Candidate forum slated
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The LGBT Democrats of Mecklenburg County are hosting an inaugural candidate forum on local, state and federal government legislative issues on April 26, 9 a.m., at the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, 2508 N. Davidson St.
LGBT DMC President Gary Leake and board said, “During the 2012-2014 biennium, legislators on all levels of government affecting Mecklenburg County residents introduced over 1,475 bills, a third of which, if enacted, would affect the LGBT community directly. Bills addressed issues such as marriage equality, energy conservation, growth centers and land use, transportation funding, health care, state budget impact on local governments, education, funding for small businesses and anti-discrimination.
The forum will hear from candidates throughout the program: county, 9-10:30 a.m.; sheriff, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; and state and federal, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Topics discussed will be: transportation funding and maintenance of local roads and bridges; federal recognition of LGBT individuals under the EEO; state marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws; education funding and use of the Education Fund; economy and state budget constraints including shrinking federal dollars; energy conservation and alternatives; municipal environmental infrastructure; and public safety.
Email Cameron Joyce at j.cameron.joyce@gmail to learn more.
info: lgbtmecklenburg.org. facebook.com/LGBTDMC.
Drag brunch holds fundraiser
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Buff Faye’s “We’re Back” Sunday Drag Brunch will be held on April 27, 12 p.m., at UpStage, 3306-C N. Davidson St.
The event raises funds to fight cancer. This time part of ticket proceeds will be donated to benefit research and support services in memory of Allen McCarthy who died on April 14. McCarthy was a founding member of the Charlotte Royals Rugby Football Club.
On hand will be Buff Faye, Bella Nichole Jade, Tommy Feldman (Miley Vyrus), Kiana Layne and Michael DP Brailey, plus some special surprises.
Tickets are $6/advance, $10/door and does not include food. Food reservations are due by midnight on April 26 to ensure food availability for all who attend. Go to upstagenoda.com/events/drag-brunch-show/ to order and secure a spot.
info: facebook.com/events/692453280812025/.
Elder dinner upcoming
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — An aging solutions dinner will be held on April 28, 7 p.m., at Flying Biscuit Cafe, 4241 Park Rd.
Organizers hope this event will be the catalyst for organizing the area’s LGBT and ally senior community. They want to bring professionals and non-professionals together to forge a local initiative to address the concerns and issues of area LGBT elders.
Currently, there are few resources for LGBT seniors in Charlotte. The Prime Timers, a group for mature men, offers social support, but no other groups offering resources or elder advocacy currently exist.
Bets McCurley and Cheryl Roberge are coordinating the efforts. They said, “Our initial objective is to create an environment where people who are interested in aging issues in support of the LGBT community in Charlotte can meet others who are interested in same. We have a marvelous cross sampling of registrations, to date, of people who are LGBT and non-LGBT; people who are working gerontology professionals in the Charlotte and those who are aging in place. We expect to wrap up this first gathering with action items for a meeting in May. Our goal is to bring a program to Charlotte that has been created based on the needs expressed by those gathered who are willing to join us.”
The dinner is being held in conjunction with AARP.
To RSVP, email clt.lgbt.elders@gmail.com.
Center hosts olympics
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, 2508 N. Davidson St., is gearing up for the LGBTQ Spring Olympics 2014 on May 17, 2 p.m., at Veterans Park, 2136 Central Ave.
LGBTQ and allied community members who are 18 and older can participate individually or as a team.
Attendees are invited to go for the gold while competing in a sack race, balloon toss, water sponge relay, tug-of-war, hoola hoop circle, golf ball relay and soccer world cup.
Winners receive T-shirts, bragging rights and event medals.
This is a family-friendly gathering.
Cost is $5 per person or $50 per team. Teams can consist up to 10 competitors. Registration is due by April 28. Proceeds benefit the center.
info: lgbtcharlotte.org.
[Ed. Note — The original version of this brief and its print edition version reported the event date as May 3. The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte later postponed that date to May 17.]
Youth ready for gala
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Time Out Youth Center, 2320 N. Davidson St., will hold its Platinum Gala Voices on June 6, 6:30 p.m., at Center Stage, 2315 N. Davidson St.
Hosted by NBC Charlotte anchor and reporter Ben Thompson, the evening will feature keynote and youth speakers, entertainment and updates on Time Out Youth’s work.
Attendees will be able to enjoy food, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, art auction and more while supporting the youth organization. A portion of the sale of cocktails will benefit Time Out Youth.
Time Out Youth Center is committed to discouraging under-age drinking. No one under the age of 21 will be permitted to attend the gala, with the exception of chaperoned youth speakers, organizers said.
Early bird tickets are $75 plus a $5.12 processing fee and can be purchased online at eventbrite.com/e/platinum-gala-2014-tickets-11060547395.
info: timeoutyouth.org.
Guild unveils new website
CHARLOTTE,, N.C. — The Charlotte Business Guild recently launched its upgraded and reformatted website.
The expanded site allows members to create profiles, be a part of a business directory, post resumes, conduct job searches and become a part of a supply chain directory.
Also included is a community networking section, blog and a resources page.
The site was designed by Create-ster, a local design firm owned and operated by Charlotte Business Guild board member Ann Gonzales.
The guild has developed strategic partnerships with the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, National Diversity Council, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and Visit Gay Charlotte.
Membership applications are available online.
info: charlottebusinessguild.org.
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Share your news with us
Does your organization or special interest group have events or great information to share with our readers? If so, be sure to send in your information to specialassignments@qnotescarolinas.com. In the upcoming months, we’ll feature one of you in our news notes section in each issue. Are you a part of a Meetup, Yahoo or Google group and do you do something that’s really newsworthy? Do you provide a service for the community or hold fundraisers for worthy causes? Do you educate the public about LGBT issues or concerns? Of course, this is only a sampling of things we are interested in. It’s the aim of these pieces to inform, enlighten and educate our readers about what we’re doing here in the Carolinas to champion LGBT rights, as well as offer resources for those who may be interested in what your group is doing.