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October 15, 2011 – QNotes

Breast cancer & circles of love

Charlotte’s CircleUp, Healing Dragons work to provide fellowship, remembrance, health, awareness

by Matt Comer on October 15, 2011

Karen Mosteller does not have breast cancer. In fact, she never has. But, it’s a different story for many of her close friends. “We were younger then,” Mosteller says, recounting memories of two friends diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks apart over a decade ago. “We were all taken aback. They were both healthy and exercised and did all the right things. They ate well, they took walks — all the things you were supposed to be doing.”

School board candidates are strong advocates

Darrin Rankin, Lloyd Scher clear, consistent voices for inclusion

by Matt Comer on October 15, 2011

Voters head to the polls on Nov. 8 to elect a new city council and at-large school board members. Two school board candidates stand out as strong allies and advocates.

‘Gay It Forward’ brings deals to the Queen City

Brainchilds Dan Mauney and Michael Rusk localize Groupon-like discounts for LGBT-friendly businesses

by Matt Comer on October 15, 2011

The economy is still limping along and plenty of folks are looking for ways to save a dime. A frequent shopper card here and a few coupons there can add up to big savings at the end of the month. Two gay Charlotteans want to add a different spin to the coupon craze. Saving money is good. Saving while also giving back is better.

NC Pride still a great party

Community strong in face of anti-gay amendment

by David Stout on October 15, 2011

In the hit song “1999” Prince sings about his defiant intention to celebrate in the face of an impending cataclysm. The track would have been an appropriate theme for the 2011 NC Pride Fest and Parade, held Saturday, Sept. 24 in Durham on Duke University’s East Campus, where the mood was almost surprisingly lighthearted given the potential political catastrophe that looms.

In Memoriam: Belger

Michael ‘Billy’ Belger

by QNotes Staff on October 15, 2011

Michael “Billy” Belger, age 47, passed away on Sept. 30, 2011, peacefully at his home in Charlotte, N.C., after a long illness.

Gender, sexuality, race questions await ‘Cloud 9’ audiences

UNCC student production opens Oct. 19

by Matt Comer on October 15, 2011

The University of North Carolina-Charlotte’s Theatre Department will present the play “Cloud 9,” by Caryl Churchill Oct. 19-29. The comedy takes a deep look into long-held sexual and gender stereotypes and roles and leaves the audience questioning their veracity and relevance to life. The play also plays with notions of gender and gender identity. Two of the actors play characters opposite their own genders.

With regret, in agreement with anti-gay forces

Editor's Note

by Matt Comer on October 15, 2011

Asheville’s “We Do” Campaign is a perfect example of grassroots, non-violent direct action, highlighting in real time the effects of discrimination upon its victims. But, in order to ensure defeat of the proposed anti-LGBT state constitutional amendment, we should each keep in mind what will be of best benefit to the entire movement

Unreal: The Haggards on reality TV

General Gayety

by Leslie Robinson on October 15, 2011

By now you’ve heard — and maybe not believed — that disgraced preacher Ted Haggard and his wife Gayle will appear on “Celebrity Wife Swap.” Actor Gary Busey and his baby mama Steffanie Sampson are scheduled to be the other fun couple.

N.C. trans prisoner settles federal suit

News Notes: Beyond the Carolinas

by David Stout on October 15, 2011

A settlement has been reached in the case of Vanessa Adams, a Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmate at FMC Butner, who has gender identity disorder (GID). Adams sued BOP in order to receive appropriate treatment for her GID.