Richard Stevens is a progressive thinker who hails from Hampton Roads, Virginia, graduated from Tidewater Community College and eventually landed in the Charlotte area during the summer of the COVID pandemic. If any of that sounds familiar, it’s because QNotes first met and interviewed this young professional about three years ago.
Back then we were just getting to know Stevens. Since that time, Stevens has remained in Charlotte and continued to enjoy the area and grow his career.
Recently, while speaking at an LGBT Chamber of the Carolinas networking event, Stevens challenged event attendees to broaden their own horizons, enrich their lives and grow their business through purposeful connections.
During our interview Stevens updated QNotes on his joys, concerns for our community, his passion for eclectic wardrobe items and personal growth.
L’Monique King: What’s changed since we last spoke almost 3 years ago?
Richard Stevens: Oh, my goodness. I recently relocated to the Plaza Midwood area in 2024 and I absolutely freaking love it. Since we last spoke, I’ve also done a bit more in the LGBTQ community and have joined the kickball league of Stonewall Sports. That was a lot of fun. I’m not actively participating right now because I started running in 2025. I used to do 5 or 10Ks (which were very exhausting at the time) but this past year I’ve run 16.6 miles. I had no plan, no speed records, just me – doing it.
LMK: Tell us what makes your new neighborhood great.
RS: I love the walkability of the area, especially on nice days. I can walk to the grocery store or ride my bike to the gym that’s around the corner and I’m only a couple of minutes away from work. There’s a lot to do to keep me busy and it doesn’t take a 30-to-40-minute drive like it did in the past. It’s funny because my dog actually picked out the apartment. I’d viewed several others but when we went to see the one I now occupy, he perked up. It has a balcony, which he just loves.
LMK: If you’ve been impacted at all, how have you been coping with the political climate of the last 12 months?
RS: The power of community. I have a really amazing support group – my best friends. I call them my support group, my council and my tribe. [Being in their company] has always been a safe space where we can have open dialogue without fear of judgment. I remember one time when my mood had completely shifted. We were watching a new Avengers movie and got so triggered because though they were characters in a fictional movie – they mirrored many of the villainous real life people we see in the news. My chest was getting tight, my breathing was becoming erratic and then, a friend put her hand on my shoulder and said she thought I was consuming too much news media. She asked me what my daily consumption was and recommended keeping it down to 30 minutes in the morning and not watching before bed – when your mind should be shutting down for rest. That has helped tremendously. I used to watch from the time I woke up until I went to bed. I no longer do that and it’s made a dramatic difference.
LMK: How do you find peace during turbulent times?
RS: By understanding I can only control what I can control. I assess the situation and how it affects me. If you want to make a change, you have to reach out to individuals who have the power to make change or work to make that change myself. This understanding brings me peace in understanding I’m not a superhero; If my cup is empty, I respectfully tell myself, hey love, you can’t do it – not right now.
LMK: Are you still with your partner – any wedding bells ringing?
RS: <Laughter> Circumstances have changed in my previous romantic life. We’re no longer a couple and I’ve met someone new. He kind of fell into my life when I was not expecting it. He gave me grace, compassion and the ability to exist as my whole authentic self. Only time will tell what the future holds, but as of this moment, I’m enjoying him and what we’re building together. And Rex loves him too.
LMK: Rex? Is there a throuple you didn’t divulge?
RS: <Hysterical laughter> No, Rex is my dog. He’s a Shiba Inu and he just turned eight-years old. He’s very loving and very food motivated. He has his own Instagram page (@Rex_marksthespot). He is the most regal and bougie dog you’ve ever met. One time, while driving; me in my car and my partner driving his, we were on our phones speaking to each other; hands free of course. Well, my partner pulled up next to me and said, roll down the window so Rex can say hi to me. Rex gave the most nonchalant unimpressed expression and turned his head, barely looked at him. <Chuckles> He’s a full-blown regal mess. He has to have his filtered water, food with warmed chicken broth and if his feeding time is missed, he’ll fuss and even push me toward his bowl or pick it up and throw it at me.
LMK: Recently, there’s been lots of media buzz regarding celebrities coming out of the woodwork attacking the LGBTQ community while many are also supporting the GOP. What are your feelings about that?
RS: <Deep inhale followed by forlorn sigh> Honestly, it’s not new to me, the hostility, the aggression or the judgement that can come from the African American community. I’m not only African American, I’m also very gay in America and that’s hard. We’re both fighting the same battle so it’s frustrating. If I could [speak to many of those celebrities, including Nicki Minaj] I’d argue, was it not the LGBTQ community and other marginalized communities that had a hand in lifting you up to where you are now? Many of us love the music and work of these people and it hurts. It really hurts to know their positions.
I’ve always been a music connoisseur – loving music of different types. Music is a form of communication and it adds emphasis to our memories. There were times when I was getting ready to go out with friends and blasting Nicki Minaj. But now, when her songs come on the radio or her music pops up on my playlist – I have to skip. I’m angry with her. How dare she say the things she’s said about our community, about me. Her songs were a part of my life, go-to tunes for celebrating good times. Now, they are associated with someone who doesn’t give a damn about me. Makes me think maybe she was just acting as though she was part of our tribe because she wanted the coin, the money, the fame, the power of lining her pocketbooks.
LMK: While you find new artists to appreciate, what other plans do you have for the future?
RS: Recently I accepted a Board Chair position for the LGBT Chamber of the Carolinas. My main goal is to further promote their footprint and to continue to build our membership through inclusive events and professional development, showing the effect the Chamber has had on the area’s economy.
LMK: Congratulations. Speaking for footprints, we heard you had a shoe fetish. Care to elaborate?
RS: I love shoes. I probably have about 160 pairs. Sneakers make up about 50 percent, about 30 percent are boots; everything from Uggs, dress boots, Tims, Native American thigh high boots and combat boots. Anyone who has walked into my closet has asked, where are we going? Between the shoes and accessories like my full length pink hooded fur coat and cream iridescent cowboy hat with hanging jewels – my closet is a playground.
LMK: Before we let you go. Do you have any 2026 resolutions for yourself or our community you’d like to share with our readers?
RS: For myself, to continue walking in my faith – believing in myself; especially when looking at the news and current developments. During those times, we can often feel small, but the reality is we have more power than we realize and through our actions, a little ripple can have a big effect.
For our community my hope is that we re-unite. Unfortunately, we lost a very bright light in the Charlotte community recently. He was a shining star, only 25 years old and killed in a hit and run on the Plaza. My heart stopped when I found out. If you’ve ever had the privilege of meeting him, Lance Sotelo – you know how nice he was. What I saw in the wake of his death was how everyone (community members, bar owners, fellow runners) came together to show support and offer resources for managing the grief. Seeing Charlotte come together and not only grieve – but drive change – was inspiring. The conversations that have been started regarding how not to have a repeat of incidents like this – that’s what I’d like to see more of. Conversations on protecting and promoting our general well being – without the death of a beloved community member as the catalyst.