her 40s and has been playing at clubs and
bars in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., as well as other venues regionally and
nationally for decades. She’d have to see how this played out.
Early days
So, who is this artist and what makes her tick?
Beverly McClellan was born in Kingsport, Tenn., and lived in
Gate City, Va., just over the border until she was 13, when she,
her mother and stepdad, headed to Florida. She was blessed
with a set of lungs that could belt out blues tunes, her favorite
genre, as well as rock. This bald, bodacious and beautiful singer
expresses herself in a sometimes vocal, sometimes reserved
demeanor. She learned at an early age that there was no place
for an ego at church. So, she developed a respectful manner.
Rest assured, however, she exudes fearlessness. She learned
from early on that reverence was something to be embraced. In
fact, she loved the land from whence she came. Her most cherished memories as a child were going to her Uncle Bill’s farm in
Hiltons, Va., everyday after 3 p.m. when he got off work where
she fed horses, pigs and cows and even hunted with a passel of
dogs. She thoroughly enjoyed the times at the farm where she
was able to do chores with her uncle who was a U.S. Postal
Service carrier. Her mother, who had a passion for bluegrass,
played piano at church and McClellan was not allowed to listen
to rock ’n roll, nor was she allowed to watch
television, with the exception of “Hee Haw”
and a few other similar programs. Her favorite
singer back in those days was Dolly Parton
who was on the “Porter Waggoner Show,”
which she was also granted permission to
watch. She said that Parton was the person
who inspired her and instilled in her a love of
music. She thought they were similar in that
both were girls from the sticks. As a child,
McClellan ventured with family to the Carter
Family Fold twice a month to listen to gospel
performances. Her Papaw thoroughly enjoyed
it. At the age of nine, while listening to them
perform, she had an opportunity to sing
“Amazing Grace” alongside Mother Maybelle
Carter, a masterful county matriarch, not
realizing that this was an impressive feat for
one so young. She had no idea how important
this Carter legend was to the music industry.
“I was just a kid. I didn’t know,” she said. As
an adult looking back on this opportunity,
she realized just what a rare privilege it was
to have had this chance. McClellan played
Carter Family songs on a record player and
used a hairbrush as a microphone while she
“performed” as she fostered her musicality.
Early influences
McClellan loved her first rock album
that she was allowed to buy, the “Grease”
soundtrack with John Travolta and Olivia
Newton-John. That followed with Donna
Summer and her “Hot Stuff” tune and Kenny
Rogers’ “The Gambler.” Journey (which spearheaded her move to the piano) and Bob Seeger
inspired her for a long time as she began to
develop her craft and style. She did not find her
way to the blues until her late 20s or early 30s
when she heard her all-time favorite artist, Etta
James. “This is what I want to be. This is how
I want to write and how I want to be on stage.
This is it for me,” she recounted. To this day,
her number one genre of music of choice is the
blues which she says “is the truth.”
A sojourn as a radiologist, dental assistant
and hygienist did not satisfy her passion for
music. She was not going to live her life in
fear, so she continued to pursue her dream.
She never had any questions about her
sexuality. She knew she always “liked girls
better. I liked to hit boys and play with them and
be their best friend.” She has never hidden her
orientation and “would have lived it as loud
as I live it now,” had she been in conservative
Southwest Virginia instead of liberal Florida as
a teenager. She says that she has a relationship with God and feels that He would think
that she is “so interesting,” that she was okay
just the way He made her and would welcome
her into Heaven. She hopes that when she gets
to Heaven she will get to meet James and play
music with her “in the by and by.”
Lightening strike
Years later, she would walk onto a stage
on a nationally televised show. Her strength
was apparent as she sang for “The Voice”
coaches and hoped for a chance. Aguilera
was one of those who heard her strong,
rocking sound and wanted her on her team.
McClellan joined her and the clock began
ticking in a bid to get the final prize.
So, what was it like to be an out lesbian on
a competition show such as this? McClellan
said that it was never an issue. Entertainment
Weekly wrote that “The Voice” was “relaxed
about being gay-friendly.” She added that the
producer, Burnett, was always embracing
toward the gay and lesbian cast members. He
was not homophobic. And, he made sure that
everyone was greeted with warmth, in addition to handled with dignity. McClellan was
never asked to be anything other than herself.
Had she been asked to do anything different,
she said that she would have left.
Admitting that being on a reality TV show
is challenging, she added that “you have
to want it.” Fear had no real place if a win
were to be had. A “balls to the wall, go for it”
mentality had to be prevalent. And, she got
that urging from her coach, Aguilera, who
was proud to haver her on her team. Aguilera
told her in a one-one-one to be “you and no
one else.” She loves all of the coaches and
joked that she’d like to take Shelton out to the
woods to hunt.
Why in today’s world would a show
contestant have to hide one’s authentic self?
It seems to this writer that “The Voice” is one
place that presses against the norm of cloaking the sexuality of its contestants, at least it
seems like that. Who remembers the speculation in Season 2 of “American Idol” about Clay
Aiken? It seemed that it’s show’s producers
were more comfortable with shadowing the
gay-ness, rather than creating a space for the
cast to be who they were. Now Aiken is an
out performer and activist. He’s even done a
short video against Amendment One.
Since “The Voice” is on an NBC Universal
network channel, it further exemplifies the
brand with its other cable sisters such as Bravo.
It is seasoned quite well with many shows that
feature out members of the LGBT community. Wikipedia lists around 100 reality shows
that have featured LGBT cast members
dating back to 1973 with Lance Loud on “An
American Family.” This documentary that ran
on PBS was a groundbreaking series. It was
not until 1992 that “The Real World” franchise
began what has now seen over 25 people
occupying the illustrious spot at cities across
the nation. A number of the shows listed are
not competitive in nature, but network hopes
for cutting edge programming outweighed
concerns over bigotry.
Fast forward
Today, McClellan is touring with many
staple acts, such as B.B. King. She was also
nominated as an Outstanding Music Artist
for the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards.
She plays more than 10 instruments, including guitar, trumpet, French horn and a host of
other fretted and percussive devices.
What’s McClellan’s message to anyone
on going for the gold? “Don’t fear life. Love it.
Live it,” she expressed. That message comes
out loud and clear on her own body. Artwork
on her upper chest reads “Fear Nothing.”
This is also the title of her recent CD that
sports a variety of tunes, from the energetic
to the soulful. Also, adorning her body is
a tattoo of a microphone with a peacock.
McClellan says that she had to get that one
after her experience on “The Voice.” Of
course, the peacock represents the NBC
logo and the microphone symbolizes her love
of music and her singing career.
She is forever indebted to Burnett (whom
she says is one of the most lovely men one
could ever meet) and the rest of the cast,
crew and staff for her positive experience.
She says she has made life-long friendships
and knows that she could call upon not
only Aguilera, but any of the other coaches
with whom she became quite close. In fact,
because of the tight community a production
of this nature creates, everyone became like
family. “No one can do you better than you,”
Aguilera told McClellan. Sound advice for
anyone wanting to enter into an environment
such as “The Voice.” At the end, she netted a
third-place finish, but felt like a winner.
McClellan says that if she had a chance to
work with a contestant from one of the other
singing shows, working with Adam Lambert
would be desirable. She loves his voice and
his crazy energy. She thought that their voices
would make for an interesting mashup.
Her talents and her journey can best be
summed up from “I Will Never Forget” on
her latest CD. It says, “Them Tennessee Hills
sure knew how to raise me/To the woman
I am, with a song in my heart/My momma
sang to me tender, soul-felt music/And gospel
from the hills is a mighty fine way to start.”
McClellan sure has had a lucky break on her
sojourn and her life so far has been the inspiration to carry her forward, singing “Hold on
to the ones that complete your presence.” : :
For more on McClellan, read the full story
online at goqnotes.com/14780.
April 14-27 . 2012
qnotes
A&E
C
Cazwell larger
than life
Superstar talks about the Queen City,
Peaches and more!
by O’Neale Atkinson :: [email protected]
azwell isn’t a new face on the music
scene, but since he began working with
the record label Peace Biscuit, he has
become a much larger presence in the LGBT
music scene outside of New York. His unique
mixing of dance beats and hip-hop blend with
sexy, and sometimes hilarious, lyrical content
to create a sound that is fun, engaging and
truly his own. He has described his style as “if
Biggie Smalls ate Donna Summer for breakfast.” Cazwell visited the Queen City on Jan. 25
to play at Phoenix Nightclub’s official 2012 HRC
North Carolina Gala after party and we had a
chance to talk with him before the show.
Have you had the chance to perform in
Charlotte before?
I actually have. When I first started my
solo career I had a song with Avenue D called
“The Sex That I Need” and I would tour with
them. I played in Charlotte a couple of times
with them. I really felt that the people of
Charlotte have a good sense of style. I have
met a couple of stylists from Charlotte and I
really like what I’ve seen. I have a T-shirt with
North Carolina on it, so I’m going to make sure
I wear it.
In your new video “Unzip Me” you were
working with Peaches; how was getting to
work with her and collaborating on a piece
together?
She’s amazing. She just does what she wants
and doesn’t really play by the rules. We share
a lot of the same friends. She was in New
York and we were hanging out and I told her
I would love to do a song together. She told
me to send it to her. I actually sent her three
songs because I didn’t want her to be able to
say no. She chose “Unzip Me” and I thought
it was awesome. I remember the moment I
got her vocals a cappella and I got chills. I
couldn’t believe Peaches was going to be in
my song. Her voice is just so strong and badgirl that she brought a whole new element to
the track that I knew she would.
When we were doing the video we had a
lot of solo shots without each other and when
we finally got to be with each other
at the end of the day in front of the
camera, I remember having a minianxiety attack. Just looking at her
and realizing that she was right there
beside me and wondering if I was
cool enough to be standing beside
her. She is the ultimate.
You are working on your second
full-length album with Peace Biscuit
right now. How is that going?
It is going really good. I feel like I am
in a race against time right now to
finish all of my vocals. I really want
to turn in a bunch of songs that I
actually want on the album. I want it
to be my own personal masterpiece,
so I am trying to get things done and
record every day.
I just finished shooting a video
called “Rice & Beans” which is going to be my next single. It is actually
my 10th video and I am really excited
about it. It is going to be the best
video I have ever done. I definitely
look better than I ever have. I have
changed my diet and my workout
10
qnotes
April 14-27 . 2012
routine. It also has this Latino-boy theme and
it’s going to be sickening!
In May, North Carolina is voting on
Amendment One, a constitutional amendment
to ban gay marriage. What are your thoughts
on an amendment like this and what would
you say to people who are against gay
marriage?
Besides “lighten up?” You know it’s hard to
know what to say to people who are so head
strong about taking away other people’s
happiness because I don’t get it. I really don’t
get it. I think people need to realize that just
because you don’t understand something
doesn’t make it wrong.
I just got the chance to see this movie
“For the Bible Tells Me So” a couple of
months ago. I really liked that documentary
and I really liked how honest it is. There is
this part with this woman who has a daughter that is a lesbian and she talks about how
uncomfortable it makes her, but she couldn’t
really wrap her head around why. Finally the
woman is just driving and she just says “you
know, the ultimate answer to me is I just
can’t be comfortable imagining my daughter
having sex with another woman” and I think
that is the thing. The bottom line is people
just aren’t comfortable thinking about gay
sex. For me, when it comes down to gay
marriage and people who oppose it, just because it makes you uncomfortable and you
don’t get it doesn’t make it wrong. Clearly it is
right for somebody.
The way for straight people to end their
homophobia is to hang out with other straight
people who aren’t homophobic. It can seem
kind of one-sided coming from a gay person
telling a straight person to not be homophobic. I think the way to end it is more and more
heterosexual support. If it’s only gay people
asking for gay rights it’s not going to happen
as fast, but when it’s straight people asking for
basic human rights then it’s different. : :
For more on Cazwell, read the rest of the
interview online at goqnotes.com/14778.
Photo Credit: Marco Ovando
on the map
nightlife
Sunday
Barbeque & Bloody Marys, Bar at 316
free BBQ from 3-6 p.m.
Super Sundays with Aiesha Paris, Nickel Bar
starts at 8 p.m.
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.
Friday
Wednesday
Game Night, Bar at 316
Team Trivia and Line Dancing, Hartigan’s
starts at 8 p.m.
’90s music night, Nickel Bar
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.
Thursday
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.
Karaoke Night, The Rainbow In
free for members. $5 guests. $6 under 21.
Underwear Night, The Woodshed
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.
Live DJ, Nickel Bar
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.
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.
Saturday
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
Soul Music, Nickel Bar
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.
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]
April 14-27 . 2012
qnotes
11
A&E
drag rag
by miss della
qnotes contributor
It’s never too late!
Oh, my gosh — let’s see
what I can mess up this time! I
must have been tapping away
while I was falling asleep that
last time — all this talk about
going to the formers show
in Hickory for Miss NC
U.S.of A., and didn’t even
mention the results!
Saywhat? Seems like I
missed something else,
too — I’ll figure it out
shortly.
Anyway, a huge congrats goes out to Jamie
Monroe who won Miss
NC U.S.ofA. Her 1st runner-up was London Dior.
That’s some good representation for NC, for
sure. London did well
last year and Jamie
has been in the Top 5
before, so maybe we
can get another Carolina
girl in the Top 12 again! I
know it will be a homecoming
for Jamie since her days as
Miss Georgia — she’ll see a lot
of familiar faces from her days
of competing a few years ago.
12
qnotes
April 14-27 . 2012
Other qualifiers to apply for
Luscious’ job will be Miss GA Kennedy
Davenport and RU Vanessa DeMornay;
Miss Iowa Lady Adawins and RU
Chanel Cavalier; Miss IL Mahajaney
DeMornay; and Miss Ohio Leah
Halsten with RU Alana Reign.
Our promo this time is of Kirby
Kolby, our Miss America from
Raleigh, NC. At least I have
not let y’all down with the
pics I’ve promised! Kirby
has already reigned
royally over her
first two prelims
— Miss MidAmerica which
Sally Sparkles
won and RU
was Blair
Williams and
Miss Gay
DC, which
was Kirby’s
prelim last
year. Chantel
Rashae won and
her RU was Roxy
Brooks. Speaking of
Misses America, I
Kirby Kolby of Raleigh,
had to do a doublethe reigning Miss Gay America
take the other day
as I walked by a book and gift store in
downtown and spied a book by former MGA
Brandi Alexander’s creator, Randy Fenoli. He
is an F.I.T. graduate and is a gown designer
and TV personality who has done a book
called “It’s All About the Gown” and helps
ladies choose gowns appropriate to their
skin tone, size, taste and age. And, of course,
he’s always decked out — such a dresser he
is (and always has been)!
On the Continental scene, the new Miss
VA is Jasmine International and Miss VA
Elite is The Legendary Misty Knight. Miss
Chicago is Anastasia Deveroux and the PLUS
titleholder is Milani Ninjah. Y’all know tickets
to Miss Continental go on sale in early July
— only four months away! Don’t be clowning, asking somebody when they go on sale
after the house is sold out again, ok?
On the local scene, I’m still working
on that column I promised about the Don’t
H8 contests. They’ll be crowning the next
ones before I get it done, I guess. They sure
are some good kids — Chip and several
entertainers recently did a fundraiser for
my oldest sponsored son’s schooling. You
remember, the one we built the house for?
Yes, Gerardo. Anyway, the show was at
the Connection in Gastonia and featured
Chip, his partner Felicity Ferraro, Country
Cassanova, Andrea Carlisle, Tommy D. and
Aurora Carlisle. I know I’ve missed somebody here, too. Like I always say — drop me
an email and read the ole bitch! I’ll make it
right eventually.
We’ll talk about prelims to Miss NC
America the next time and heaven only knows
what else — something I didn’t make notes
on, I’m sure! : :
info: Drop me a line, OK?
[email protected]
Ask Dr. C…HIV and healthcare advice
Helping to keep you in the know with up-to-date information
by Frederick Cruickshank ~ Medical Director
After many successful installments of “Ask
Dr. C,” this is yet another opportunity to offer our
readers information about HIV from basic questions
to in-depth explanations. We are still receiving
many of your questions and are working hard to
provide responses to as many questions as possible
to provide information for you and the community.
The questions have provided us a forum to debunk
myths and remove stigma from those living with
HIV and AIDS. It is important to educate yourself,
get tested, and protect yourself! We appreciate
every question we receive! Dr. C looks forward to
responding to as many emails as possible.
I have heard that diseases like West Nile
are transmitted from person to person
by mosquito bites. Can I get HIV from a
mosquito bite?
— Dave from Charlotte
Dave, thanks for asking this question. It is true that
mosquitos often aid in the transmission of certain
diseases. In the case of the West Nile Virus, the
mosquito is infected with the virus after a blood
meal and spreads the infection by injecting its
salivia in its next victim. In warmer climates where
mosquitos flourish, people often use mosquito nets
and insect repellant to protect themselves from
bites. However, there is no need for you to worry
about becoming infected with HIV from a mosquito
bite. When a mosquito bites it injects its own saliva
as a lubricant for the blood meal it receives from
you. It does not inject blood or fluids that would
contain HIV from its last blood meal. You will most
likely just experience temporary irritation of the
skin. I suggest a topical antihistamine, such as
Benadryl cream, for relief. If you have a severe
reaction to an insect bite resulting in a rash or
swelling, I would suggest that you go to your doctor
to let him/her check it out to be safe.
Is there a vaccine I can get to protect
myself from contracting HIV/AIDS?
— Hillary from Mooresville
Hillary, I am glad you are interested in protecting
yourself from infection. While research is
always being done to increase our knowledge
of HIV/AIDS, currently there is not a vaccine or
cure available. We can only hope for a future
when both a vaccine and cure are a reality.
Nevertheless there are many actions you can take
to protect yourself. The most important is to only
have protected sex by using a condom. It is also
important to talk to your sexual partners about
STDs and HIV. The only way to know if your sexual
partners and/or you are positive is to get tested.
Here at Rosedale ID, we do testing on a regular
basis. It is important to know both your status
and your sexual partner’s status so that you can
both make healthy informed decisions. Some tips
on conversation starters for HIV testing with your
partner can be found on the Healthy People 2020
website (healthypeople.gov/2020) by searching
HIV. It is important to talk before you have sex by
using phrases like “Getting tested before sex can
protect both of us.” The next step is to share the
facts about STD testing with your partner. The final
step is to go get tested with your partner. It is much
easier to go together in order to provide support
for one another.
Where can I find updated statistics on
HIV/AIDS?
— Billy from Charlotte
This is a good question! It is always important for
you to educate yourself on disease including its
prevalence and incidence in the area in which
you live. The best place for you to find up to date
information is on the webpage for the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This
page is www.cdc.gov. Beyond providing you with
statistics, this website also offers a good source
of information on the disease itself. In addition
you can view global statistics on HIV/AIDS at
www.unaids.org. It is important to remember that
ANYONE can get HIV and it is not selective to one
certain race, gender, or sexuality. Protect yourself!
Does everyone who is exposed to HIV get
infected?
— Ben from Charlotte
Good question, Ben. The answer is no. It is possible
to be exposed to the infection and not become
infected. Whether a person becomes infected after
being exposed to HIV depends on how the virus
enters the body and the amount of virus that enters
the body. But, that doesn’t mean that you should
exposure yourself thinking that you will not become
infected. It only takes one exposure to HIV-infected
blood, semen or vaginal fluids to contract the
disease. Protect yourself and get tested if you think
you could have been exposed.
Always remember that this is an advice column
based on your questions and the best possible
knowledge out there. We need your questions
to help educate the community, so email them to
[email protected] and be sure to include a first
name and location. All respondents will remain
anonymous. We will try to do our best to answer,
educate and inform from your responses to this
column.
Don’t forget to visit our website at
rosedaleid.com and friend us on Facebook
for community and clinical updates.
— Sponsored Content —
April 14-27 . 2012
qnotes
13
NEWS
The cowboys are
back in town!
Queen City Stomp returns with familiar faces and some new changes
by O’Neale Atkinson :: [email protected]
It’s time to pull out the cowboy hats and
your dancing boots because Queen City
Stomp is back in town from April 20–22. The
annual country dance weekend is a product of
Southern Country Charlotte (SCC) and has been
a huge success in the community for years.
This year promises to be a continuance of good
times, friendly faces and plenty of country line
dancing with a few new changes to boot.
According to their website, SCC’s mission
is “to support local charities and lesbian/gay/
bisexual/transgender events while promoting
country and western music and dance.” It was
established in 1991 as a club of like-minded
people wishing to celebrate the country music
legacy of the South. As SCC’s participation
14
qnotes
grew and their contributions to local organizations increased, the group established itself
as a non-profit organization. SCC is also a
member of the International Association of Gay
and Lesbian Country Western Dance Clubs
(IAGLCWDC), which serves as a hub for other
similar organizations to coordinate events and
promote activities within the community.
SCC reports that they have donated over
$100,000 in the past years to multiple organizations chosen by SCC membership including
American Cancer Society, Pride Charlotte,
House of Mercy and many more. In order to
uphold their mission to support local organizations, SCC holds a number of fundraisers
including car washes, auctions, yard sales
and, of course, Queen City
Stomp. The beneficiaries
from the proceeds of
Queen City Stomp this year
will be One Voice Chorus,
The LGBT Community
Center of Charlotte and
Time Out Youth.
Queen City Stomp
was originally held at The
Eagle in Charlotte until the
establishment closed in 2009. For the past
two years the event has taken place at the
Sheraton Charlotte Airport Hotel, but this year
Queen City Stomp is returning to a local bar
and the venue just seems like a perfect fit.
April 14-27 . 2012
Hartigan’s Irish
Pub, 601 South Cedar
St,. will be the location for the majority of
the weekend festivities. The host hotel will
see Round ‘em on 18
VIEWS
on being a
gay parent
by brett webb-mitchell
qnotes contributor
Project Hate
In an article posted on the “Independent Gay Forum,”
Walter Olson — a gay dad — dug through the latest “dump” of
information gathered by the National Organization for Marriage
(NOM). What was discovered in this dump was one of the strategies that NOM used in stirring up hate toward LGBTQ people. One strategy was fanning the flame of division between those
of us in the LGBTQ community and straight allies with people
of other ethnicities, nationalities, and races. This strategy was
successful in the passage of Proposition 8 in California, where
many in the African-American, largely Church-based community voted against marriage equality.
NOM had also set aside $120,000 on a project of finding
straight children in households headed by LGBTQ parents. The
idea was to take straight children and have them talk against their
LGBTQ parents on camera. This idea is to attack our families in
the most intimate and vulnerable parts of our lives: a child-parent
relationship. Olson writes, “Whenever I hear NOM described
as ‘pro-family’ from now on, I will think of that fact.”
In reading Olson’s article, and in light of Amendment One
election in the state of North Carolina, I realize that what is
being organized around us is what I call their “pro-family”
tactic: “Project Hate.” Here’s what NOM did not anticipate in
their version of “Project Hate”: our children are smarter and
more well-adjusted than probably many of their peers.
In large part, this is due to those of us who are LGBTQ
parents living openly and honestly with our children in
a world that is largely populated by straight parents. Our
continuous conversations about being LGBTQ in this world, as
the “other,” the “gay” or “lesbian” parent(s) in schools, faith
communities, public events and daily interchanges with others
and our children, provides ample opportunities for our children
to see and hear how society perceives us.
As my mother would say during frank and open discussions
we would have around my children regarding being a gay parent,
“little pitchers have big ears.” My children heard and observed
the reaction of others in learning that I was gay, both in my
family and in my former wife’s parents, and watched carefully
the way my partner and I interacted with each other. An attitude
of welcome openness, an ambivalence or wary acceptance or
apathetic close-mindedness is not only recognized by those of us
who are LGBTQ parents, but by our children as well.
Through it all, many of our young children who are now
grown adults are speaking out and making us proud. Nationally,
in Iowa Zach Wahls, the son of two moms who are lesbian, made
YouTube history as he lectured anti-LGBTQ legislators who were
debating civil unions and equal marriage in Iowa. In response to
a Tea Partier who is against marriage equality, especially upon
the effected upon children, Wahls said, “No, I don’t feel damaged
or that my childhood was somehow scarred.”
Closer to home, my daughter recently posted “I protect ALL
NC families…Vote Against One” on her Facebook webpage
without any promptings from her Dads. And, my son focused
on my biography of being a gay dad in a recent paper for his
sociology paper in his online course at the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill.
NOM is not “pro-family.” Try as hard as they might, what
NOM is running up against in their self-destructive Project Hate
is the very thing that makes a family “a family”: the conservative and long-lasting virtues of love; perseverance; honesty;
and a spirit of grace. These attributes, embodied in the way
we embrace and live our lives as couples and families, will
always un-do NOM’s vice-tinged tendrils of envy, anger and a
confused sense of “pride.”
NOM will come to an end. As for our families? We will
continue to grow and add our voices and be a presence in the
growing diversity of this American life. : :
16/5:653(>6--0*,
3HYY`>1VOUZVU
(;;695,@
7OVUL!
-H_! 76)V_
/PJRVY`5*
31VOUZVU'31VOUZVU3H^6MÄJLJVT
April 14-27 . 2012
qnotes
15
A&E
tell trinity
by trinity
qnotes contributor
Young, gifted and gay!
Hello Trinity,
I’m writing to you because I’m 18, gay and live
in a small town. There’s not a lot for me to do.
It seems that if you’re not drinking age or live
in a big city, you’re considered a gay outcast.
Sometimes, I think there’s no place for me!
Help!
Under Age, Medford, MA
Hello Under Age,
I haven’t been underage in ages. However,
I can tell you what I (legally) did when I was
your age to meet people. Especially today, you
can a) get on the internet, b) throw parties and
invite other gay people, c) get a job at a place
where gay people frequent, d) find a gay youth
group in your community or even better, e) call
a gay youth hotline. Doing some of these things
will definitely help you. Pumpkin, being young
and gay has great value! Now get to work!
Dearest Trinity,
My best girlfriend just started dating this great
girl whom I am falling in love with. I dream
about her all the time. How do I stop myself?
Best Friend Troubles, San Diego, CA
Dearest Best Friend Troubles,
Danger! Danger! You can’t go there! You’ll
lose your best girlfriend and possibly your
self-respect. But, you can’t shut out your feelings either. So, what you can do is dream, but
no obsessing. For now, you must keep yourself
busy by meeting other women and acting very
cool around this new couple. These two may
not date forever and at that point, honey, you
can start shooting cupid’s arrow quietly. But,
please let a month or two pass first! (Saying
no is sure hard to do, but sometimes it’s the
best option. Check out my cartoon for some
advice from the garden.)
Hi Miss Trinity,
I loved seeing you sing on stage. You inspire
me! I’d love to sing too, but I’m dreadfully
afraid of being on stage. Do you have any
advice to help me get on stage?
Introverted Singer, Roanoke, VA
Hi Introverted Singer,
Many performers, including Streisand and
Garland, had an awful time being on stage.
I myself used to have that problem. But, one
night, 15 years ago, I was hired to do a show
for a hundred people in a hall in New Hope,
Penn. When I arrived wearing a dress fit for
the Grammy’s, it ended up being at a private
house party for an audience of 11 stoned, naked hippies. Needless to say, I was outraged,
livid and fit to be tied! But, the show had to go
on. I was so upset that I sang, totally forgetting that I was afraid to sing. And, I’ve been
singing ever since. Anyway, darling, keep
singing in front of people until it hurts and
eventually the pain will get numb.
Dear Trinity,
Finally, I’m thinking of coming out as a gay
man to my family, whom I live with in a very
homophobic town. Before I do, have you got
any supportive words of wisdom?
Coming Out, Lancaster, PA
Dear Coming Out,
Walk towards the light Carol Ann.
Congratulations! Coming out usually is a
shocker at first, but years later they always
say, “I never had a problem with it. You’re
crazy!” So, prepare with:
Trinity’s Graceful Tips
For Coming Out
To Someone
1. Set up a support system for yourself before
you say the holy words!
2. First, tell them you have cancer. Then say,
“Just kidding! I’m only gay!”
3. Get them to visit gay places, events or gay
groups like PFLAG.
4. Feel pride in knowing that it only gets better, after it gets worse!
5. Make sure no one is standing near a cliff
when you tell them.
6. Leave a few hints prior to the big surprise.
Like this article!
7. Get them to watch “Will and Grace” reruns.
8. Leave yourself a little financial independence before you tell them, just in case.
9. Be understanding toward their new situation! Time heals everything.
10. And, lastly, hold your ground!
— With a Masters of Divinity,
Reverend Trinity was host of “Spiritually
Speaking,” a weekly radio drama,
and now performs globally.
info:
www.telltrinity.com . [email protected]
Sponsored by: Provincetown Business Guild
800-637-8696 . www.ptown.org
Vote No! Vote No! Vote No! Vote No! Vote No!
Amendment One • May 8
Learn More About The Anti-Gay Measure!
Visit protectallncfamilies.org.
16
qnotes
April 14-27 . 2012
A&E
out in the stars
by charlene lichtenstein
qnotes contributor
April 14 - 27
Get a front seat for the fireworks when retrograde Mars redirects and trines retrograde
Pluto. Oy, vey! How much trouble can you
possibly get into? Where will your out-of-control
imagination lead you? Let’s try to imagine all the
possibilities!
ARIES (03.21-04.20) The urge is to tackle everything and everything with verve and dispatch.
Proud Rams think that they are especially efficient, but it is a mirage. Everything that you think
you have completed will come back to bite you
later because of loose ends, cursory reviews
and too little follow-up. Tell the powers-that-be
that you are on a conference call.
TAURUS (04.21-05.21) Who will be responsible
for letting queer Bulls loose on the party scene?
You will not know when enough is enough when
fun is taken to the outer limits. Mayhem ensues
and you can become grist for the gossip mill. A
gurgling romance dares you to take the plunge.
So, get out and see whom you can impress. Just
don’t stay at home and impress the sofa.
GEMINI (05.22-06.21) Electricity around the
house may cause surprising problems now. Check
for overloaded outlets and frayed wires. But, all
of this domestic investigation shouldn’t dampen
your exuberance for over-the-top home entertaining. In fact, right now you can be exceedingly
entertaining, pink Twin. Ha cha cha! But, save that
lampshade hat routine for the dim bulbs.
CANCER (06.22-07.23) Connection is the pivotal
word. What is it about gay Crabs now that
require a big discussion on every little thing. Too
much talk results in unanticipated reactions.
Can you hold it in for a few days and refine your
message? There is no dissuading you. Since you
can’t move a big boat on wind alone, might as
well turn up the motor mouth and hold on tight.
LEO (07.24-08.23) Proud Lions feel pretty darn
rosy about their financial prospects. I am not
sure why. You gleefully count your winnings, but
manage to ignore your mounting losses. Tsk, tsk.
Be practical, weigh the risks, do your homework
and carefully plot and plan for a sturdy future.
Then you will feel ready to run with the bulls…or
is it the bears? Hey, whatever turns you on.
VIRGO (08.24-09.23) You are never one to fade
into the background, but now, not only do you
outshine all competitors, you practically cast
a floodlight. Leave it to the planets to make a
staid queer Virgin a true iconoclast. Revel in
your uniqueness while you command attention
but don’t become a caricature. Self-possessed
moderation will have them eating out of your
hand. Yuck.
LIBRA (09.24-10.23) There are those who would
love to see you trip and fall so they can walk all
over you. Don’t tempt them. Gay Libras are apt
to act on their loosey-goosy gut feelings. Wait
and see how events unfold before you jump to
conclusions. On the other hand, you could catch
a few lucky breaks as their secrets are exposed
and demons revealed. Do a little exposing and
revealing yourself.
SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) Park yourself in the
middle of any group and you will surely find
someone who gets you into wild mischief. Proud
Scorps are on a rampage where every action
can have an equally dramatic reaction. But,
there can be a happy ending. By the end of this
short-but-intense period, you will know the difference between conscript and co-conspirator.
SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.22) Taking a professional
risk may be too risky. Queer Archers are chomping at the bit for advancement, recognition and
the big bucks that go with a corner office. Hold off
for a couple of weeks, buddy. Not only are your
eyes too big for your ambitions, but you may rub
a powerbroker the wrong way. Heat your oil and
pour it on once you have mastered the stove.
CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) Your reach has no
boundaries. This is the time to spread your influence and see how charged up you can get the
troops. But, filter your message through a good
editor before you blast it out to the masses. In
the heat of the moment, you may slip out an unintended remark that pops your world view. Are
you ready for primetime or fringe, pink Cap?
AQUARIUS (01.21-02.19) How short is your fuse?
Aqueerians seek a love connection, but their
ardor is more spark than slow burn. You may
tire easily or lose interest once the bait is taken.
Or, you may race off to rescue yet another lost
cause. Rather than waste energy and effort,
relax, sit back and let the adoring masses come
to you. Still waiting…still waiting…
PISCES (02.20-03.20) Whether you are part of a
pair or ache to be paired, this is a good time to
take a break from any deeply intensive relationship issue. Guppies want results now! And, they
are prepared to jump into a quest for a solution
with all fours. But, things need time to settle and
solidify. Wishing and pushing doesn’t make it so,
bubbele. Whining and pleading may however… : :
© 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.
April 14-27 . 2012
qnotes
17
Round ‘em up to ‘Stomp’
continued from page 14
be Residence Inn Uptown, 404 S. Mint St.,
located in walking distance from Hartigan’s.
Board member Robbie Furr explained that
there were several reasons for the venue
change this year. The rate increase to host
the event again at Sheraton Charlotte Airport
Hotel played a factor in the decision making, but even more was the response from
members and the public to move the event
back to a local pub. “We heard from people
in the community that they felt more comfortable when the event was held at a local
bar. Hartigan’s is the home bar for Southern
Country Charlotte so it just felt like a good fit.”
SCC believes that this change will bring more
business to their home bar, as well as bring
more new faces to the event this year.
Returning instructors Pepper Sharp and
Ronnie Mark, as well as new teachers, will
be there to lead classes during the three-day
event. There will be a tent outside Hartigan’s
where line dancing lessons will take place
all day Saturday and Sunday morning. There
18
qnotes
will be couple’s dancing in Hartigan’s lower
level. Cocktail parties will occur at Residence
Inn Uptown during the evenings. Festivities
will conclude with a dance and brunch at
Hartigan’s on Sunday.
More than just fundraising and country
dancing, the SCC and Queen City Stomp
provide a friendly and fun environment which
celebrates the LGBT community and country
music. The fun, safe and inclusive environment
has been a major appeal for many, and the reason so many people return to the event each
year. Current SCC President Dustin Bass and
his partner first participated with SCC in 2008
when they moved to Charlotte. The welcome
they received from the group enticed them to
join and they are still active members today.
Board member Robbie Furr has similar
feelings about his first encounter with SCC
and Queen City Stomp. “I am a country music
fan. I enjoy dancing. My first experience at
a gay bar was at Stomp in 2007 and I was
hooked! It was incredible the amount of
people and the dancing.” Since then he’s become a member of SCC and is on his second
year as a board member of the organization.
The beneficiaries of Queen City Stomp
are honored to be recognized by SCC and, in
turn, work with SCC to provide volunteers to
support the events of the weekend. “STOMP
is important to our community not only for the
financial support it provides to The Center and
other organizations, but for the opportunity it
provides for the LGBT community to embrace
and celebrate our love of country music
and dance!” says Center board chair John
April 14-27 . 2012
Stotler. “It brings participants from all over the
country to Charlotte for some real Southern
hospitality and country fun.”
If you are interested in learning more
about how you can volunteer to help support
Queen City Stomp and the benefitting organizations, contact [email protected].
There is still plenty of time to register
for this year’s Queen City Stomp. For more
information about hotel accommodations,
specific event times and more, visit
southerncountrycharlotte.com and
queencitystomp.com. : :
It’s time to party against Amendment One
April 28 • Charlotte
Whitney Mixter from Showtime’s ‘Real L Word’
Come party at the next FLO (For Lesbians Only) event with Whitney Mixter from Showtime’s “The Real L Word.” The
ACLU will be available to answer questions about why you should vote against Amendment One on May 8. Did you
know that this vote affects us all: straight, gay, our children and even senior citizens! They will provide registered
voters with information on where their closest polls are. Early voting starts April 19-May 5. Once the business
is over, let the fun begin when host Whitney Mixter from “The Real L Word” judges the Jell-o wrestling and wet
T-shirt contest. Food and drinks will be available. Dance performance by Twinkles at midnight. Music by DJ Terry
of Charlotte and Guest DJ MiddleGround from Greensboro. $20 and $15 Tickets are available at flowhitney2012.
eventbrite.com and at White Rabbit. The fun starts at 9:30 p.m. Petra’s Piano Bar, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.
flowhitney2012.eventbrite.com.
Q
events
qnotes
goqnotes.com/qguide/events
Celebration of the Arts
Time Out Youth and Vito Abate, with support
from Drake Dentistry, present Celebration of
the Arts for one special night. Doors open at
6:30 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. $25. Theatre
Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. Contact Time Out
Youth for more information and to purchase
tickets. 704-344-8335. timeoutyouth.org.
April 14 • Raleigh
4th Annual Jack Crum Conference on
Prophetic Ministry
A gathering of people of all faiths to honor
the tradition of faith-based social justice by
coming together to worship, learn, share
meals and stories and get engaged in a social
justice issue immediately threatening our
communities. This year’s conference will focus on mobilizing people of faith to defeat the
so called “marriage amendment” and protect
all NC families from the discriminatory harms
it would cause. One day event. Registration
required. Fairmont United Methodist Church,
2501 Clark Ave. [email protected].
‘Love Free or Die’ screening
Bishop Gene Robinson is a man whose two
defining passions — his love for God and for
his partner Mark — are considered to be in
direct conflict by some. “Love Free or Die”
focuses on those, like Robinson, whose lives
hang in the balance as churches and states
battle for LGBT equality. The film is relevant
and poignant and the hosts are proud to host
a Charlotte viewing just weeks before the NC
Amendment One vote on May 8. Dessert and
conversation to follow the screening. 4 p.m.
Myer’s Park Baptist Church, Heaton Hall, 1900
Queens Rd. mpbconline.org.
‘The Bible: The complete word of God
(abridged)’
Three actors are about to tell you the entire
(abridged) story from Genesis to Revelations
(and most of everything in between). Get
ready for a fast-paced, quick-witted comedy
… but most of all — a hilarious trip through
the greatest story ever accepted as fact.
Show will also play April 21, 22, 24, 26, 28
and 29. 7:30 p.m. Petra’s Piano Bar, 1919
Commonwealth Ave. petraspianobar.com.
Grizzlies. This year’s theme is “Ruck-Us On
Bourbon Street.” Didn’t get to go to Mardi Gras
this year? Join the Royals and emcee Roxy
C. Moorecox as they raise funds to send the
team to the Bingham Cup Tournament with a
French Quarter twist! $11 for players and auxiliary. $14 general admission. 1 p.m. Sedgefield
Middle School, 2700 Dorchester Pl. Third Half
to follow at Sidelines Sports Bar, 4544 South
Blvd. charlotteroyals.org.
April 21 • Cary
‘8’ by Dustin Lance Black
One-night-only staged reading of “8,” a play
chronicling the historic trial in the federal constitutional challenge to California’s
Proposition 8. Based on the actual words of
the trial transcripts, first-hand observations
of the courtroom drama and interviews with
the plaintiffs and the families. Admission is
free but reservations are required. 8 p.m. Cary
Academy’s Fine & Performing Arts Center,
1500 North Harrison Ave. realtheatre.org.
April 21 • Winston Salem
Red Ribbon Runway Fashion Show
Come join AIDS Care Service as the finalists
from the annual fashion design competition
strut their stuff on the runway! The evening
will feature a professional
fashion show and “Project
Runway”-style competition. There will also be food,
dancing, a silent auction,
cash bar and more. Special
celebrity judges will choose
the Best of Show winner and
Brent Campbell from Fox 8 TV
will emcee. Tickets are $30.
Purchase online at aidscareservice.org, in person at House of Plants,
507 Harvey St., or by phone at 336-777-0116.
8 p.m. Sundance Plaza Hotel, 3050 University
Pkwy. aidscareservice.org.
Charlotte Royals Prom Dress Rugby Match
Join the Charlotte Royals for their Third Annual
Prom Dress Match against the Nashville
April 21 • Durham
Coming Out in the South
The process of coming out as an LGTBQ
person — to oneself, family and friends
we want your who/what/where
entertainment.
news. views.
— can bearts.
a transformative
experience.
Join
moderator Dr. Alexis Pauline Gumbs and
members of the LGTBQ community as they
share their experiences. Co-sponsored by
the Pauli Murray Project and the Durham
Human Relations Commission. 3 p.m. Durham
County Library Auditorium, 300 N. Roxboro St.
durhamcountylibrary.org.
April 22 – 23 • Charlotte
Actor’s Theatre reading of ‘8’
Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, with license from
the American Foundation for Equal Rights
(AFER) and Broadway Impact, is proud to
announce a two-night-only reading of “8,”
a play chronicling the historic trial in the
federal constitutional challenge to
California’s Proposition 8, written by
Academy Award-winning screenwriter and AFER Founding Board
Member Dustin Lance Black. $8 for
tickets. Performance starts at
8 p.m. Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte,
650 E. Stonewall St.
actorstheatrecharlotte.org.
Masquerade: An Alternative Prom
Time Out Youth presents Masquerade: An
Alternative Prom for LGBTQ and allied youth
age 13-23. TOY approved volunteers are also
able to attend. Tickets: advance/$8 for single,
$12 for couples; door tickets/$10 for single,
$15 for couples. 7:30 p.m. Grand Central, 1000
Central Ave. Call Time Out Youth at 704-3448335 to purchase tickets. Timeoutyouth.org.
Submitting an event for inclusion in our calendar
has never been easier:
visit goqnotes.com/qguide/events/submit
Meeting Date:
Program:
Time:
Cost:
Reservations:
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Special Event, Matt Martin
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Charlotte Division
530 East Trade St.
5:30-8 p.m.
$20.
Includes apptizer, dinner, dessert, tea.
Parking across Trade St. in Preferred Parking lot,
fee applied
Advance reservations required.
email [email protected] or reserve/pay in
advance online on www.charlottebusinessguild.org
RSVP must be received one week in advance.
Attendees must present photo ID.
www.charlottebusinessguild.org
April 14-27 . 2012
qnotes
19
20
qnotes
April 14-27 . 2012

April 14-27 . 2012 qnotes

Transcription

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