This issue marks a special moment of transition for qnotes, our staff and our community as we say goodbye to the years-long service of two dedicated members of our qnotes family.

Both associate editor David Stout and “Drag Rag” columnist Miss Della give their parting adieus with this issue.

Hired as qnotes’ interim editor in Feb. 1992, David took on the full reins of editorship in June 1992, serving until December 1999. Since then, he’s served as associate editor, stepping in again occasionally as interim editor when needed.

In his more than two decades with the paper, David has proven an invaluable resource, determined journalist and passionate advocate for Charlotte’s and the Carolinas’ LGBT communities. His unique writing style and immaculately-researched, in-depth features brought substance to the newspaper and helped mold and shape this publication during some of its most formative growth years during the mid-to-late 1990s.

Though David is departing from his regular role at the newspaper, where he will be greatly missed, we hope to see his byline again from time-to-time for feature stories or other commentaries as he feels moved to contribute.

Della, too, has been a dedicated member of our qnotes family, providing us with insight, news and stories about the Carolinas’, and even the national, drag community for nearly as long as David has worked with us. Della joined the newspaper as a contributor during David’s tenure and, since, has proven herself the all-knowing chronicler of all that is drag in North Carolina and South Carolina.

It will be difficult, indeed, to forget Della’s witty style, humorous asides and folksy, familiar tone. Her contributions will be missed.

The staff here at qnotes wishes David and Della the absolute best as they part ways with us and transition into the next part of their careers and lives. Their fellowship has been rewarding, their service and skills outstanding and their pure loyalty to the LGBT community and all that is right and just and fair has been inspiring.

Good luck, good fortunes and happy travels on life’s path! : :

— Publisher Jim Yarbrough, editor Matt Comer and production director Lainey Millen contributed.