Honoring the experiences of our LGBTQ+ Veterans

Veterans Day (proclaimed a federal holiday in 1938 by President Woodrow Wilison) began as Armistice Day on November 11, 1918, marking the end of major fighting in World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Unlike most federal floating holidays, it’s always on the 11th day of November.…

Durham LGBTQ+ Pride march honored with historical marker

A new historical marker in downtown Durham recognizes North Carolina’s first LGBTQ+ Pride march, an event that grew out of a violent 1981 attack and helped shape decades of organizing in the state. The marker, unveiled on Main Street near the Museum of Durham History on October 3, commemorates “Our Day Out,” a June 27,…

Why is MAGA so obsessed with drag queens and transgender issues?

I learned a new word the other night. “Transmutilazation.” I learned it while listening to Donald Trump’s disjointed and at times incoherent address to a crowd of about 3,000 sycophants. They were gathered in a rodeo arena in Pendleton, South Carolina, to support Darline Graham’s campaign for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by her…

ICE terror campaign continues in Charlotte

Immigration advocates are demanding answers after a U.S. citizen said he was arrested at gunpoint by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on his way to work in Charlotte earlier this past week. Atilio Portillo, a resident of east Charlotte who owns a small construction business, told reporters during a press conference Friday, October 23 that…

LGBTQ+ Destinations: Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville is an interesting mix of unique neighborhoods with a truly one of a kind brand and a Southern regional feel. Despite being just hours from Chicago, you are at the gateway to the South and the city is full of  southern charm, bourbon, horse racing and more. Bardstown Road (in the Highlands) features two…

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

Join the Qnotes Press Club

Your support makes our work possible. Every story we publish, every event we cover, and every community voice we uplift exists because of readers like you. Behind every headline is a story worth telling, and your membership helps keep those stories alive.

Together, we aim to welcome 200 new Press Club members by December 31, 2025, building the foundation for 1,000 members by June 2026. Join the Press Club today and help us reach our goal.

Choose your membership:

$
$
$

Your contribution is appreciated.

Related Stories

Features

Home for the holidays: Your guide to seasonal celebrations in Charlotte

The holiday season is almost here, and Charlotte has plenty of ways to celebrate. From drag performances and holiday concerts to dazzling light displays, theater productions and family-friendly traditions, the Queen City’s calendar is filling up with seasonal festivities. LGBTQ+ favorites Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme return with their signature holiday mischief, while the Gay Men’s…

NonProfit/Community

Our People: DJ Ghost

Out, loud and proud, DJ Ghost is a familiar name in the Carolinas’ LGBTQ+ community. An unapologetic advocate for equality and social justice, he’s never been one to mince words. In fact, his Facebook page boldly declares: “If you voted for Trump, don’t add me.” For years, DJ Ghost, also known as Michael Todd Calton…

Self-Care

Coming out later in life and realizing you’re HIV-positive

On HIV infection: ‘If you’re going to be sexually active, get on some kind of PrEP as soon as you can.’ Each of us has a different life journey. That can be contingent on a variety of decisions we make and general happenstance. Perhaps you were born into a progressive family that had no hard…