Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012 qnotes

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Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
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qnotes
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qnotes
Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
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inside
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Jan. 21-Feb. 3, 2012 Vol 26 No 19
8
Photo Credit: Elvert Barnes, via Flickr. Creative Commons.
a&e / life&style
news & features
  8
10
11
12
13
15
  5 Editor steps down
  6 HRC Carolina Gala
  7 News Notes: Regional Briefs
Winter Wonderland
Tell Trinity
Out in the Stars
Drag Rag
On Being a Gay Parent
Q events calendar
charlotteobserver.com/1166/
connect
goqnotes.com
twitter.com/qnotescarolinas
opinions & views
  4 Editor’s Note
  4 General Gayety
  5 QPoll
a local news partner of
The Charlotte Observer
contributors this issue
Matt Comer, Kevin Grooms/Miss Della, Charlene
Lichtenstein, Lainey Millen, Leslie Robinson, David
Stout, Trinity, Brett Webb-Mitchell
facebook.com/qnotescarolinas
front page
Sign up for our weekly email
newsletter at goqnotes.com/subs.
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Editor: Matt Comer, x202 [email protected]
Publisher: Jim Yarbrough
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Material in qnotes is copyrighted by Pride Publishing & Typesetting © 2012 and may not be reproduced in any manner without
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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.
Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
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qnotes
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VIEWS
“I’ll get to meet
the publisher,”
I told myself.
“Perhaps, I’ll get
by matt comer
a regular opinion
[email protected]
column out of it.”
This is not ‘goodbye’
Weeks later, I
sat in qnotes’ office
with our publisher,
Jim Yarbrough, and
Friends, this is my last issue as editor
associate editor, David Stout. After a bit of
of qnotes, a position I’ve had the honor and
conversation and questioning, Jim and David
humble privilege to hold now for nearly
left the room. It felt like an eternity, though I
four-and-a-half years. As you read, my time
know it was just minutes.
with the paper has already come to an end.
The two came back into the conference
On Jan. 3, we announced my resignation
room.
and planned transition to a new position at
“We’d like to offer you the job,” Jim said.
another organization, an announcement you
With that, my life changed forever.
can read on page 5 of this print edition. My
I’ve made a multitude of new friends and
last official day on the job was Jan. 20.
acquaintances over the past four years. I’ve
Transitions are always difficult — at least
come to know a great many of our communifor me. I’m a creature of habit and routine.
ty’s wonderful, tireless and selfless leaders,
Uncertainty and the unknown of the future
volunteers and activists. I’ve enjoyed each
make me uncomfortable. But, looking back
and every day of my work, its privileges and
over these past years of service to this publichallenges equally rewarding. Above all, I’ve
cation and to this community, my nerves are
cherished meeting and conversing with this
calmed. We’ve come a long way and I with it.
publication’s loyal readers and supporters.
In the summer of 2007, I received word
Your stories, thoughts, opinions and experifrom a dear friend that my predecessor,
ences have helped to shape this publication’s
David Moore, was stepping down from his
vision, direction and future and they have
role here. My friend encouraged me to apply,
added immeasurable value and lessons to my
though I had my doubts. Never in a million
own life.
years did I think I’d become your editor.
editor’s note
Together, we have accomplished great
things, despite the fate handed down to us.
As I began my work here, the print news
industry began facing some of its most
daunting challenges. LGBT print media,
too, were facing perplexing questions. The
economic collapse — later dubbed the
“Great Recession,” though historians will, no
doubt, have the final word on nomenclature
— wrought a great deal of damage to our
profession. As other mainstream and alternative news publications folded or became
mired in the complexities of our new media
and economic landscape, qnotes remained
steady. We’ve had our struggles, but, through
sacrifice and risk-taking change, we have
had so many more triumphs.
As I prepare to leave, there are a number of items upon which I hope posterity will
take favor. I hope qnotes continues to forge
ahead into the future and grow its online
presence and readership, now the largest
local LGBT news source in the Carolinas.
I hope qnotes continues to build on its 25year legacy as a strong voice for progressive and LGBT news and thought. Finally, I
hope the paper comes fully into its own and
successfully traverses the still-rocky road
that is 21st century newsmaking.
Each of our successes is a testament to
this newspaper’s dedicated staff and team
of contributing writers and to our community
SUBSCRIBE!
VIEWS
knowledge should be, this time
concerning a matter of major
importance to the LGBT community. In Cedar Rapids, an audience
by leslie robinson
member at a campaign event
qnotes contributor
asked Perry about Lawrence v.
Perry and Lawrence v Texas: Oops!
Texas, the 2003 landmark Supreme
Court case that struck down the
sodomy law in Texas and nullified
Rick Perry jumped into the Republican presidential race
such laws across the U.S.
in August and a spate of verbal blunders followed. The Texas
As far as Perry was concerned, he might as well have been
governor is on gaffe-ing gas.
asked about Ali v. Frazier.
He flubbed the voting age, the date of the 2012 election,
“I wish I could tell you I knew every Supreme Court case. I
the number of justices on the Supreme Court and the name
don’t. I’m not a lawyer,” Perry responded, according to National
of Justice Sotomayor. Perry infamously blustered during a
Journal. After the event, Perry told a reporter he didn’t know
Republican debate that he would do away with three cabinet
what the case was.
agencies, then couldn’t remember the third. On that occasion,
That’s incredible. Lawrence v. Texas began shortly before
Gov. Goodhair, as the late columnist Molly Ivins called the
Perry became Texas’s lieutenant governor and the Supreme
impeccably coiffed Perry, went flat and lifeless.
Court heard and decided the case while he was governor.
Recently, Perry explained to Iowans the need for the
This case began in Texas, affected Texas law and conKeystone XI pipeline, saying, “Every barrel of oil that comes out
cerned his cherished conservative social values. It gave us
of those sands in Canada is a barrel of oil we don’t have to buy
gays the right to diddle each other with impunity, for heaven’s
from a foreign source.”
sake. Yet, Perry couldn’t remember it.
I hear a line of beavers has taken up a defensive position on
What will he forget next? The Alamo?
the Canadian side of the border.
ABC News blogged that in Perry’s 2010 book, “Fed Up!
Now we can add to Perry’s record another sinkhole where
Our Fight to Save America from Washington,” he referred
general gayety
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to Lawrence v. Texas as one of the cases in which “Texans
have a different view of the world than do the nine oligarchs
in robes.”
Apparently, at one time, Perry did remember the court case.
And, the number of justices on the Supreme Court. Or, at least
his ghostwriter did.
Maybe he has to learn so much these days — like the name
of North Korea’s late dictator is Kim Jong-Il, not “Kim Jong the
Second” as Perry dubbed him — that facts he previously knew
are falling out of his head to make room. Anybody standing
near him should look out for falling objects.
Back at the Blue Strawberry coffee shop, after being asked
about the Lawrence case, Perry changed the subject: “We
can sit here and, you know, play ‘I gotcha’ questions on what
about this Supreme Court case or whatever, but let me tell you,
you know and I know the problem in this country is spending in
Washington, D.C. — it’s not some court case.”
Actually, we have a number of problems in this country. One
of them is a Texan who believes he should be president even
though his brain shoots blanks.
As it happens, John G. Lawrence, one of the two plaintiffs
in Lawrence v. Texas, passed away in November. I have every
confidence that when someone mentioned to Perry that John
Lawrence died, the governor responded, “Poor Eydie. Now
who will she sing with?” : :
info: [email protected] . generalgayety.com
Third Tuesday of every month, except when
there is specialized programming, plus monthly socials to
promote networking and friendship
A wide variety of topics of interest to appeal to the
diverse LGBT community
After work with a cash bar social and heavy hor d’oeuvres
with dinner and program following
Visit the website for application options and benefits.
Call 704.565.5075
or email [email protected]
for more details or write to
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Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
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and our readers. I cannot be more grateful
and appreciative of my staff’s hard work and
of your loyalty.
I leave the paper in more than capable
hands and am very much excited to witness
the future growth of this publication under
new leadership.
But, I will miss you and I will miss the
daily work to which I’ve grown accustomed
over these past years. The life and times of
QNotes have been part-and-parcel of my own
life in nearly inextricable ways. Here, I have
grown both personally and professionally.
Here, I hope I have left a mark and a legacy.
There’s never any easy or comfortable
way to say, “Goodbye.” That’s why I refuse to
say it. This isn’t a goodbye; to the contrary, it
is merely the beginning of a new chapter in
this paper’s history and in my life as well.
Here’s to the past. Here’s to the future. It’s
been a wild and phenomenal ride. And, I look
forward to seeing what tomorrow has to hold
for you, for me, for this publication and for our
beloved community.
P.S. — I welcome the opportunity to work
with each of you in the future in new and
exciting ways. I hope you’ll follow me in my
new endeavors. You can follow my personal
commentary and other writings at my blog,
InterstateQ.com or contact me via email at
[email protected] and by phone at  
704-625-6449. : :
NEWS
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Editor Matt Comer
steps down
Comer leaves to take new position with Campus Pride
by qnotes staff
CHARLOTTE — On Jan. 3, qnotes anaided in the creation of several important
nounced the resignation of editor Matt Comer,
formal and informal partnerships between
who stepped down from his position after
the publication and other community institumore than four years of service on Jan. 20
tions, including qnotes’ recent partnership
to pursue new opportunities
with The Charlotte
with local, statewide and
Observer’s Charlotte
national LGBT communities.
News Alliance.
“As with any transition
“More people today
in life or business, saying
read qnotes than at any
goodbye can often be bittertime in its remarkable
sweet,” said Jim Yarbrough,
25-year history,” said
publisher of qnotes. “While
Comer. “I’m proud to
we are sad to see Matt leave,
have helped develop
we wish him well on his
qnotes’ new media sucfuture endeavors and have
cesses and humbled to
been excited to tackle the
have worked with such
transition to a new editor.”
a brilliant team of staff
A native of Winstonand contributing writers.
Salem, N.C., Comer was hired
I’ll remember fondly the
as qnotes’ editor in October
memories I’ve made
2007. His more than four years
here and cherish them.”
of service at the newspaper
Comer added,
After more than four years of service
saw a flurry of successes
“Though
I am departing
as qnotes’ editor, Matt Comer stepped
and innovation. In April 2008,
qnotes, I will remain a
down from the position on Jan. 20.
Comer oversaw the revitaliza- Photo Copyright: Jimmie Cobb, JC Digital
committed advocate for
tion of qnotes’ website, shep- Photography Works
the LGBT communities
herding it into the 21st century
of Charlotte and North
with new content management technologies
Carolina. I’m looking forward to my continued
that allowed the paper to publish breaking
community involvement in the Queen City and
and regular news reports and features online.
in this great state, especially as our comComer also oversaw the publication’s new
munity faces the anti-LGBT constitutional
social media strategies, creating qnotes’
amendment in May.”
first social networking profiles on MySpace,
Comer is a recipient of the South Carolina
Facebook and Twitter.
Pride Movement’s 2008 Ed Madden Media
Today, qnotes reaches thousands of
Advocacy Award. In November, he was
readers and community members via social
named Equality North Carolina’s “Equality
media and its website, goqnotes.com, which
Champion” for the Charlotte region.
receives an average of 20,000 unique visitors
Comer began work on Jan. 23 as the new
each month — making qnotes, by far, the most
communications and programs manager  
read local LGBT arts, entertainment and news
for Campus Pride, a Charlotte-based national
publication in print or online in the Carolinas.
non-profit that works to create safer campus
Also during his tenure, Comer’s insight
environments for LGBT college and univerand experience in local and state community
sity students.
affairs helped to further establish qnotes as
Comer is succeeded by O’Neale Atkinson,
the primary, go-to source for progressive
who moved to Charlotte from Columbia, S.C.,
advocacy journalism and politics coverage
six months ago. Atkinson also serves as adminon behalf of LGBT North Carolinians. He also
istrator of The LGBT Center of Charlotte. : :
qpoll
In what direction would you like the see this
publication go as it transitions into new editorial leadership?
Share your thoughts at goqnotes.com/to/qpoll/.
Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
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qnotes
NEWS
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HRC Gala is around the corner:
Are you on board?
National group, local steering committee to award leaders, organizations
compiled by qnotes staff
The Human Rights Campaign North
Carolina Gala is swinging into town the
weekend of Feb. 23-26. With it comes a variety
of statewide and national leaders, activists,
entertainers, philanthropists and other movers
and shakers. Are you on board?
This year’s Carolina dinner makes a return
from Raleigh, where it was hosted in 2010 and
2011. Slated for the evening of Saturday, Feb.
25, the event will be held at the new Crown
Ballroom at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
There, the national organization
will present its Visibility Award
to openly gay CNN anchor
Don Lemon.
Local award
winners include
Rev. Debbie Warren,
executive director
of the Regional AIDS
Interfaith Network (RAIN),
who will be receiving HRC’s North Carolina
Legacy Award for her years of devoted service to RAIN, those affected by HIV/AIDS and
to the LGBT community.
As director of RAIN, the only non-profit
in Charlotte providing direct client services,
Warren has helped to engage more than 100
congregations from 20 different denominations and faith traditions in working to help
those living with and affected by HIV. She’s
also provided more than 150,000 total hours of
qnotes
service to the community, served 900 HIV-positive clients and reached tens of thousands of
community members in education outreach.
“We are thankful and grateful for those individuals and groups that are creating equality in our communities,” HRC North Carolina
Gala Steering Committee Awards
and Scholarship Chair Aaron
Parker said in a release. “It is
our pleasure to honor them for their hard work
and dedication.”
Longtime HRC volunteer and HRC Board
of Governors member Scott Bishop will be
honored as Volunteer of the Year. Two organizations will also share in the spotlight. The
Farewell to Summer Foundation, which presents Charlotte’s White Party each September
and the LGBT Center of Raleigh will be honored with the Equality and Trailblazer Awards.
The annual dinner event and its bevy
of weekend activities aren’t all for fun and
games, though. In addition to the parties
and honors, HRC will be reiterating its
mission and commitment to equality and to
North Carolina, which faces an anti-LGBT
constitutional amendment vote in May.
“HRC has contributed $100k to the effort
thus far and will be setting up its own North
Carolina PAC so that HRC supporters can
contribute directly to the effort to defeat the
amendment,” Gala Co-Chair Rich Hurley
said in a recent email to supporters.
The weekend will also give
young people the chance to learn
more about what it means to be a
leader and take action in the LGBT community. The Charlotte-based national
non-profit Campus Pride has partnered with
HRC to present its two-day “LEADER I AM
— Carolinas Leadership & Action Summit.”
The conference provides students ages 18-25
the opportunity to engage with LGBT and
ally national, statewide and local community
leaders, hone organizational, leadership and
advocacy skills as well as develop strategic
partnerships across the Carolinas.
“Campus Pride is proud to partner with
HRC on this state-wide leadership summit to
support LGBT and ally youth in the Carolinas,”
says Shane Windmeyer, Campus Pride executive director. “Understanding social justice,
Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
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Debbie Warren Photo Credit: RAIN
activism and leadership are key to educating a generation of new leaders for equality
— and the summit will do just that.”
Youth applications for the summit are still
available and include acceptance to the summit and a free ticket to the HRC Gala. Learn
more online and download application forms
at hrccarolina.org.
Other details about the event, including
its weekend-long slate of day- and night-time
activities have yet to be announced. For more
information, visit hrccarolina.org. : :
BRIEFS
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news notes:
from the carolinas, nation and world
compiled by Lainey Millen :: [email protected] | David Stout :: [email protected] | Matt Comer :: [email protected]
Project to tour state
RALEIGH — The Vote Against Project will
be taking to the super slab during the next
few months
to photograph
participants
who wish to
defeat the antigay amendment
on the May 8
ballot.
Outraged by
the harm that
the passage
of the amendment would
create, Raleigh
photographer
Curtis Brown
began the initiative with a host of volunteers.
The project aims to “create a portrait of North
Carolina unity — connected by a common
bond to defeat discrimination.”
Participants will be decked out in shirts that
say “Vote Against!” Brown and his team will
choose one image per person or group to post
to the website to share with the community.
Free photo shoots will take place in the
following cities through February: Jan. 24,
Raleigh, Talley Student Center, North Carolina
State University, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4:30-7:30
p.m.; Jan. 26, Raleigh, Busy Bee & The Hive,
225 S. Wilmington St., 4-9 p.m.; and Jan.
28, Raleigh, Pullen Memorial Church, 1801
Hillsborough St., 12-6 p.m. Other cities which
are on the tour, but which have locations left
to be determined are: Feb. 17, Durham; Feb.
11, Wilmington; Feb. 23, Greenville; and sometime in March, Charlotte. Other venues will be
announced when they are added to the list
during the campaign period.
The team consists of Brown, project
managers Shannon Ritchie and Ryan Smith,
graphic designer Carl Broaddus, recruitment
coordinator Lydia Kinton, web developer
Rishish Pandey, stylist Dustin Slemp and online community coordinator Jeffrey Vizcaino.
To make contributions to the project or for
more information, visit voteagainst.org.
— L.M.
Charlotte
Center to present film series
CHARLOTTE — The GayCharlotte Film
Series has announced its upcoming threepart “Breaking In: The Business of Movies” schedule. It is a project of The LGBT Center
of Charlotte.
On Jan. 28 at the Actor’s Theatre, 650 E.
Stonewall St., enjoy the road-trip documentary and civil rights odyssey, “Hollywood to
Dollywood,” with Goldsboro filmmakers Gary
and Larry Lane. The twins will host a Q&A
after the screening. Admission is $10 at the
door, $8 for students. Everyone who comes
dressed as Dolly Parton gets in free. A lookalike contest will be held both before and after
the movie showing with prizes. Doors open at
6:45 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
“Meet Ben Zook” will be screened on
Feb. 18 at a location to be announced. Partner
and director Joe Dietl will explain how Zook
broke into the Hollywood screenwriter major
leagues by selling the screenplay “Jack and
Jill” to Adam Sandler. This film made Logo’s
“Click List, Best of LGBT Shorts.”
On Feb. 21, the Charlotte Business Guild will
partner with the film series to present “Home
Grown,” a conversation with local LGBT filmmakers. The location will be forthcoming.
Oscar Night at the center will round out
the events on Feb. 26. More details will be
made available later.
For more information, visit  
gaycharlottefilmfestival.com.
— L.M.
Community training slated
CHARLOTTE — The Communicable
Disease Branch of the N.C. Division of Public
Health and other community partners present
the first Minority AIDS Initiative/Men Who
Have Sex With Men (MAI/MSM) Community
and Provider Training Conference, Feb. 5-7,
at the Charlotte City Center Marriott, 100 W.
Trade St. It brings together representatives
from HIV care, treatment and providers, along
with members of the community that are affected by HIV disease.
Registration is free but required and covers all training conference meals. Seating and
attendance is limited.
For more information, visit northwestahec.
wfubmc.edu/mura/www/#/event/36019.
— M.C.
Foundation extends deadline
CHARLOTTE — The Wesley Mancini
Foundation has extended its deadline for
application submissions for the 2012 grant
season until April 2 so that organizations that
are interested can have more time to develop
their proposals.
Only federally-tax exempt organizations
or those with tax-qualified sponsors will be
considered.
Interested parties who wish to receive a
grant application should contact Bob Scheer
at 704-335-5404, ext. 402, or by email to
[email protected].
— L.M.
Triangle
Film addresses HIV heartbreak
RALEIGH — “Absolutely Positive,” a
dramatic short film that follows four characters from different walks of life as they get
tested for HIV, will be premiered at red carpet
screenings at Club 313, 313 W. Hargett St. on
two dates, Jan. 25, 8 p.m., and Jan. 29, 5 p.m.
The film is a project of Second Glance
Productions and it received assistance from
the Human Rights Campaign, The Alliance
of AIDS Services-Carolina and Healing with
CAARE of Durham.
Writer/director Anthony Williams was inspired to create this work from his own personal experiences revolving around HIV. He hopes
that it will bring awareness and humanity to the
important worldwide health issue of HIV. He
sees the film as one that breaks preconceived
stereotypes, reaches beyond the boundaries of
sexuality, gender and race and one that shows
the real effects of HIV on real people.
Guests will be treated like movie stars
with candid paparazzi and giveaways
throughout the evening. Tickets are $5, cash
only, and will be available at the door. All ages
are welcome. Cash bar available for those 21
years old or older.
For more information, visit secondglance 
productions.com.
— L.M.
Chorus heads west
RALEIGH — The Triangle Gay Men’s Chorus
has announced its plans to attend the GALA
Choruses International Festival in Denver, Colo.,
in July. In order to get ready, it has extended an
invitation for those who sing first and second
tenor, baritone and bass to join them.
Open rehearsals will take place in
February. One must be 18 and over and both
gay and straight men may apply
For more information or to express interest, email [email protected].
— L.M.
Triad
Foundation nears goal
WINSTON-SALEM — The Adam
Foundation has reached approximately 70
percent of its $50,000 2011-12 spring grant
fundraising cycle goal and are asking the
community to help them raise the additional
$15,000 it needs to sustain its work.
This January’s Jumpstart Challenge ends
Jan. 31. The foundation board hopes that a
significant number of people will contribute
$15 to make their mark.
“Allies and Friends” window decals will
be sent to every donor during the challenge if
address is provided.
For more information, visit  
adamfoundation.org.
— L.M.
National/Global
Hazing death may be bias-based
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — On Nov. 19, 2011,
Florida A&M University student Robert
Champion Jr. (pictured) was found unresponsive aboard a band bus after the school’s biggest game of the year. Police ruled the death
a homicide from hazing. However, the recent
revelation by the parents of the victim, a 26year-old drum major in the university’s famed
marching
band, that
their son
was gay has
added a new
wrinkle.
In
response to
the news,
the National
Black Justice Coalition, the nation’s largest Black LGBT civil rights organization, has
called on the U.S. Department of Justice’s
Community Relations Service and Civil Rights
Division as well as the U.S. Department of
Education’s Office for Civil Rights to launch
an investigation into the slaying as a potential
anti-gay hate crime.
Sharon Lettman-Hicks, the head of the
NBJC, said, “Anti-gay violence is not only
a civil rights issue; it is a Black issue. It is a
Black issue because violence against gay and
transgender individuals is disproportionately
affecting our Black youth. The civil rights
community can no longer stand on the sidelines while our sons and daughters continue
to suffer in silence. Mr. Champion is one of our
own and his death will not be in vain.”
— D.S.
Rep. wants state DADT law
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Rep. Mike
Reynolds (R-Oklahoma City) says he will push
for a state law that is a more extreme version
of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” when the state
government’s new legislative session begins
Feb. 6. The proposed measure would bar gay,
lesbian and bisexual individuals from serving
in the Oklahoma National Guard. The bill goes
beyond the bias of the now-repealed federal
statute by allowing officials to directly question someone about their sexual orientation.
Laura Belmonte, chair of the state LGBT
rights group The Equality Network, said,
“Mike Reynolds has a long-standing history of
representing fringe views that rarely have the
best interests of all Oklahomans at heart. This
legislation is demoralizing to Oklahoma’s LGBT
community and our supporters, and it sends a
message that it is acceptable to discriminate
against people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual
or transgender.”
— D.S.
Stonewall Dems name new E,D.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jerame Davis has
been selected as the new executive director
of National Stonewall Democrats. He had
been serving as the group’s interim director
since late 2011. Before joining the staff, he
was vice president of the Indiana Stonewall
Democrats affiliate and was actively involved
in Democratic politics in the Hoosier state.
In addition to serving in the leadership
of many Indiana LGBT organizations, Davis
has consulted for a variety of clients on using
technology for better organizing and messaging. He is also the co-founder of a popular
national LGBT politics and culture website,
The Bilerico Project.
— D.S.
Employers ranked for gay support
LONDON, England — Equality group
Stonewall has published its Top 100 Employers
2012 ranking, showcasing Britain’s best
employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff.
Ernst & Young tops the list. In second place
is the Home Office and Barclays comes third.
British national security agency MI5 secures
a position on the Top 100 for the first time, and
is one of 25 new entries.
According to reports, the 2012 Index was
compiled using the most demanding criteria to
date, introducing new weighting for global employers that support LGB equality worldwide.
Accenture claimed the award for
Employee Network Group of the Year and the
Department of Energy and Climate Change
was named Most Improved Employer.
— D.S.
Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
Not for Reproduction
qnotes
Not for Reproduction
LIFE
Winter Wonderland
Events, activities and travel opportunities to
brush off the winter blues
by Matt Comer :: [email protected]
The cold, dreary winter keeps pushing on.
It’s time for spring, you exclaim. Too bad winter still has weeks left to go. True, we’ve had a
pretty mild winter so far, but that doesn’t mean
some of us aren’t still yearning for the return
of those bright, warm and cheery spring
and summer days. Luckily for us, Charlotte
and the rest of the Carolinas is just a stone’s
throw away from some of the hottest and best
winter getaway locations in the southeast.
And, if you’re the kind who enjoys the cold
winter weather, there’s still plenty of options
for you, too.
—————— • ——————
Soaking up the sun
If you’re a lover of summer and just can’t
wait ‘till May, June or July for all the hot
beach action, head down south to Miami
Beach. Each year, the National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force hosts its Winter Party,
where over 10,000 people flock for good
music, good drink and beach dance party fun.
The event, featuring a wide array of parties
and receptions, includes international DJ
entertainers and more. What’s better is that
the event began as a fundraiser and charity dance in 1994 and continues to this day
to provide much-needed funds for The Task
Force and a variety of South Florida LGBT and
HIV/AIDS non-profits.
This year’s Winter Party kicks off on Feb.
29 and runs through March 5. DJ entertainers
include Montreal’s Alain Jackinsky, Denver’s
Alyson Calagna, New York’s Billy Lace and
Brett Henrichsen, Brazil’s Felipe Lira and a veritable who’s who of others, including gay party
faves Hector Fonseca and Joe Gauthreaux.
Activities include dance parties each night
of the event, pool parties and special events
for women and art and shopping events. The
event’s host hotel is Miami and South Beach’s
Surfcomber. Event passes range from $75
for women’s events and $125 for the “New
Generation Pass” for youth ages 21-25 to the
all-inclusive “Titanium VIP Pass” for $590.
For more information, visit winterparty.com.
—————— • ——————
Sunny days
If you’re looking for sun, but want to avoid
the large-party atmosphere of Winter Party,
you’re in luck. qnotes took a look at the warmest locales that offer up some of the best gaygetaway experiences. Take a gander at any of
these cities — the 10 warmest in the U.S. during January — and what they offer if you’re
looking for a few-day escape this winter.
City (Average Monthly Temp. (°F), January)
New Orleans, La. (52.6)
Jacksonville, Fla. (53.1)
Phoenix, Ariz. (54.2)
Long Beach, Calif. (57)
Los Angeles, Calif. (57.1)
San Diego, Calif. (57.8)
Tampa, Fla. (61.3)
Vero Beach, Fla. (63)
Miami, Fla. (68.1)
Honolulu, Hawaii (73)
—————— • ——————
goqnotes.com
Frigid frivolity
Not everyone is a lover of summer. In fact,
there’s quite a few of us who are just fine with
the cold. Whether you like skiing, ice skating
or just cozying up in a warm room with a
roaring fire, you’ve got plenty of options this
winter. Below, the list of the 10 coldest, major
cities in the U.S.
qnotes
Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
Not for Reproduction
daily news,
blog posts
and lgbt
community
event
listings
Sign up for
our weekly
e-newsletter:
goqnotes.com/subs
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Timberfell Lodge offers camping and lodging
for men seeking solitude or camaraderie.
Hiking and other activities, including dining
and regularly-planned activities can keep
you busy, or, if you choose, you can do nothing at all!
In Georgia, the Carolinas’ neighbor to
the south, getaway-goers have two options.
The Parliament Resort and Social Club in
Augusta offers gay men the opportunity to
steal away while meeting new friends. The
resort includes 70 rooms with selections of
one or two queen, one king or two full beds.
In rural Dewy Rose, Ga., River’s Edge is a
private, membership-only camping facility which offers free-range camping sites,
lodges and cabins.
Starlite Trailer Lodge
5955 Globe Rd. Lenoir, NC
828-757-0933
starlitelodge.com
The annual Winter Party in Miami Beach brings together some of the hottest guys and DJs to South
Beach’s hottest hotels, pools, bars and clubs.
Photo Credit: Elvert Barnes, via Flickr. Creative Commons.
City (Average Monthly Temp. (°F), January)
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. (13.1)
Des Moines, Iowa (20.4)
Chicago, Ill. (22)
Albany, N.Y. (22.2)
Cleveland, Ohio (25.7)
Pittsburgh, Pa. (27.5)
Columbus, Ohio (28.3)
Providence, R.I. (28.7)
Salt Lake City, Utah (29.2)
Boston, Mass. (29.3)
—————— • ——————
Kickin’ it ‘round the
Carolinas
If you don’t want freezing and you don’t
want hot, your best best will be to stay
home. The greater Carolinas region has
plenty of mountain getaways for gay and
gar-friendly campers.
Tucked in the Globe Valley near the
Pisgah National Forest south of Blowing
Rock, N.C., Starlite Trailer Lodge covers 75
acres and offers riverside campsites and
bathhouse facilities.
To the west, the Greenville, Tenn.,
The River’s Edge
2311 Pulliam Mill Rd., Dewy Rose, GA
706-213-8081
camptheriversedge.com
Parliament Resort
1250 Gordon Hwy., Augusta, GA
706-722-1155
p-house.com
Timberfell Lodge
2240 Van Hill Rd., Greeneville, TN
800-437-0118
timberfell.com
— Mark Smith contributed
Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
Not for Reproduction
qnotes
Not for Reproduction
A&E
tell trinity
by trinity
qnotes contributor
Is there more than
one rule?
Dearest Trinity,
Why do gay people and straight people think about monogamy
so differently?
Monogamy Dilemma, Las Vegas, NV
Dearest Monogamy Dilemma,
Monogamy means different things at
different times to different people. Ever
since Stonewall the gay community has
been forced into re-evaluating monogamy
morally, politically, culturally and spiritually.
And, baby, since gay people are different
than straights, monogamy will have a different meaning. That’s one of the beauties of
being gay. Just saying!
Hello Trinity,
I really don’t believe in voting. It’s minorities being controlled by the majority.
There’s so much corruption anyway. Voting
doesn’t help!
Taking A Stand, Columbia, SC
Hello Taking A Stand,
Long ago, before voting, one group would
go to war with another and whomever had the most soldiers
left alive would take power. Some countries never change
governments without bloodshed, and America is not one of
them — so be proud. And, yes, darling, all governments have
corruption, but voting makes it possible to have some balance
or control over the corruption. Voting has made being gay
10
qnotes
in 2012 very different than in 1972! Please vote! (My cartoon
shows you how to join up!)
Dear Trinity,
On TV the other night Jennifer Lopez was wearing a  
shirt exposing everything but her nipples. When is too  
much enough?
Too Much La Clivage, Spokane, WA
Dear La Clivage,
Topless women are very normal in Europe and quickly
undressing our American shores. Although Women’s Lib
may seem historic, it’s still going strong. In New York City
they passed a law, “If
men can go topless
in public then so can
women.” Pumpkin,
the best thing to do
with change is try to
accept it as quickly as
possible! Ah, the joys
of growing older.
Hey Trinity,
Recently, while at a
party, I met this couple
who talked excessively about Republicans
and Jesus. Eventually,
I had to be rude and
walk away. They were
appalled! When is it
the right time to walk
away?
Not Wrong But Rude, Peoria, IL
Hey Not Wrong But Rude,
Being a big party go-er, I can sympathize. In my life, honey,
I’ve found there are times when being polite means pulling
your hands off their throat and walking away.  
Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
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Here are some examples.
Trinity’s Wise Tips For Knowing
When To Walk Away
  1. You’re finally found a parking spot when suddenly a 300
lb., truck-driving redneck, displaying a shotgun in the back
window, takes your spot!
  2. As a waiter you’re taking an order from a couple who
begins verbally fighting with each other, when one grabs a
steak knife.
  3. On the celebration of your first year with sobriety, your new
roommate throws you a booze and bong party.
  4. You find the man you’re about to marry is in bed with the
man you just divorced. Put the gun down and walk away.
  5. Refusing to eat the gourmet dinner you spent all day preparing specifically for her, your mother-in-law says, “This meal
isn’t fit for humans, sweetie!”
  6. Your straight friend, whom you keep telling you’re gay, sets
you up on a blind date with the opposite sex!
  7. On the first day of Chanukah, sweet, innocent carolers
come a knockin’ at your door singin’, “Jesus is the way!
Praise Jesus with us!” Shut, don’t slam, the door!
  8. The really cute guy, who’s been buying you drinks all night,
returns from barfing in the bathroom and now wants to
French kiss!
  9. As you’re sitting in front of the pizza parlor, late at night,
alone, six punk teenagers start harassing you about the
Jewish star on your neck and the rainbow flag on your hat.
10. Lastly, it’s 2 a.m. and you just finished singing a two-hour
jazz set, when someone sneaks backstage to endlessly express a problem they had with one of your advice columns
they recently read! : :
— 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
A&E
Not for Reproduction
out in the stars
by charlene lichtenstein
qnotes contributor
January 21 - February 3
The Sun sparks a change as it moves into
rebellious Aqueerius. Our hopes and dreams
catch fire. But, don’t sit around and wait for a hot
delivery. Don your asbestos gloves and grab the
glowing coals.
AQUARIUS (01.21-02.19) The joint is jumping
and so are you. The cosmos casts you as the
new shooting star in the immediate universe.
Aqueerians have some great ideas and must
express them at every opportunity. Some of your
gems will do more than just sparkle — they will
radiate. However, your idea for a nude aquatic
rodeo is perhaps a bit before its time.
PISCES (02.20-03.20) Happy is the Guppie who
can tap into their sixth sense. Rub a crystal ball
(anyone we know?) and see what you divine during this particularly prescient and intuitive phase.
If you can conjure a few new moves, you can
advance your personal agenda to new celestial
heights. Don’t bump your head on the ceiling of
limited imagination. How high is up? You tell me.
ARIES (03.21-04.20) Friends seem to crawl out of
the woodwork, attracted by your great ideas for
a full range of wild and intense adventures. You
become awash with invitations and trawl with a
large prideful posse. How will you maximize and
maintain your sudden surge in popularity? Let
your actions provide the grease. Rubadub proud
Ram. Don’t slide off your perch.
TAURUS (04.21-05.21) Queer Bulls are entrenched careerists, but sometimes make
foolishly naive political decisions that can
derail or detour their professional success.
Thank goodness you now gain greater strategic
insights and an iron gut. You become the shark
rather than the bait. Concentrate and contemplate the corporate corpus. Then make your
move. Shark attack!
GEMINI (05.22-06.21) The world beckons, pink
Twin. Plan the perfect getaway. Your ideas can
lead to a fabulous adventure. If your budget or
vacation time is tight, you might try to expand
and enrich your immediate surrounding to make
it more exotic and interesting. You think that
staying close to home is a blessing in disguise.
Heck, why not get a new disguise?
CANCER (06.22-07.23) Your mind turns to sex and
more sex. Gay Crabs know exactly what they
want and who they want it from. And, they sit
around. And, they think about it. And, they talk
about it — the assorted angles, the machinations, the wherefores, whys and hows. Enough
already! Now, go out and get ’em! Or, are you all
thought and no action? Let’s hope not.
LEO (07.24-08.23) Proud Lions hanker for con-
nection. Relationships enter a new, more intense
phase where the right words can be spoken and
passions ignite. But, don’t waste this energy on
light, flirty banter. It is time to speak from the heart
and soul. Get to the core. Looking for a connection? Strike a match and see who becomes
inflamed. Then bring it to a rapid boil, lover.
VIRGO (08.24-09.23) What is it about the job that
suddenly seems so riveting and interesting? It
is politics, not projects. Queer Virgins think that
they are very clever and adroit and can adeptly
maneuver through the daily morass. Will you
delegate your more distasteful projects onto
unsuspecting drones? Try not to. Those who
pass the hot potato today eat it in the lunchroom
tomorrow.
LIBRA (009.24-10.23) There is a burning, churning energy inside of you. Proud Libras become
creative savants or the ultimate party hearty
hounds. Will you dip into your paintbox or your
party favor kit? Ideas and opportunities are
plentiful and your juices are flowing. So, ply
whatever your trade is and make some masterpieces. Er, make ‘em do what?
SCORPIO (10.24-11.22) There are several domestic scenarios that are in dire need of a change of
direction or even a complete upheaval. Change
is apace. Plan your new landscape from the
comfort of your living room Lazy Boy. But, are
you lounging alone, queer Scorp? Hire a nubile
gardner to help you plant a few seeds. Do I see
something sprouting?
SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.22) Gay Archers are
goaded into expressing their opinion across
a variety of subjects. Anything you say now is
brimming with passion and who can resist? But,
don’t just go out and blow around the hot air. Be
sure that you have an agenda and a plan of action. You only have a short window to move the
masses. Occupy anything.
CAPRICORN (12.23-01.20) Pink Caps are usually fairly acquisitive. They love to surround
themselves with objects of beauty. Now, your
greedy need for stuff borders on obsession. Lock
up your credit card and hold off on any major
purchases, pardner. Before you know it, you are
surrounded by a carnival of camp and a truckload of trash. Hmmm, on second thought. : :
© 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.
Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
Not for Reproduction
qnotes
11
Not for Reproduction
evening, Jan. 19 at Scorpio. Hope you came on out and
supported “our girl.” I thought her comments in the most
recent Integrity newsletter about being a good bit taller
by miss della
than her king, Mr. U.S.ofA. GQ, were hilarious. He’s a tiny
qnotes contributor
little fella, but so damned finger-lickin’ good.
Tickets have just gone on sale for the national contests
Lawzie mercy, I’m here,
of Miss Gay U.S.ofA. and Gay U.S.ofA. Classic. Let’s do
there, everwhere!
plan on going out to see Luscious and Catia Lee Love give
up their respective titles. Talk about two good queens.
Well, Happy New Year, kiddies. My, my, my — 2012 is off
Damn!
to a great start. Life is truly great and I’m ready for some good
A former Miss U.S.ofA. at Large, Stacey Holiday (or should
drag and some good pageantry as well. Please forgive me for
I say her creator Chad?) is up to creating other stuff. Many
not having a picture this time, as I wanted to have a promo of
know that he has his own baking business with his life partner
Chelsea Pearl and/or Daesha Richards, our Continental PLUS
Edward and Chad is now being featured on the TV show,
and Elite divas. I’m trying to do it in order of having won national
“America’s Next Great Baker.” I have to tune into that soon,
contests, so that of course means coming up will be Luscious
as we go waaaaaaaaay back. Seems they’re always winning
and Kirby Kolby. I was asked earlier why I had not already done
“Best of” in the Dallas area for the gorgeous and mouthwateran interview with both ladies and you know, that’s a great quesing work they do. Send me some cookies, sugar!
tion — I have to get on that. Miss Lulu is half-way through her
Imagine the fun London Dior and I had early last month
reign, damn! And, doing a fine job, I’m told. She was just in New
when we attended a Cajun Country Christmas at the shops at
Hope, PA for Miss Pennsylvania, where they always put on a
1111 Central. London got all dolled up and had her picture made
great show. Former Miss Continental Domanique Shappelle
as Ms. Claus (maybe a granddaughter?) with the party attendwon and Tiffany Richards was her runner-up. Luscious apees. We enjoyed gumbo with the folks from Paragon Salon and
peared locally at Miss South Carolina U.S.ofA. on Thursday
shopped at Green With Envy — what sights and smells! It’s just
A&E
drag rag
12
qnotes
Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
Not for Reproduction
candle heaven, hunny! A lovely contribution was made to my
charity, Children International, that I support my two Honduran
sons through. I can assure you, both of them had a fabulous
Christmas thanks to these folks.
I’m told by my good sis Alyson Thomas that the date is set
for another Carolina Continental (yes, in Miami again — that
is where the owner lives) for Feb. 20 and the night before in Ft.
Lauderdale they’ll have Miss State of Florida. Can’t wait! I’m
sure our Miss Continental Alexis Gabrielle Sherrington is still
beaming over her Labor Day win. I know her first prelim was
Ohio and Kiarra Fontaine won with RU Genesis.
I hear a special Christmas show took place several weeks
ago in Houston, TX at the F Bar. One of my favorite icons, Hot
Chocolate, was the guest entertainer and just like around these
parts for a pageant, the queens came out of the woodwork
to see her. Jerry Bird, Tasha Kohl, Bubba McNeely and Dina
Jacobs were among the luminaries, along with former Miss
America Coco Montrese who works with Proud Larry out in
Vegas. This is what you call legendary, folks.
I wanted to mention the Don’t H8 contests that are quickly
approaching in Winston-Salem at CO2. I ran up to see the Mr.
on Jan. 15 as Tucker Wood gave up his title. Then they’re doing
see Drag Rag on 15
VIEWS
Not for Reproduction
on being a
gay parent
by brett webb-mitchell
qnotes contributor
The Test Ahead
I am bewildered already by the blizzard of emails I receive
daily about the upcoming vote (May 8, 2012) on a constitutional
amendment in North Carolina that would further restrict and
solidify what it means to be married in this state. I’ve been talking about the vote since both houses of the General Assembly
voted upon its passage in September 2011. It is an amendment
that would not only outlaw marriage among LGBTQ people,
but civil unions among LGBTQ and straight couples alike.
Meanwhile, non-profit organizations waited until a few months
after the vote to get the ball rolling in terms of publicizing the
harms of this amendment. Perhaps, this was because it would
be hard to sustain an eight-month long campaign or that the
electorate’s attention span is so short that starting any earlier
would reap little in terms of benefits. I was all for a statewide
educational campaign right after the General Assembly’s vote.
Educating people in small-town North-Carolina, visiting
churches, schools and town hall meetings as an out gay
Presbyterian pastor, dad and partner was what I offered.
But, I found no venue or interest among other activists to
make this happen.
It is now 2012, and the emails and mailings are offering
opportunities to attend rallies, be part of dinner events and
have photos taken of people proud to identify with the LGBTQ
community. These events serve a purpose as they are meant
to raise funds, passion and interest in defeating the amendment vote. However, my concern is not with the number of
people attending the rallies, dinners, and photo sessions per se,
but in two other areas: education and registering people to vote
on May 8, 2012.
Educationally, outside the metropolitan areas (which will
more than likely defeat this bill, albeit it by various margins),
the people of this State tend to be social conservatives.
This has been highlighted by people like Raleigh News and
Observer’s Rob Christensen who point out the many ways
that North Carolinians tend to be more conservative when it
comes to the social issues of the day, like drinking alcohol, the
lottery and the equality of women and African-Americans. The
way real change comes about is through educating people
as to what are the issues before all of us, both pro- and con.
One way to educate straight people as to what it is like to be
an LGBTQ person in North Carolina is to ask straight people
to take this test, designed by columnist and blogger Andrew
Sullivan. Try living one day without tipping anyone to the
fact that you might be a heterosexual person or couple. You
can’t mention your husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, kids,
anything to do with them. No pronouns used, no social-life
discussed that could reveal anything about your heterosexual
orientation. Try it for a day or two. “And you’ll see what it feels
like to be an LGBTQ person, and the psychological energy
required to do that for a lifetime,” writes Andrew Sullivan.
After taking this test, along with grabbing or creating
any other educational moments, it is imperative that we get
people out to vote against the amendment. I, for one, am
hoping that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will
have already be voted upon as the Republican nominee for
president by May 8. This will help depress the vote of some in
North Carolina. But, it is important to not only be registered,
but to get out the vote. The lives of many LGBTQ and straight
couples in North Carolina are depending upon a “no” vote on
this amendment. The test ahead is a matter of life out of the
closet for many LGBTQ parents, couples, or individuals, or
pushing more people deeper into the unhealthy environs of
closet living. : :
qomunity qonexions u
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Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
Not for Reproduction
qnotes
13
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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 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 men who are circumcised do not get HIV. Is it true that
circumcised men are protected against
getting HIV?
14
qnotes
— Matt from Rock Hill
Matt, this is absolutely not true. While there
has been medical research that has suggested
circumcised men may have a lower rate of
HIV transmission through heterosexual sex, it
has not been proven. Even so, it would only
show that they have a slightly lower rate of
infection. Men who are circumcised still are at
risk for contracting HIV and STDs. It is always
important for all men, whether circumcised
or uncircumcised, to engage in preventative
measures to ensure they have a healthy life.
This includes wearing protection during sex
and getting tested regularly for STDs/HIV at a
local clinic. Rosedale does provide both HIV
and STD testing! Please feel comfortable to set
up an appointment at our office by calling us at
704-948-8582. It is also important to keep an
open dialogue with all of your sexual partners
to discuss any concerns you have.
I have received several emails lately
with a warning that people are putting
HIV infected needles in movie seats
and infecting others. Is this true and
should I avoid going to the movie
theater?
— Whitney from Charlotte
Whitney, I have heard of this rumor circulat-
ing lately. According to the CDC, the rumors
are false and to date no one has been infected
with HIV from a needle in a movie theater seat.
For HIV infection to take place this way, the
needle would have to contain infected blood
with a high level of infectious virus. If a person
was then pricked with the infected needle, they
could become infected. But, there is less than a
1% chance of this happening, according to the
CDC website. It is important to note that sharing
needles while participating in injection drug
use is a leading cause of HIV infection in the
U.S. We encourage all of our readers to protect
themselves and refrain from illegal drug use
and sharing needles. Programs have been set
up to provide communities with clean needles
by exchanging in old used ones. However,
Whitney, I think it is safe to say you are going
to be fine visiting any of your local theaters.
Please do not let this rumor keep you from seeing a new movie!
I have heard that there is such a thing
as feline HIV. Can I become infected
with HIV/AIDS from contact with an
animal such as a dog or cat?
— Kortni from Concord
Kortni, the answer to your question is, no.
You cannot become infected with HIV or AIDS
Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
Not for Reproduction
from contact with animals including pets. HIV
stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and
as the name implies it only affects humans.
HIV cannot be transferred from a human to
pet or vice versa. There is such thing as Feline
Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) which affects cats
in a similar way that HIV affects humans. Yet, it
is a different virus and cannot be spread from
cat to human. If you are concerned your cat
may have FIV or want to know how to protect
your pet from the virus you should talk to your
local vet. Your pets do not put you at greater
risk for contracting HIV or AIDS, so it is fine to
spend time with them as many of us do.
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 —
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Don’t stop!
Musical comedy hits the Queen City
Amy Steinberg
Bombastic singer-songwriter Amy Steinberg brings her one-of-a-kind brand of musical comedy to Petra’s in several performances over the
next several weeks, including a Jan. 27 performance night and a three-night run of her one-woman show, “Oh My God Don’t Stop” on Feb.
4, Feb. 11 and Feb. 25. In the show, Steinberg plays several characters, including a Jewish grandmother exploring her sexuality, a reverend
with a penchant for innuendos and the Lord herself, who sings songs celebrating the holy gift of homosexuality. Both sacred and profane,
Amy explores the topics of spirituality and sexuality, exploring the many connections that exist between the two. Jan. 27, 8 p.m.; Feb. 4, 11
and 25, 7 p.m. doors/8 p.m. show. Petra’s Piano Bar, 1919 Commonwealth Ave.  
For more information visit petraspianobar.com or amysteinberg.net.
Jan. 21 • Salisbury
Brent Childers
Brent Childers, executive director of Faith in
America, will speak at a regular meeting of
the Salisbury-Rowan PFLAG. Haven Lutheran
Church, 207 W. Harrison St. 10 a.m.-noon.
Free. salisbury-pflag.org.
Jan. 22 • Charlotte
Speakeasy Sundays
Come and join us for Charlotte’s newest Jazz
experience. Speakeasy Sunday’s at Petra’s
Piano Bar features Leah Palmer-Licht (Vocals)
and Harvey Cummings II (Piano). A mix of
jazz standards and new favorites! Every
other Sunday; upcoming performances on
Jan. 22 and Feb. 5. Petra’s Piano Bar, 1919
Commonwealth Ave. 704-332-6608.  
petraspianobar.com.
Jan. 24 • Greensboro
‘Straighlaced’
GSAFE presents a special screening of the
documentary “Straightlaced: How Gender’s
Got us all Tied Up,” a fearless look at a highlycharged subject unearthing how popular
pressures around gender and sexuality are
confining American teens. Carousel Luxury
Cinemas, 1305 Battleground Ave. 7 p.m.  
336-327-7499. [email protected].  
gsafe.org.
Jan. 27-March 24 • Charlotte
Exhibit: CONVERGE
“Converge” features renowned artists
Quisqueya Henriquez and Sonya Clark and the
pieces they created while in residence at the
Center. Exploring themes of identity and inclusion, the work showcased in the exhibition
will represent a convergence of art, history
and diverse cultures. McColl Center for Visual
Art, 721 N. Tryon St. Hours vary by day. 704332-5535. mccollcenter.org.
Jan. 28 • Charlotte
Breaking In: The Business of Movies
The LGBT Community Center’s GayCharlotte
Film Series presents a special screening of
the documentary, “Hollywood to Dollywood,”
followed by a Q&A with twin filmmakers and
Goldsboro, N.C.-natives Gary and Larry Lane.
A Dolly Parton look-alike contest will take
place before and after the movie showing.
Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall
St. 6:45 p.m. $10/general. $8/students. Free/
Anyone dressed like Dolly Parton.  
gaycharlottefilmfestival.com.
Jan. 28 • Charlotte
LGBT prayer
The LGBT-inclusive Bridge Initiative of
Charlotte 24-7 begins a special prayer meeting, “SOAK,” for LGBT community members of
faith, to be held on the fourth Saturday of each
month. First meeting on Jan. 28. 512 E. 15th St.
7 p.m. Free. charlotte24-7.com.
Feb. 2-18 • Charlotte
‘Most Fabulous Story’
Queen City Theatre Company presents Paul
Rudnick’s reinterpretation of the creation
story featuring an Adam and Steve and Jane
and Mabel. A percentage of proceeds will
benefit the 2012 Human Rights Campaign
North Carolina Gala. Duke Energy Theatre at
Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. Various times.
$16-24. 704-372-1000.  
queencitytheatrecompany.com.
Feb. 4 • Charlotte
Rugby 101
The Charlotte Royals are looking for play-
ers and supporters as we kick off our 2012
Spring Season with Rugby 101! Join us at
Cordelia Park as we engage in some fitness
and rugby fundamentals. What? You haven’t
played rugby before? That’s OK because we
will teach you the game. We welcome all
men regardless of skill level. We just ask that
you bring an open mind and a willingness to
be taught the game. Water will be provided.
Cordelia Park, 2100 N. Davidson St. 1-4 p.m.
Free. charlotteroyals.org.
Feb. 5-7 • Charlotte
Community HIV training
The Communicable Disease Branch of the
N.C. Division of Public Health and other community partners present the first MAI/MSM
Community and Provider Training Conference,
bringing together representatives from HIV
care, treatment and providers, along with
members of the community that are affected by HIV disease. Registration is free but
required and covers all training conference
meals. Seating and attendance is limited.
Charlotte City Center Marriott, 100 W. Trade
St. Register online at northwestahec.wfubmc.
edu/mura/www/#/event/36019.
Feb. 9 • Charlotte
‘Legalize Gay’
Campus Pride and a host of sponsoring organizations present the Charlotte film premiere
of “Legalize Gay,” a new documentary that
captures the courage and conviction of a new
generation of activists — gay and straight
— as they campaign, often in parts of the
country hostile to gay and lesbian rights, for
LGBT equality in marriage, non-discrimination
in sports and at work, same-sex sex education, standing up to bullying and forging inclusive college campuses. Petra’s Piano Bar,
we want your who/what/where
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1919 Commonwealth Ave. 7 p.m., reception.
7:30 p.m., showtime. Free. campuspride.org.
Feb. 10 • Charlotte
Bishop Gene Robinson
The Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN)
kicks off its 20th anniversary celebration with
a special night with former New Hampshire
Episcopal Bishop V. Gene Robinson. Location
TBA. 7-10 p.m. $30, including beer, wine and
light hors d’oeuvres. carolinarain.org/bishop.
Drag Rag
continued from page 12
a Miss (for “real” girls) on Feb. 5, then the drag
one, DIVA, on Feb. 19. I know a few celebrities are appearing at these contests, like the
Britney impersonator Derrick Barry and Jason
Dottley from “Sordid Lives.” In closing, I dedicate this column to
two dear queens who passed around the
holidays. First of all, Ms. Robin Dupree,
whom I met and judged at Continental PLUS
years ago, then saw her again at EOY a few
years later. This was a sweet person, and
she could work a stage, baby — especially
a dramatic number. Her “All By Myself” by
Eartha Kitt had me in tears. It just tore me up.
If she was the Queen of Drama, then surely
the “Queen-in-Training” was that little baby
Sasha Valentino. Sasha passed the day after
Christmas and the news just broke my heart.
This diva who would give you clothes every
year at Continental will be sorely missed in
her adopted home of Chicago and all around
the country. Ladies, serve it up at the big
show in the sky like I know you can. : :
info: Drop me a line, OK?
[email protected]
Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
Not for Reproduction
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Not for Reproduction
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qnotes
Jan. 21-Feb. 3 . 2012
Not for Reproduction