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Print Edition 2017-01-27 – QNotes

White House goes dark: Website barren of LGBTQ issues

Obama’s old pages moved, new admin’s site consistent with Trump’s promises

by Maria Dominguez on January 27, 2017

Internet rumors ran amok when multiple White House pages disappeared on inauguration day. The previous administration’s information on LGBTQ rights, climate change, civil rights and other issues were seemingly taken down. In reality, the pages were moved to a different URL, ObamaWhiteHouse.gov, but their absence from the official White House site is no less alarming.

Transgender activist organizes Human Rights Campaign gala protest

Concerns abound over fundraising efforts amid HB2 repeal failure, need of transgender voices, people of color

by Jeff Taylor / Social Media Editor on January 27, 2017

Charlotte has seen a lot of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) over the last few years. The organization, the largest LGBTQ rights advocacy lobbying group in the country, was active in helping to elect Charlotte City Council members who would pass a fully inclusive LGBTQ non-discrimination ordinance, working alongside Equality North Carolina (ENC) and MeckPAC.

Charlotte teacher sues after being fired for same-sex marriage

ACLU claims violation of Title VII of Civil Rights Act

by Maria Dominguez on January 27, 2017

A Charlotte teacher has initiated a lawsuit alleging discrimination on the basis of sexuality. Lonnie Billard had a 14-year career at Charlotte Catholic High School and says he was out and proud about his sexuality throughout. Beginning as a substitute teacher, Billard was hired on full-time in 2001 and retired in 2013, staying on as a substitute again.

N.C. redistricting: what’s the latest?

SCOTUS granted stay, gave no hint about a final decision

by Maria Dominguez on January 27, 2017

The U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) recently heard arguments regarding the fairness of legislative districts that a three-judge district court panel had held to be unconstitutionally gerrymandered. The previous court’s decision ordered North Carolina legislators to redraw the district maps and hold special elections in 2017. On Jan. 10, the SCOTUS granted GOP legislators a stay on the lower court’s order.

HRC co-chairs host gala in Charlotte

Organization’s leadership celebrates historic year

by Maria Dominguez on January 27, 2017

The Human Rights Campaign of North Carolina (HRCNC) has had a landmark year fighting for the rights of LGBTQ North Carolinians. Leading the battle against the transphobic House Bill 2, HRCNC isn’t missing the chance to rally support through their annual gala, to be held at Le Meridien Hotel on Feb. 4 in Charlotte.

Artists, organizations net grants, awards

Funds help to enhance works, services

by Lainey Millen on January 27, 2017

Across the area, LGBTQ artists and arts organizations have been the recipients of grants and awards to help bring their vision to life or to help sustain the work they do for the community.

Our People: Q & A with Jenni Gaisbauer

Charlotte Library Foundation Exec talks coming out, love and professional fulfillment

by Maria Dominguez on January 27, 2017

Not many people can say they’re 100 percent happy with where they are in life. Jenni Gaisbauer, 42, seems to be the exception to the rule. Her career has spanned from the Levine Museum of the New South to her current post as executive director of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation, and she loves what she does.