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Within the first few months of the Trump administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) gave a subtle wound to the American LGBTQ community. Two HHS nationwide surveys — the “National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants” and the “Annual Program Performance Report for Centers for Independent Living” — removed questions identifying respondents’ sexual orientation and gender identity.

Together for 35 years, truly through sickness and in health, Cyteria Knight, 60, and Susan Miller, 58, have seen more than their share of challenges. Knight’s stroke early this year initiated a long journey toward recovery, and even more trials with mounting medical bills and ineffectual bureaucratic “aid” programs.

Cynthia* is a loving parent, a decorated military veteran and a transgender woman. Born and raised as Mike*, she knew at age eight that she was born into the wrong body. Seeing no way to be her true self, Cynthia lived out the first several decades of her life as a man, becoming a father to three children and taking on many traditionally male roles. She eventually enlisted in the military where she served multiple tours of duty and received a Purple Heart after being wounded in combat.

All across the Carolinas and the U.S., LGBTQ “gay and gray” elders seek out valuable resources and tips to make their lives more comfortable and easier to navigate. See the listings to make research efforts more streamline and to provide options for cruising into the senior years.

This Pride month, qnotes pays homage to one figure whose life and accomplishments set a golden precedent for the capabilities of LGBTQ people everywhere. Alan Turing, renowned scientist of many trades and proud gay man, died on June 7, 1954.

Merchant and Ivory. These two legendary names emblazoned on a movie poster or trailer instantly lit fires of anticipation inside cinephiles of the 1980s and early 1990s, myself included. This label was always good news, for it heralded a new offering in the works by the master producer/director team: Ismail Merchant and James Ivory — think “A Room With A View,” “Maurice,” “Howard’s End,” “The Remains Of The Day.”

Allies are born when their love is unconditional. For Joan Gale, 59 years young and a straight parent, her son’s coming out in middle school was a moment of great change. Seeing her own child confront the struggles that LGBTQ youth face in Cabarrus County and around the world, Gale was determined to do her part. She founded the Concord/Kannapolis chapter of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) in 2014, after retiring from her career as a school counselor.

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!! I’ve been trying for three years to figure out how to do a muscle up, and I just did my very first one!!! (See my video at youtu.be/DFBst8ehNJg for a quick view.) But what’s even funnier than this video of me, is that it turns out I have been strong enough to do a muscle up for a very long time. What has been holding me back all this time?

For many people, animal companionship is more than having a pet. Those with disabilities, whether physical or mental, often benefit from service and assistance animals. In the LGBTQ community, mental illness and psychiatric disability are common due to the pressures of stigma, discrimination and outright violence.

Though the motto “Adopt, Don’t Shop!” can oversimplify a complex issue, at the root it is meant to encourage potential pet owners to do their research. True, not all breeders are evil or inhumane. Yet, choosing to buy a pet has a cost, both financially and morally.

Overcoming hardship is a challenge that many of us have faced, but fewer, perhaps, have triumphed to the degree that Chelsea Gulden has. At age 21, just before her senior year in college, Gulden received the shocking news: she was pregnant and HIV-positive.

Mothers are special. It shouldn’t take Mother’s Day, which we celebrated in mid-May, for us to remember that. And for drag queens, it is always important to remember your drag mothers too. These are the drag queens who helped you be who you are today.

Step onto any gay beach — from Miami’s Haulover to Asbury Park’s 5th Ave. to Will Rogers Beach in Los Angeles — and you’ll bear witness to a veritable catwalk of loosey-goosey board shorts, fitted trunks and skintight Speedo-like swimwear. While anything goes on the summer’s sandy shores — especially if the area is clothing optional (better pack those dark lenses!) — this year’s styles continue last year’s thighs-the-limit trend with a twist: button-closure shorts with waist-specific sizing. Here we cultivate some of the more stimulating designs for 2017 with a smattering of tradition tossed in for good measure.

Forget taboo — the cartoonish gay man playing dress-up with straight women has become the fashion world’s most wearisome cliché. Now qnotes’ summer style issue introduces some of the real-life figures breaking ground in a rapidly diversifying industry.

We’ve all seen “leathermen” at Pride events. They boldly display their sexuality through provocative outfits that reveal just enough to tantalize the mind. It isn’t just men — women in leather are positively mouth-watering. And transgender or queer people in leather? They can tie me up anytime.

Business owner and community innovator Ann Gonzales has had quite a career in her short 33 years of life. Motivated by her creative instinct, a business-oriented mindset, and her cultural identity as an Asian-American lesbian, Gonzales has a lot of irons in the fire and has seen great success.

Recently I have found that I’m doing too much exercise. I got all excited about getting involved with a team sport, and I practiced days in a row leading up to a game. Because of ego, I ignored some red flags. The inevitable happened: My performance suffered, and I felt drained soreness. Then, as if that weren’t already enough, a couple days I did two full workouts in one day.