The language of roses and the meaning of color
With the first of February hastily on the way, and Valentine’s Day not far behind it, one color that we tend to see the most, no matter where we go, is red. Two of the most common objects adored in the base color, with pictures displayed throughout advertisements and marketing, are hearts and roses. While…
From Queer Icon to MAGA Ally: Nicki Minaj’s Political Turn
Nicki Minaj built a career alongside an audience that included some of her loudest…
Trump admin agrees to drop anti-DEI criteria for stalled health research grants
The Trump administration will review frozen grants to universities without using its controversial standards…
Multiple states have banned gender-affirming care, now there’s a move to create a national ban
Some states – including both North and South Carolina – have moved to ban…
Out in Print: Best books of 2025
This past year, you’ve often had to make do. Saving money here, resources there,…
local
Year in Review: 2025
In 2025 we saw a decided increase in disturbing and frightening activity aimed at our community. Despite warnings about a second Trump presidency armed with a MAGA guide book, few of us expected so much. Here’s our look back at the good, bad and ugly. JANUARY LGBTQ+ marriages surge before Trump inauguration day In a…
QNOTES DEMOCRACY
SC extends voter registration in response to Hurricane Helene
As a result of issues caused by Hurricane Helene’s devastation in the piedmont area of the state, South Carolina is extending voter registration an extra 7 days to October 14. After Helene left hundreds of thousands without power for days, among the other issues caused, the South Carolina Democratic Party’s lawsuit to extend the registration…
our people
Our People: Deanna Jones
‘I’m Deanna. I am a person who no longer has secrets, and there are no regrets.’ Credit: Facebook Deanna Jones is a native of Charlotte, though she calls Hillsborough home these days. She’s currently serving as the president of Harmony, the North Carolina LGBTQ+ Allied Chamber of Commerce. Located in Raleigh, the organization prides itself…
news
Ethical AI is not a slogan
A resumé rejection that arrives within minutes. A loan decision with no explanation. A customer service chat that never quite sounds human. These moments are increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, often without people realizing it. For communities that have long faced discrimination in hiring, housing, healthcare and public services, these experiences feel familiar. When artificial…
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more news
Charlotte-based authors talk about their books and self discovery
Trump admin targets gender care for trans youth
Library Boards at the Front Line of Anti-LGBTQ+ Censorship
Durham native and queer actor Wenne Alton Davis dies in New York City after audition
Trump minions add his name to Kennedy center, prompting backlash
PCA Pastors issue public lament over denominational culture
SC Guv wannabe Nancy Mace fights, lies and blames trans community
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