We have already recapped the biggest stories of 2015 in the Carolinas and beyond, but looking into the most trafficked stories online gives further insight into this year and what drew the most interest from our readers.
Most stories fall into the hard news category, with some lighter news and some A&E and lifestyle sneaking in as well. So, without further ado, here are the qnotes stories that drew the biggest online audience in 2015, according to our WordPress stats, in order of views highest to lowest. Click on the headlines to read the stories.
- “Young transgender activist Blake Brockington Mourned,” by Matt Comer (Mar. 24)
- “Shooting suspect with possible white supremacist ties arrested, Wayne Community College shooting victim was gay,” by Matt Comer (Apr. 13)
- “Anti-LGBT activists confront transgender teenager at Charlotte government center bathrooms,” by Matt Comer (Mar. 2)
- “Man assaults Charlotte gay bar owner while ranting about Supreme Court marriage decision,” by Matt Comer (Jun. 28)
- “Local anchor criticized for comments on Bruce Jenner,” by Matt Comer (Jan. 30)
- “Anti-LGBT ‘religious freedom’ bill comes to North Carolina,” by Matt Comer (Mar. 26)
- “Charlotte rejects LGBT-inclusive ordinances after more than five hour public comment and debate,” by Matt Comer (Mar. 2)
- “Time to tip more: Drag is not cheap,” by Buff Faye (Sep. 25)
- “Charlotte youth’s suicide prompts support, evokes emotion,” by Matt Comer (Feb. 28)
- “Raleigh radio show Bob and the Showgram called out for transphobic Caitlyn Jenner segment,” by Matt Comer (Jun. 15)
- “N.C. Senate passes anti-LGBT religious discrimination bill,” by Matt Comer (Feb. 25)
- “Charlotte Catholic fires gay teacher for saying he’ll marry partner,” by Matt Comer (Jan. 12)
- “National attention turns to Charlotte as Franklin Graham, Benham brothers speak out against LGBT ordinance,” by Matt Comer (Feb. 20)
- “Hooters pranks with April Fool’s ‘Roosters’ announcement, but don’t get excited: Charlotte’s very real Rooster’s is no friend to gays,” by Matt Comer (Apr. 2)
- “Homo Sweet Homo: Plaza Midwood and NoDa are Carolinas’ gayest neighborhoods,” by Nick de la Canal (Dec. 18)
- “N.C. Dems chair candidate under fire for transgender insult,” by Matt Comer (Jan. 21)
- “Charlotte’s Catholic bishop bans PFLAG event with LGBT-affirming nun from Uptown church,” by Matt Comer (Apr. 21)
- “Remains of missing Rowan County transgender woman found,” by Matt Comer (Aug. 14)
- “Anti-gay ‘religious freedom’ discrimination bill on way to N.C.,” by Matt Comer (Jan. 14)
- “Charlotte deputy fire chief questioned for offensive Bruce Jenner Facebook post,” by Matt Comer (Feb. 20)
- “Top to bottom: All the things your sex ed teacher never told you,” by Matt Comer (Jan. 30)
- “Art Pope backed conservative group targets N.C. LGBT leaders in ‘vast left-wing network,'” by Matt Comer (Jan. 22)
- “Gay high school student challenges anti-LGBT Liberty University to ‘love neighbor as self,'” by Jacob C. Ratliff (Jan. 20)
- “Charlotte’s LGBT debate attracts high-profile supporters, opponents,” by Matt Comer (Feb. 28)
- “Legislature’s first anti-LGBT bill introduced as hate group hosts closed-door briefings this afternoon,” by Matt Comer (Jan. 28)
- “Gov. McCrory appears at prayer rally, sits with head bowed as religious leader bashes gays, says the U.S. ‘deserves judgment,'” by Jeff Taylor (Oct. 3)
- “QNotes responds to Charlotte Catholic diocese objections to report on fired gay teacher,” by Matt Comer (Jan.13)
- “Five things you need to know about Charlotte’s proposed LGBT non-discrimination ordinance,” by Matt Comer (Feb. 25)
- “The Charlotte that is, not the feel-good myth we wish to see,” by Matt Comer (Mar. 13)
- “McCrory will veto House-passed anti-LGBT magistrate refusal bill,” by Matt Comer (May 27)
What was your favorite story we covered this year? Perhaps it didn’t even make the list? Let us know in the comments.