Comments for qnotes

Comment on How did marijuana become illegal and is it worse than alcohol? by Joel Castle

Joel Castle — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:53:24 +0000

Chico Cannabis Club, just decriminalize now. Why? well, Texas would save billions by letting out all of the non injurous criminals out of prison/jail and, the state run gardens would pay for the many social programs you need to save the homeless and, mentally ill in your jails and, streets. Crime would deplete by 60 to 80 percent making it managable. Just a note to stop the nonsense.

Comment on Capital Pride? by Why?

Why? — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:26:10 +0000

Why does Raleigh need a pride when NC PRide is held in the area? NC Pride is a joke. No one from the western part of the state goes to it so they might as well rename it Triangle Pride or something like that.

Comment on I’m a Boy Scout, and I’m here to recruit you by Doug

Doug — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:46:59 +0000

Ken honey you need to take a Xanax and have a shot of whiskey dude. You are scary! People have been predicting the end of days since there were days. You can find references to the Rapture occurring as far back as 1200 years ago. For those that bought their Rapture tickets then, a lot of folks were disappointed they paid 800 shekels no horsemen appeared for the Tribulation Concert. Try getting a job and meeting people.

Comment on HRC: damned if they do, damned if they don’t by Peyam

Peyam — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:27:53 +0000

When these bloggers actually turn off their computers, get off their butts, and go to D.C. for Lobby Day (this Thursday March 4 btw), I will actually pay attention to what they blog. Otherwise, it is just self-aggrandizing vitriol that serves no purpose. If the person hasn’t been to D.C. to help on Lobby Day and see what HRC actually does, then they really are just talking out of their you know what.

Comment on I’m a Boy Scout, and I’m here to recruit you by lagen

lagen — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:03:25 +0000

sounds like greg s is trying to defend the kkk.

Comment on House arrest for gay DJ’s second HIV violation by Mark

Mark — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:37:18 +0000

Josh — Get educated on the real agenda behind HIV. it’s a common retrovirus indicator (P24) they test for. It’s found in 7 different retro viruses, including a very common one, HPV.

Google AIDS reappraisal. In Australia, a straight man was accused of “infecting” three women, he brought with him details of how HIV has yet to pass Kosh postulates, and cannot be identifed in vetro, basically saying it’s not what the theory is.

I’ve been having unprotected sex with my partner for a year now, anal receptive and insertive and he continually “tests” HIV-.

You are not your dis-ease and no government agency should have the ability to bar you from connecting and loving anyone.

This is our last and final freedom people, don’t let them scare this out of you.

HIV is not what they say it is. You think an “undetectable” test means you’re still dis-eased?Not according to thousands of years of scientific research on viruses and the human being.

Peace and love brother, only this will stop the fear machiene.

By the way, get the info on that Aussie case-he was aquitted because no one-not one doctor could prove the existance of any actual “virus”.

Good luck!

Comment on Clay Aiken at HRC: Slow and steady on progress by Doug

Doug — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:09:56 +0000

You should read in the Winston-Salem Journal the incredible amounts or ignorant Fundamentalist and Republican death rant that is printed there. It is disgusting and demoralizing. How in the Hell did I get stuck in this town?

Comment on Clay Aiken at HRC: Slow and steady on progress by Mark

Mark — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:59:15 +0000

I think Clay Aiken is a perfectly fine and appropriate guest speaker for the HRC dinner.

His comments about the dinner not needing to be horribly political charged fits well with what I’ve witnessed of HRC efforts and strategy in general.

That he feels equality could take decades seems to match the timeline that HRC appears to be working on for our rights.

In summation, I think he is the ideal face and speaker for HRC.

Comment on Clay Aiken at HRC: Slow and steady on progress by leigh

leigh — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 01:57:48 +0000

I hope the text of his speech will be available online after Saturday. I don’t live in the south, but I do know first hand how difficult it is to be gay and born into a strict religious family that has never had one single openly gay member. EVER. Self hate? You bet. Who escapes that? Most of us get past it in our own time. Organizations like the HRC remind us we have value. Time to leave the idiocy and judgements behind.

Comment on Clay Aiken at HRC: Slow and steady on progress by laura

laura — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:54:32 +0000

Some people have always been green of envy about Clay, no doubt about it! but who cares?

Comment on Clay Aiken at HRC: Slow and steady on progress by Give me a Break

Give me a Break — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:51:17 +0000

give me a break, self hating gay guy, whom couldn’t make up his mind if he was gay are not, gay before Idol, in the closet while in idol, still in the closet after till questionable im’s and emails,,pic surface, now out completely, and we as a community don’t mind that he used us.as usual HRC just love those types.. don’t they, Clay aiken is the body of what is wrong with our community.. Gay only when is ok to be,str8 all other time..

Comment on Clay Aiken at HRC: Slow and steady on progress by Marty

Marty — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:17:25 +0000

I am looking forward to hearing Clay Aiken’s speech. This is an important topic to him and I am sure he has thought carefully as to what he wants to say.

I am sure Clay will be articulate, intelligent and heartfelt as he speaks to the Gala audience.

Comment on Clay Aiken at HRC: Slow and steady on progress by Lulu

Lulu — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:41:30 +0000

Clay Aiken is a highly intelligent man. It doesn’t surprise me at all that he is writing his speech himself.I look forward to hearing his speech and those of the other people who will be part of this evening.

Comment on Transgender, Transsexual and Intersex by Sweetbrandigirl2004

Sweetbrandigirl2004 — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:01:19 +0000

I don’t think this is a Battle that will ever be successfully brought to an end….therefore the best one can do is live their own life and try to stay as far out of the drama as possible. I do however feel that those who self diagnosis and go around the SOC and who either do a partial transition or none at all do hurt the legislative efforts around the country…. society is only going to bend so far in it’s acceptance of what is normal…I also feel that those who live as women and refuse gender surgery have male gender Identities thus male brains furthering the misconceptions people have about everyone who gender variant as do the ones who cross dress often they go to far and as a result they bring further shame on everyone since we’re all lumped together by the general population..there should be far much more self restraint by everyone concerned when choices what to wear and how to act in public. The best possible answer to any of this is if one has completed transition and can go stealth and live a normal life then do so..cut the ties to the trans community and the drama and enjoy life for it’s far to short and is wasted on such things as arguing over this or that.

Comment on Timeless Pride by James

James — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:18:41 +0000

I think things in the gay community are starting to get better in Charlotte. 2010 will be the start of something great.

Comment on Transgender, Transsexual and Intersex by Leynda Erwin

Leynda Erwin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:29:28 +0000

To “beachcomberT”; my friend, you are doing exactly the right thing when you refer to your friend as “she”, and “her”. I will say thank you to you for her, for your kindness and your friendship. Both of these are so valuable and rare, yet most won’t simply let a person exist.

robbie cohn; If people would just ask most of us with a little courtesy, so much pain could be avoided. Thank you for pointing out that the easiest way to avoid preconceived notions, and learn about us is to ask us honest questions.

Comment on Raleigh Center finds a home by RaleighRob

RaleighRob — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:49:05 +0000

Great location. Not only is it within walking distance of most of downtown Raleigh’s LGBT businesses (White Rabbit, the clubs, etc), but it’s got good access to public transportation—the R-line, CAT, and Amtrak. Smart decision.

Comment on Gays to Bill James: We love you by Mark

Mark — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:51:38 +0000

It’s nice to see someone have a sense of humor and take the lead on this.

Comment on Gays to Bill James: We love you by Raine

Raine — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:10:40 +0000

Well done CRANE! Next move should be to find someone to run against him in his district. He always runs unopposed.

Comment on House arrest for gay DJ’s second HIV violation by Doug

Doug — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 03:35:23 +0000

I agree that one should be upfront about being positive…but…um Andrew, buddy…I’ts against the law to have gay sex in NC. Of any variety. Still wanna’ stick with the “it’s illegal morality”.

Comment on House arrest for gay DJ’s second HIV violation by Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:06:35 +0000

It’s true that each of us is responsible for our own behavior. Should there be a law against this guy’s behavior? Not in my opinion. But there is a law, and he’s choosing to break it. But for me that’s not the point. This man has no moral compass. If one knows his status his positive, and he chooses not to tell a sex partner, then that’s dispicable. We can debate the legal aspects all day long, but flat out lying about one’s status or lying by omission (choosing not to tell the truth even if the question is not asked) reveals much more character.

Comment on House arrest for gay DJ’s second HIV violation by Doug

Doug — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:37:56 +0000

Wow, I’m both glad and furious to have found this blog. First of all I worked with Public Health in Florida for many years. I want to make a few very clear points.
1. Testing and communication are the key points to reducing risk of transmission. Often times when we focus of prosecution of “supposed” criminal acts, there are a great many people that are then alienated from testing. The single greatest factor in reducing transmission is getting people tested. Prosecution often has the opposite effect from what was intended. It HELPS TRANSMISSION OF HIV! People stop getting tested.

2.Communication means you tell your “partner” of your status and they understand the risks. It is each individuals RESPONSIBILITY to protect their own health. You have no one to blame but yourselves. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING HIV! NO ONE ELSE! YOU ARE TRYING TO PUT YOUR ACTIONS ON SOMEONE ELSE’S PLATE. Even my 9 year old, special ed nephew knows about condoms and AIDS. YOU HAVE ZERO EXCUSES!!! ZERO!
3. There is a genetic test that the State can use to determine exactly WHO transmitted a specific HIV virus. No guessing, no question about it. I was told by a public health supervisor in NC that it was rarely used because of expense. Does this sound like a reasonable answer to you? We can just accuse someone and then guess if we are right to prosecute? Typical FEAR TACTICS! NC USES FEAR TACTICS AND LONG TERM THEY ARE DISASTROUS. They do more damage than good! HIV rates in NC have increased by a large factor using these SCARE TACTICS. They don’t work.

4. By eliminating the communication element and self responsibility element from responsible sexual contact with two informed partners you COMPLETELY UNDERMINE the reason for talking about sexually transmitted diseases at all. If you are going to be charged with a crime for revealing and NOT revealing your HIV status, then what is the point?

5.There are many credible studies which show (I am simplifying here) that an undetectable viral load simply DOES NOT transmit the HIV virus. These studies have been done across the world in many countries. They all show the same thing. You condemn responsible adults who care for their illness in the same manner as those who transmit out of ignorance. DOES THIS MAKE SENSE? I had two lovers over 19 years. They were informed of my status. We NEVER had protected sex. NEVER! I took care of myself, they took care of their health concerns. THEY NEVER GOT THE DISEASE AND WE WERE VERY SEXUALLY ACTIVE! VERY! It has been almost 8 years and they still have no signs of the virus!!!
WHY DO YOU ASK?
Transmission from a person with an undetectable viral load and no other STD’s does not occur. There have been studies of over 100 discordant couples over 2 years and zero transmission occurred. By NC LAW (which is asinine) the couple that takes care of their health and has unprotected sex which causes ZERO transmission is just as guilty of breaking the law as the person who has a high viral load and has Unprotected sex and TRANSMITS the disease. This is lunacy, crazy and totally unproductive. Only a state of ignorance could have produced such a law. Only by blatantly ignoring the facts could this have occurred. It is disgusting when I as a layman can read and educate myself to a higher understand than the entire PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF NC! Jesus, People are so stupid!
End of TIRADE! I would be happy to meet with anyone and back up my statements.

Comment on House arrest for gay DJ’s second HIV violation by Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:18:12 +0000

If you are hooking up with anybody you should use a condom. If the person does not tell you and you use a condom you should be ok. Anybody who has unprotected sex is taking a risk. Always get the person tested and don’t trust them until you get the ok.

Comment on Charlotte: Buff Faye’s Party Bus by Not a bar person

Not a bar person — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:41:48 +0000

Is there anything going on in this town that doesn’t promote drinking and getting drunk?

Comment on Obama: DADT to end in 2010 by robertingastonia

robertingastonia — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:38:08 +0000

It is not enough for our President and military leaders to speak out against DADT. In order for this to become legislative reality, those of us in the LGBT community and supporters of equality must lobby our local Senators and Reps. We need to let them know we stand on the side of justice and ask them to stand up with us for human rights and dignity.

This will be a hard fought battle in the Congress. many ultraconservatives are already rallying against change, but we can make a difference. Dont let this monumental battle for human rights go by without you speaking up.

Comment on HRC Carolinas by Doug

Doug — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:23:43 +0000

I would definitely protest the amount of money the heads make. Joe Solmonese Executive Director makes almost $300,000 a year. That’s a lot of tighty-whiteys folks to be not even a top rated gay chairty! Among charities surveyed and rated there have been considerable problems found at HRC. But when you are Pink Workers in Massas Fields you take what you can get. We are the last of the second class citizens and don’t you forget it!

Comment on HRC Carolinas by the change

the change — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:19:23 +0000

I wonder who will be protest HRC this Year?????

Comment on Obama: DADT to end in 2010 by bondwooley

bondwooley — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:57:56 +0000

Some day, we’re going to be amazed that we enforced a communication gap in the military. How fundamentally insane.

http://bit.ly/9YNli3

(social satire)

Comment on Southerners ‘far to the right’ of nat’l GOP by Sandy

Sandy — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 22:04:55 +0000

That’s because most queers in North Carolina are closeted fraidy-cats.

Comment on Southerners ‘far to the right’ of nat’l GOP by Doug

Doug — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:09:58 +0000

Would someone please tell me why this is surprising. I grew up in NC and moved away to more progressive areas. Now I am back after caring for a dying parent. I feel like I have moved into Hell. I haven’t met a single intelligent out gay person worth communicating with. After two decades of gay ghetto queers everywhere life…I am here in Winston-Salem in solitary. It soooo SUCKS!

Comment on Charlotte leadership: Curiously silent by Mark

Mark — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:42:43 +0000

I don’t know how I missed this piece and the subsequent comments, but I think it’s one of the most worthwhile local discussions to have right now.

I agree with Matt’s piece and point. Where was the leadership? And I don’t think it is fair to assume that people must run for office or put themselves in the public spotlight in order to ask that question.

Calling it pointless bitching also misses the issue.

I don’t know where our leaders voice was though many I know feel it never existed in the first place – at least in recent memory.

We have a community center that for right or wrong is focused fairly exclusively on the cultural/social aspects of the community which precludes it from being in the public arena much.

We have organizations that for right or wrong are either focused fairly exclusively on micro issues ranging from music, business networking or faith issues which precludes them from feeling it is their place to speak publicly on Issues beyond their organization’s scope.

We also have representative national/state orgs are more focused on issues beyond Charlotte outside of engagement, memberships, fundraising and networking – but whose very structure as not Charlotte-based prevents them from being a leading voice on local issues

In summary, what we don’t have is a Charlotte area organization that is dedicated to being a public voice focused on local issues political or not.

I don’t know if that is anyone’s fault so much as there has never been enough desire or appetite to do so. It would be wonderful if this debate raises the awareness of the need.

Comment on Charlotte leadership: Curiously silent by Doug

Doug — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:16:02 +0000

Danny (who opposes the ads online). These ads occurs in every possible way across the entire scope of online sites…with the possible exception of church sites. No one is naked. I get the feeling it is the homo part that bothers you. The Advocate has similar ads as does every major gay publication. Why? REVENUE. It is s simple as that. Don’t look at the site at work if it bothers your boss so much. Try some therapy and figure out why this irritates you so. It’s just a fact of life. Without funding these sites would not exist.

Comment on talkback – Haggard, AIDS, Murder in Fayetteville by Desiree Brown

Desiree Brown — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:02:38 +0000

RIP Mr. Jimmy A. McCollough…you will be greatly missed. We love you and will seek this out to the fullest extext of the law or until justice is served. Not a day goes by that we do not think about u. Your sense of humor, your personality, your love you’ve showen unconditionally…to the man to took my beloved cousin life, Zachary Lee Oats, may God have mercy on your soul, we will not rest until u have been convicted and placed behind bars for life without the possiblity of parole. Sentencing you to death will be far to easy. Thank you all who kept us in ur prayers.

Comment on This weekend: Around the Carolinas by Sandy

Sandy — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:01:45 +0000

Who looks silly now?

Comment on Charlotte leadership: Curiously silent by out&proud

out&proud — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:59:13 +0000

In deffense of Matt, as a leader in the local press as well as the LGBT community, Matt has demonstrated a clear and decisive drive to point out human rights violations as well as anti-LGBT offenses. Not everyone can run for office, some have to be the checks and balances, which is what Matt as a member of the local press has done. I dont know what reality check has done for the local LGBT community or to try and effect change, nor will I judge. I can say from first hand experience working with and seeing matt in action that Charlotte and North Carolina as a whole is better off for having such a hard working and active LGBT advocate. Keep up the good work Matt.

Comment on Charlotte leadership: Curiously silent by out&proud

out&proud — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:54:10 +0000

Sorry reality check. Cant run for office in charlotte as I reside outside the county limits. It is however every citizens right to voice their opinion and certainly more so if they are active voters. I for the record am very active on my local political scene and feel no guilt or reservation speaking out. Perhaps like JB pointed out you should also consider being a part of the solution. I can help get you in touch with local, county or state leaders if you want to try your hand at politics. Let me know and I will introduce you to the right person. Glad to see you exercising your right to express your opinion as well. That is after all what democracy is all about.

Comment on Charlotte leadership: Curiously silent by reality check

reality check — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:16:14 +0000

JB, I’m not the one that’s bitching about it. Oh, and thanks for your additional hot air.

Comment on This weekend: Around the Carolinas by the change

the change — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 02:57:13 +0000

if it doesn’t snow or its very little I going to laugh my pants off..just said the word snow and every one goes crazy, school cancel,business close.. then when there is no snow every one looks like fools, that they are..

Comment on This weekend: Around the Carolinas by Ian Palmquist

Ian Palmquist — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:59:16 +0000

Unfortunately we’ve had to cancel the Equality NC social event in Charlotte Friday due to the expected winter storm. We’ll reschedule and hold it in mid-March.

Ian

Comment on Anti-gay teen dating bill on the move by Doug

Doug — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:02:45 +0000

Of course as any good politician knows it’s better to kill them while they’re young. I think I’m going to throw up. This is beyond reprehensible.

Comment on Welcoming our new editorial intern by Kameelah "Kammi" Vose

Kameelah "Kammi" Vose — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:17:54 +0000

Congrats Deaidre, I am very proud of you!!!

Comment on Do children need a mother and a father? by William Bode

William Bode — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:59:04 +0000

Interesting article, reaching seemingly logical conclusion that it is the quality of parent(s) rather than number or gender that determines childresn’ success.

It would have been helpful if the article had extended itself to include some specific data on childrens’ success in education, career, income, etc. I’m sure the data is available in the article on which this one is bas4ed, but more data here would have helped.

Comment on Gay bishop to speak in Greensboro by Doug

Doug — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:09:41 +0000

Hey SameAsEver….Your name says it all, same wicked twisting of words so that GLBT people still get the short end of the stick. Same gentle remonstration as if to a small ignorant child. And YOU get to pick for us what is right and what is wrong. How convenient for you and your ilk. The biggest problem with God these days is people like you. May God have mercy on your pitiful soul.

Comment on Gala speakers, award recipients announced by Sienna

Sienna — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:58:02 +0000

I hope this Gala is a success! More power to you! I am glad that celebrities like Clay Aiken and Meredith Baxter support this cause. I believe in EQUALITY!

Comment on HRC: damned if they do, damned if they don’t by the change

the change — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 17:54:33 +0000

out of all the people to speak on the behalf of HRC why do we get Joe every year…

Sorry to say I agree with Mpetrelis about the actresses who comes out the closet… they (she really haven’t done anything for us really…

Also why support a gay Organization that is so willing to throw a part of our community under the bus so easily…

Comment on LGBT community helping Haiti by beachcomberT

beachcomberT — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 11:09:50 +0000

Thanks for this information, Matt. I’m sure many of us are looking for ways that some aid could be channeled effectively through gay-affirming organizations. Besides the groups you mentioned, United Church of Christ, Metropolitan Community Church and probably many other gay-affirming churches have launched efforts. The National Council of Churches web site has a summary of what various denominations are doing.

Comment on Gay bishop to speak in Greensboro by sameasever

sameasever — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 05:19:31 +0000

The Bible says “Against love there is no law”. However, when it comes to sex…plenty of laws!
God asks the same of every one, regardless of how they see themselves. He expects purity. If we pick for ourselves what we think we might get away with, we sort of miss the point. With the peril of losing one’s soul to hell, it would be unloving to agree with a gay bishop because it seems nice. Nice is not the same as right.

Comment on Charlotte leadership: Curiously silent by JB

JB — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:09:38 +0000

Why Reality. What a great idea. So are you going to enter the race also? Or are you just adding your hot air to the conversation?

Comment on HRC: damned if they do, damned if they don’t by MPetrelis

MPetrelis — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:37:36 +0000

i’ll agree with you that many of the folks who help put on HRC’s endless dinners around the country are good people, and that they do much local work that benefits lots of people. but let’s not be blinded by the people working to make the gala fab.

HRC rakes in at least $40 million annually through the dinners and other fundraising efforts, and we have so little to show for all the money they’ve raised.

sure, it’s great to have the latest b-actress to come out appear at HRC’s dinners this year, but i’m tired of them. i’ve seen amanda bearse, anne heche, wanda sykes, george takei, and now meredith baxter come out of the closet, and get some red carpet time.

when the heck are the dinners and the parade of b-celebs gonna produce some federal protections for gay people????????

Comment on Charleston hosts anti-gay Anglican conference by Richard T. Purchase

Richard T. Purchase — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:09:59 +0000

The reporter tagged the event “anti gay” but nothing else I read in the article even came close to being terroristic. In fact the sweet folks attending the Mere Anglicanism Conference are probably 60+, predominately female, and have a life long conviction that the Bible is their “sole rule of faith and conduct” if they are typical Episcopalians. The attendees will probably look like your neighbors, teachers, perhaps your parents and scout leaders. So Doug wants to hold a gun, literal or otherwise, to their grey heads and demand immediate conformity on an issue that violates their life long allegiance to the Bible’s teaching! Does sound like terrorism to me. True conversion on any issue requires patience, empathy, understanding, and yes, even love.

So they want to discuss, debate and decide? Like all terrorists, Doug doesn’t stand for debate, conversation and rational decision. No, It’s “his way or the highway” or much worse.

Sorry, Doug, you are a dangerous person to the gay movement and to the democratic ideals of this nation.