Like most cities, Charlotte is made up of many neighborhoods – each having its own distinct character, charm and appeal. Myers Park is one of those neighborhoods. Some might say the neighborhood’s greatest attraction is the amazing early 20th century architecture found there.
But QNotes would be remiss if we didn’t point out another important feature of the area: resident Scott Lowery. He’s a graduate of West Charlotte High School and UNC-Charlotte. He’s also that rare animal not often found in the Queen City – a native-born Charlottean.
As a boy growing up in a relatively sizable southern city, he often dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. He eventually discovered he “didn’t have the stomach for that,” and instead opted to adopt a puppy struggling with anxiety and change the world by becoming a teacher.
During our interview Lowery spoke candidly about his teaching career, various passions and his concerns for our political future.
L’Monique King: Do you share native Charlottean status with any siblings?
Scott Lowery: Yes, I have a sister about eight years younger than me. We didn’t become close until we were in our late teens and today, we’re pretty close.
LMK: Currently, is there a special person you share your home and life with?
SL: Yes, my husband Chris – my everything. We’ve been married since 2016 but had been together for a few years before that.
LMK: How did you meet your husband?
SL: We met through mutual friends. He’s an introvert and I’m an extrovert so we complement each other in good ways. He has an odd sense of humor that I just love. Sometimes he gets on my nerves but that goes along with the territory [of a long term committed relationship] and if it were any other way, it would just be strange <chuckles>.
LMK: Do you have any children?
SL: No, but I have a four-legged child that I love, Riley. She’s a Border collie-Pointer mix we’ve had since she was a puppy, she’s 11 years old now and was a rescue who still has separation anxiety.
LMK: Aside from Riley, what brings an uncontrollable smile to your face?
SL: Going to concerts. I love live music. This week I went to see: Heart, Lords of Acid and Echo & the Bunnymen.
LMK: We’ve heard that you’re a teacher. What do you teach and at what grade level?
SL: I teach economics and personal finance. I haven’t taught that all the time but that’s what I’m currently teaching because the kids really need it.
LMK: Are you out at school?
CL: My kids are high school students and they know. I was talking to a female student once and she [making an accurate assumption] asked me “What does your husband do? You’re married, right? I see you have a wedding band on.” I [honestly] answered her, in front of about 30 other students. It was very organic. No one said anything [mean or insulting] or even raised an eyebrow and class continued.
LMK: What are your thoughts on how recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is impacting LGBTQ+ youth and LGBTQ+ teachers?
SL: I think it’s impacted the climate for some people because you have a small segment of the population that are small-minded and it doesn’t take much to impact their opinions. But the good thing about living in Charlotte is a sense of freedom, which I believe allows you to feel comfortable in your own skin. We’re shielded from that small-minded mentality. I really believe it’s all about [your] location. If I were teaching in Raleigh or another large urban area it would probably be the same. However, in a smaller more rural area I’m sure it would be different. I wouldn’t put myself in the closet in that case, but think I’d be a little more reserved.
LMK: State legislation no longer allows you to discuss orientation and requires you tell a parent if a child wants to be gendered differently than the name they were enrolled under. What are your thoughts on that?
SL: There’s a process. Essentially if the student wants to be called something else, parents have to know and sign off on it. I dot all my I’s and cross all my T’s. And fortunately, I have not come across a parent who has denied that [right of their child to be affirmed]. In fact, quite often I’ve had parents who openly advocate for their children. Telling me, their child prefers a particular name or pronoun.
LMK: Wow, that’s encouraging. Looking at so much change politically, culturally and academically, what are your thoughts on Florida’s banning of school books that capture or discuss Black history?
SL: I think it’s disgusting. You can try to whitewash it if you want to, it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen! It’s despicable and just plain outrageous.
LMK: When you think about all the unrest going on in our nation regarding the change we spoke about and multiple civil rights issues, what comes to mind or concerns you?
SL: I’m worried more about the younger ones in our community. As an older man, with most of my friends also being older; when I interact with the younger generation I don’t get it. I don’t get the outward hostility that the younger members of our community seem to have – I’ve never experienced that. I was involved with the GSAs [Gay Straight Alliance school-based organizations] in two Charlotte schools. I initially thought, what a wonderful thing this is. But with one GSA there was such open hostility and bitterness. They would get offended over everything. So much so that I felt like I had to watch what I said. I used the wrong pronoun once and the child was so bent out of shape – a guttural reaction; that no apology seemed to be able to quell.
LMK: If there were any words of advice you could give LGBTQ+ youth about this or anything else, what would you say to them?
SL: Don’t take things too seriously. Lighten up; you don’t have to be serious all the time. I’m not being dismissive of the struggles of LGBTQ+ youth, but every conversation does not have to be a battle.
LMK: Let’s switch gears and lighten up a bit with a few random questions for a moment. Chicken or fish, what’s your preference?
SL: Fish. I could eat fish every day.
LMK: A book or movie?
SL: It depends. If I want to sit and think about the English countryside, I’ll pick up a book. If I want to travel to outer space, I’ll go to the movies.
LMK: That English Countryside journey, are you getting there by hard copy or eBook?
SL: Oh no, it has to be a paper copy. I like the feel of pages between my fingers.
LMK: Share with our readers the last good movie you’ve seen?
SL: I just saw Dune II, which was phenomenal and visually stunning and the original Alien movie; it was a reshowing for the film’s 40th anniversary.
LMK: Outside of leisure activities you enjoy – what gets your juices flowing?
SL: Fairness. I think a lot of what we see right now, especially in the political realm, goes against fairness. We used to be able to talk to each other and have different opinions without hating each other. I hate to see our young people have to deal with that. It makes me sad.
LMK: With retiring from teaching being less than 10 years away, what do you see yourself doing once you’re no longer teaching high school?
SL: I don’t know, but I know I’m not going to just sit at home growing old.
LMK: Okay, it’s expose’ time. Please share with QNotes something folks would be surprised to know about you?
SL: <Bursting in laughter> I collect vintage Star Wars toys.
LMK: Any closing thoughts before we end our interview?
SL: I hope everyone gets out to vote in 2024 because – there’s enough nonsense out there about unfair elections and lies. I do believe the greater portion of America has some sense. I grew up in a conservative but loving household. One of the reasons we have the problems we do is because people vote straight tickets. You have to know who you’re voting for. We can’t have another four years of that orange nightmare!