Program searching for leaders
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Time Out Youth Center, 2320 North Davidson St., is partnering with the Human Rights Campaign and Equality North Carolina to find candidates for its 2015 Emerging Leaders program.
This year-long initiative, which was recently redesigned, focuses on training LGBT young adult leaders across the Carolinas.
Young adults who are 18-25 from either North Carolina or South Carolina may apply.
The program starts on Feb. 20 in conjunction with the HRC North Carolina Gala.
Participants will take part in an initial two-day seminar focused on identifying key competencies of leadership and will meet local, state and national LGBT leaders, volunteer with gala preparations and receive a complimentary ticket to the dinner event. The seminar will be held at the center.
Twenty leaders will be selected to participate in the 2015 class. Curriculum and supervision of the project will be shared by HRC, Equality NC and Time Out Youth Center. This 12-month program will provide ongoing leadership opportunities and training throughout the year.
To apply, download and complete the application at drive.google.com/file/d/0B_ySkRsU8i6dRlVSOHRGdDFweHc/view and return it by Jan. 31 to Rodney Tucker at rtucker@TimeOutYouth.org. Individuals selected for the program will be notified no later than Feb. 10.
In other news, the GSA Regional Network meeting will be held on Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m., at the center. Topic of discussion is building coalitions with other area GSAs, school clubs, and community groups.
In addition, Time Out Youth has been invited to develop a Southern Queer Youth Pride Day by the national GSA Network. Participants will develop a plan for a social network-based event that brings together LGBT youth and GSAs from throughout the Southeastern U.S.
Dinner, drinks, and snacks will be provided for all attendees. Contact Todd Rosendahl at trosendahl@timeoutyouth.org to learn more.
info: timeoutyouth.org.
Aging group meeting upcoming
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The LGBT Aging Solutions Network will hold its first 2015 meeting on Jan. 19, 7 p.m., at Pace of the Southern Piedmont, 6133 The Plaza.
Attendees will engage in coffee and conversation regarding updated activities of the Housing Interest Group, as well as plan the activities and programs for the year.
AARP will supply coffee.
RSVP is requested by Jan. 16. If afterward, contact the coordinators to inquire about a place at the meeting.
info/reservations: clt.lgbt.elders@gmail.com.
‘Boots’ at Belk
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — “Kinky Boots” will be staged at the Belk Theatre at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., from March 17-22.
The production is one that sells out fast and there are a limited number of tickets available at press time.
Inspired by a true story, the production is scored by Cyndi Lauper, directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell and written for the stage by Harvey Fierstein.
Contact the box office or go online to secure seats.
info: blumenthalarts.org. 704-372-1000.
Affirming church open to diversity
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 1510 E. 7th St., is having a welcome class on Jan. 25, continuing on successive Sundays on Feb. 1 and 8, at 9 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
The class is designed to offer an opportunity for church members and guests to get to know one another.
St. Martin’s considers itself to be a thriving and diverse community of faith. It hopes to share more about congregational life, mission and outreach and more.
An RSVP is appreciated in order for the class hosts, Terry and Richard Ertel, to have sufficient coffee for everyone.
info: ertels@bellsouth.net.
Wedding expo on horizon
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 1st Annual “Same Love, Same Rights” LGBT Wedding Expo will be held on Feb.15, 12:30 p.m., at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel, 555 S. McDowell St.
It is open to couples who are wanting to explore options for their nuptials. Attendees will have access to photographers, DJs, officiants, wedding planners, venue representatives, jewelers, invitations and more. There will also be a raffle giveaway along with LGBT honeymoon planning tips and trends.
Admission is free to couples, singles, and allies interested in marriage rights.
The expo is produced by Rainbow Wedding Network which is based in Asheville, N.C.
info: samelovesamerights.com. rainbowweddingnetwork.com.
HRC Carolinas seeks co-chairs
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Human Rights Campaign North Carolina Board of Directors and its Board of Governors are on the search for 2016 gala co-chairs.
Responsibilities include: raising critical funds for HRC, through the state’s gala dinner; cultivating, educating, leading and motivating dinner committee members; building and nurturing new and existing relationships with other organizations in the community; and building an overall stronger and inclusive community.
Next year’s event will be held on Feb. 20, 2016. Interested individuals must be available that weekend to serve as one of the co-chairs, as well as maintain a flexible schedule while meeting key deadlines to the gala. Additionally, selected individuals will be encouraged to attend the 2015 HRC Spring Equality Convention in Washington, D.C., for gala training from March 5-7.
Applications are available by emailing Dan Mauney at danmauney@gmail.com. Once completed, they should be returned to Mauney. Deadline is Feb. 3 for submission and candidates will be notified on or before Feb. 18.
info: hrccarolina.org.
Have news or other information? Send your press releases and updates for inclusion in our News Notes: editor@goqnotes-launch2.newspackstaging.com.
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@goqnotes-launch2.newspackstaging.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.