As a newspaper, Qnotes has served Charlotte for 40 years. In this edition we’ve collected here some of the most significant stories that have appeared on our pages and online during that time. There are more, so many more. We tried to keep it to one big story a year. And we did, mostly. Although there are a few years where you’ll find a couple of stories. But we simply didn’t have the space to include them all. We hope you’ll be enlightened, entertained and educated with this look back over the past 40 years. As we move towards the future, we plan to share the accomplishments that have yet to be achieved, as our community continues to grow.
1986
Charlotte launches nine new LGBTQ+ groups
As our world began to expand, Charlotte saw the launch of nine LGBTQ groups. They were: One Nation Indivisible (political activism); Queen City Friends (lesbian); Gay/Lesbian Switchboard (sexual ambivalence about sexual orientation); The Tradesmen (levi-leather men); PFLAG (Charlotte chapter); Gay Parents Coalition (those with children); Closet Buster Production (forum on Cablevision); Charlotte Lambda Chorale (choir); and New Life Players (MCC/New Life dramatic productions).
1987
Police take aim at gay men cruising
The biggest story to affect the LGBTQ community was a relentless surge in arrests in parks, adult bookstores and entrapment by vice squad officers from the Charlotte Police. Other stories instruct how to handle an arrest, how a man was able to get some support from his employer, and how Don King created a group for arrested men.
1988
Raleigh adopts LGBTQ+ supportive policy
In positive news, the Raleigh city council adopted a city ordinance that amended the city laws to make discrimination based on one’s sexual orientation illegal.
1989
New terms for HIV/AIDS
With the advent and spread of AIDS, the language that described the stages of the disease, along with other markers, was highlighted. Putting HIV/AIDS into perspective helped to increase the understanding of the pandemic.
1990
Harvey Gantt talks withQnotes
Former Charlotte mayor, Harvey Gantt, was extensively interviewed in his bid for the U.S. Senate on his thoughts about his opponent, Sen. Jesse Helms, Gantt’s support of the LGBTQ community, and human rights.
1991
Cracker Barrel fires gay employees
Activists took to the streets to fight rampant discrimination concerning gay firings at Cracker Barrel Country Stores. This became both a local initiative and a national campaign. Protests ensued, including Sunday lunch sit-ins where participants took over tables and only ordered water, keeping the tables occupied to affect business profits.
1992
Time Out Youth
Charlotte’s youth-focused Time Out Youth celebrated its first anniversary, with the organization’s board voting to make founder Tonda Taylor the first executive director.
Charlotte Police cancel meeting with LGBTQ+ community
LGBTQ community members were scheduled to have a historic first town meeting with local law enforcement and parks officials to discuss arrests, hiring policies and treatment of gay crime victims.
1993
Durham YMCA welcomes same-sex couples
Durham’s YMCAs announced that it would welcome LGBTQ couples as “household” members within the organization. The YMCA wanted to be more accepting of the broader community.
1994
North Carolina ends anonymous HIV tests
In a blow to those affected by or concerned about their AIDS status, the North Carolina Commission for Health Services decided to end anonymous HIV testing. At the end of the meeting, activists complained about broken promises from the state, questioning the value of the new state AIDS Advisory Council and going to court.
Triangle area town approves Domestic Partnership
Carrboro, N.C.’s Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a domestic partnership ordinance as a precursor to gay marriage. It was sponsored by then-Alderman Mike Nelson.
1995
Carrboro elects NC’s first gay mayor
Mike Nelson became the state’s first gay mayor, presiding over Carrboro, N.C. He was also one of five openly gay mayors in the U.S. He remarked that he was not a gay politician, but a politician who happened to be gay.
1996
‘Angels in America’ controversy
Arch-conservative Rev. Joe Chambers whipped up major controversy over the staging of “Angels in America” in Charlotte due to its nude scene and simulated gay sex acts. This went on to having funding pulled from the Arts & Science Council and extensive governmental discussions. The Pulitzer Prize-winning show had successful runs in Greensboro and Durham. To cap off the first decade for Qnotes, North Carolina’s General Assembly banned same-sex marriage in a nine-day railroaded legislative bill. After a mere 28-minute discussion, it passed by a vote of 98-10, although it was later overturned.
1997
Alleged gay killer linked to Versace murder
Andrew Cunanan began his killing spree on April 27, 1997, murdering Jeffrey Trail in Minneapolis. He then killed David Madson, Lee Miglin, and William Reese before fatally shooting Gianni Versace in Miami Beach on July 15, 1997, ending a cross-country spree that shocked the nation. He would never pay for his crimes or be apprehended by police. He took his own life while hiding out in a rarely used houseboat in Miami July 23, 1997. The boat sank five months later.
1998
Matthew Shepard killed
Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally attacked on October 6, 1998, near Laramie Wyoming by Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson. Left tied to a fence and severely beaten, Shepard died six days later on October 12, 1998. Both of his killers were later convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
MCC Charlotte announces plan to buy building
The Metropolitan Community Church of Charlotte announces their plans to purchase a church, located at 1825 Eastway Drive, for $775,000. The congregation would move into the church in July of 1999, and stay there until 2015, when it was announced that it would be sold.
1999
Mecklenburg County Commission restores funding for arts
Nearly two years after enacting policy on April 1, 1997 for Charlotte Mecklenburg that prevented funding for the arts that depicted LGBTQ+ characters, story lines or artistic depictions, the newly elected Mecklenburg county board of commissioners voted eight to one on February 16 to resend the policy and restore funding to arts regardless of any themes related to sexual orientation.
2000
Community gets national landmark at Stonewall
After recognition by the federal government as a part of the National Register of Historic Places, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the Stonewall Inn a national monument on March 1, 2000. It continues to serve that purpose today, despite the Trump administration’s attempt to remove the Rainbow Progress flag from the site in early 2026. Trump & Co. later reversed course and the flag has been allowed to remain in place.
2001
Andrew Reyes disappears
He lived the life of a high-stakes roller and a mover and shaker in Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community, served as the head of the Mecklenburg County Democratic party and attempted a run for political office. Then he abruptly disappeared during a drive to the northeast, after the family of his recently deceased employer and the federal government began to question why and how he suddenly had a seemingly endless flow of cash. Turns out he was skimming millions from his employer’s bank account, and moving it to his. Qnotes would follow this case for several years, including his capture and arrest, conviction and eventual early release from prison.
2002
Sue Myrick moves head first with support of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation
Former Charlotte mayor turned U.S. Representative Myrick was never an ally for the LGBTQ+ community, so it came as no surprise she gave her unyielding support to all anti-LGBTQ+ legislation introduced in 2002. Among Myrick’s extremist right wing accomplishments covered by Qnotes over the years: opposition to Marriage Equality, opposition to Workplace Protections, a no vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, a yes vote on banning adoptions by same-sex couples and support for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Myrick no longer holds office and is 84 years old.
2003
Lawrence v. Texas
The landmark case Lawrence v. Texas began on September 17, 1998, when Houston police entered John Lawrence’s apartment after a false weapons report and arrested him and Tyron Garner for engaging in consensual sex. The U.S. Supreme Court issued its final decision on June 26, 2003, ruling 6–3 that Texas’s “Homosexual Conduct” law was unconstitutional. This historic ruling effectively decriminalized same-sex activitynationwide
Suspect in Atlanta Olympics and gay club bombing captured in North Carolina
Eric Rudolph, a domestic terrorist motivated by anti-abortion and anti-gay views, was captured on May 31, 2003, in Murphy, North Carolina, after five years on the run. Rudolph was responsible for the Centennial Olympic Park bombing on July 27, 1996, in Atlanta, along with 1997 bombings at a lesbian bar and abortion clinic, and a 1998 deadly clinic bombing in Alabama. He hid in the Appalachian wilderness, becoming one of the FBI’s most wanted before his arrest behind a grocery store. Rudolph pleaded guilty in 2005 to avoid the death penalty and is serving life without parole at a Supermax prison in Colorado.
2004
Julia Bozeman elected first lesbian North Carolina state senator
Julia Boseman made history in November 2004 as the first openly gay person elected to the North Carolina General Assembly. Representing District 9, the Democrat served three terms in the state Senate from January 2005 to January 2011, advocating for education and civil rights.
2005
HIV infections in US reach one million in 2005
In June 2005, the CDC estimated that over one million people were living with HIV in the U.S., marking a significant milestone. On a positive note, the rise was largely attributed to improved, long-term survival due to antiretroviral therapies, rather than just new infections.
2006
Qnotesturns 20, merges with The Front Page
During Qnotes 20th anniversary, the company announced the merger of the Triangle-area based Front Page with the Charlotte area Qnotes. The merger allowed Qnotes to expand readership and coverage.
2007
ACLU appoints gay attorney to cover South
In April 2007, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) appointed attorney Christine Sun to lead its LGBTQ+ and AIDS Project in the Southern United States. Sun focused on expanding the organization’s presence to combat discrimination and ensure constitutional protections for LGBTQ+ students, gay Southerners, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the region.
2008
Task Force director: HIV is a “gay disease.”
In a speech on February 6 about the state of the LGBTQ movement, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman announced to more than 1,500 activists from around the world the following: “We cannot deny this is a gay disease,” Foreman said, in reference to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Needless to say, that didn’t go over very well. Activists and queer media called foul and discounted his remarks angrily. He quickly resigned.
2009
Murder in Fayetteville
An openly gay man and a popular drag performer in Fayetteville, North Carolina was found dead in the early morning hours of April 14, 2009, in Fayetteville. Jimmy McCullough was known on stage as Image Devera. Zachary Oakes was charged in McCullough’s murder the following month. According to court documents he was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2012.
2010
Uncounted homeless LGBT youth face cold streets, few resources
In this article,Qnotes explored the growing epidemic of LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness. Multiple reasons behind the occurrence were clear: the economic downturn of 2008 left many individuals homeless, including LGBTQ+ folks. The difficulty faced by many youth identifying as gender fluid and non-binary was amplified when it came to finding employment and housing. Resources for members of our youth community facing such difficulties were limited.
2011
Lawana Mayfield makes history as city’s first openly gay elected official
Mayfield was elected to represent District 3 in 2011, making history as the first openly LGBTQ+ elected individual to serve as a council representative. She would serve four terms in this district-based role. In 2019, she chose to give up her seat to run for an At-Large seat representing the entire city. Unfortunately, she lost in the Democratic primary on September 10, 2019, but returned to office in September 2022 after winning an At-Large seat. Her current term is scheduled to end on December 6, 2027. Will she run again?
2012
How does Obamacare affect me?
In the months following the passage of President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act (ACA),Qnotes decided to explore how it would impact the LGBTQ community. According to our report, the ACA promised to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, which would be more advantageous for those coping with HIV/AIDS issues and offer substance abuse treatment, as well as counseling.
2013
Justice served: DOMA Prop 8 struck down
After its passage in 2019, DOMA was subject to numerous lawsuits and repeal efforts. In United States v. Windsor (2013), the U.S. Supreme Court declared Section 3 of DOMA unconstitutional under the Due Process Clause, thereby requiring the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages conducted by the states. Needless to say, DOMA remained in Onotes content coverage until 2015
2014
Love wins out: Charlotte’s first LGBT married couples celebrate
Although many have forgotten North Carolina Gained access to same-sex marriage eight months before the Obergefell v. Hodges, it’s true. It actually happened and Qnotes reported on the achievement when it became legal in the state on October 10, 2014. On that date, a U.S. District Court judge ruled in United Church of Christ v. Cooper that the state’s ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, immediately allowing same-sex couples to marry. At Qnotes, we explored the happiness and excitement among multiple same-sex couples ready to legalize their relationships.
2015
Youth activist mourned in Charlotte: Blake Brockington
Local Charlotte transgender youth activist Blake Brockington, 18, died as a result of suicide on March 23. A recent graduate of East Mecklenburg High School, Brockington was held in high regard by many. According to the story in Qnotes, Brockington had been experiencing depression and difficulty with transitioning.
Marriage Equality achieved with Supreme Court win
Obergefell v. Hodges (June 26, 2015) was the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. In a 5–4 decision, the Court ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment requires states to license same-sex marriages and recognize those performed in other states. The ruling deemed marriage a fundamental right, guaranteeing equal dignity to same-sex couples.
2016
Terror attacks result in multiple deaths at Florida Pulse Night Club
A mass shooting occurred at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 12, 2016. The attack began at approximately 2:02 a.m. and lasted for roughly three hours before the shooter, Omar Mir Seddiq, was killed by police during a tactical breach of the building. A total of 49 people were killed and 53 others were injured.
North Carolina: first in flight, first in gay porn?
According to a survey published by PornHub, North Carolina is (was at that time?) among the top five states very busy visiting gay porn sites in the country! Interestingly enough, the survey also found viewing activity occurred more frequently in states dominated by Republicans and religion and requests for videos of well-endowed black men were at the top of the list for that area.
2017
TOY finds there’s ‘no place like home’
As reported in Qnotes, Time Out Youth closed on the purchase of a permanent home for their LGBTQ+ Youth services organization in late December of 2016. In the years to come, Time Out Youth has worked with clergy, educators and young people to change the landscape and local environment for LGBT youth. Of important note, TOY hosted the area’s first LGBT youth prom and it remains in the same location today at 3800 Monroe Road.
2018
New ‘religious freedom’ rule places LGBTQ health, well-being at risk
New rules and legislation in North Carolina and the Carolinas, often driven by conservative advocates, increasingly impact LGBTQ health and well-being. These developments include efforts to restrict gender-affirming care, limit LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination protections, and permit exceptions for religious institutions, threatening access to healthcare and creating a hostile climate.
2019
New report details challenges, rewards for LGTQ people in rural America
A 2019 report by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) highlighted that 2.9–3.8 million LGBTQ+ people in rural America face unique challenges, including higher poverty rates, social isolation and limited legal protections—alongside what many consider rewards, such as strong community ties, increased visibility and a slower pace of life.
2020
The Pandemic
A survey by Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) “COVID-19 and LGBTQ Travel in 2020,” painted a very panicked portrait during the COVID-19 pandemic. Composed of data from an online survey of 1,864 self-identified members of America’s LGBTQ community the report found 69 percent of participants indicated extreme or moderate pent-up desire to travel, while 72 percent of the travelers in the study canceled vacations because of COVID-19. It’s not surprising – COVID-19 was the underlying cause of roughly 385,000 deaths in 2020.
2021
Hate Groups in North Carolina
All in the spirit of good will and giving credit where credit is due, Qnotes decided to name every known hate group known to exist in North Carolina at that time. Among them: the Assatru Folk Assembly, Hebrew Israelites, Heirs to the Confederacy, Identity Dixie, The Ku Klux Klan, the Nation of Islam, Patriot Front, Proud Boys and the United Nuwaubians. Who knew there was so much intolerance?
2022
Jerk of the Year: Mark Robinson
While we labeled him brash, delusional and a potential nut-job, former NC Lt. Mark Robinson did just about everything he could to prove our point: he called the LGBTQ+ “filth” and equated us to “maggots” and “flies.” He claimed God formed him to fight against LGBTQ rights and visibility, which he argued will lead to the end of civilization. Robinson also advocated for arresting transgender women for using restrooms that aligned with their gender identity and suggested they instead “find a corner outside somewhere” to use. And there was so much more to come…
2023
Biden signs Respect for Marriage Act
When things started to look really dark and there was hatred filling the air aplenty, President Joe Biden came to the rescue while extremist right-wingers began to contemplate ways to overturn the Marriage Equality victory. His hands were tied, but there was one thing he could do – and he accomplished it with the help of North Carolina Republican Tom Tillis: the Respect for Marriage Act. What does it do? It requires state level governments (nationwide) to recognize same sex marriages performed in their own state (if the state in question decides to invoke a state-wide amendment or already has one on their state constitution that was not removed in 2015) and recognize all same-sex marriages performed in states still allowing marriage equality.
2024
Misuse of funds and the end of a career
In the final weeks of December 2023, an unmarked envelope was dropped at the front counter of White Rabbit Books. That led to a story we reported about that ran during the first week of January and continued to cover throughout the year. As reported by anonymous sources and confirmed legal documentation, former Campus Pride Director Shane Windmeyer had misused funds directed at the very non-profit he had co-founded. After Campus Pride Chair Candis Cox and Co-Chair and Treasurer Christopher Bylone requested attorney Lee Robertson’s opinion, he suggested a forensics audit, which – at a price tag of $20k – was not something Campus Pride could afford. Instead – and even though Windmeyer acknowledged the amount he had apparently misspent was unknown and likely a higher figure – a repayment was agreed upon of $100,000. The community was outraged. At last contact with Cox, Windmeyer had paid most of the agreed upon settlement and danced off into furthering his drag career as the plus-sized Brunch Diva Buff Faye. Despite the fact Cox had said Campus Pride would continue, it has not. No email updates, the website has nothing newer than November 2023, and who knows what became of the money Windmeyer repaid? For all the good Campus Pride had seemingly done, it appears to have been squandered.
Project 2025: The guide to dismantle Democracy as we know it
In the lead-up to Donald Trump’s campaign to retake the oval office, something sinister was revealed: Project 2025. What was it? Trump claimed to know nothing about it, but he lied. Created by The Heritage Foundation and a host of Trump devotees and former appointees, it lays out every federal government agency and how the next conservative president could do away with Biden administration directives and organize around right wing ideals. As evidenced by Trump’s trajectory since his claimed election, he has stuck to that guidebook like glue.
2025
Kimmel back on air, Trump says ‘let Jimmy rot’
Donald Trump is sensitive. He gets his feelings hurt easily. And when he does, watch out! Chances are, he’s coming for you. Throughout his political career, he’s been non-stop comedic fodder for comedy and late night TV show hosts. If someone made fun of him, he immediately took aim with every disparaging remark he could think of. And that’s what he did with Jimmy Kimmel. He poked at the network so hard, they caved and suspended Kimmel. But the American public wasn’t comfortable with silencing the media, so they fought back. They called, emailed, texted and complained. And now? Kimmel’s back on the job and still throwing barbs at Donald.
2026
Rainbow flag at Stonewall removed, replaced then a lawsuit follows. What’s next?This might be the straw that broke the camel’s back. After the federal government had declared the Stonewall Inn historic and the adjacent park a national monument back in 2000, the federal government, in their continuing effort to erase the LGBTQ+ community, decided there would be no rainbow flag flying at the Stonewall National Monument. So, declare the gayest spot in the country significant, then try to make it unrecognizable? That didn’t last long. Within days, city officials and LGBTQ+ leaders put a flag back in place in spite of Trump and his federal property flag ordinance. As of April 16, since Trump backtracked on his flag policy and a judge upheld his decision, the flag is back where it belongs. Permanently.
This article was written by David Aaron Moore and Lainey Millen, with additional research provided by L’Monique King and Jaylen Jones.