Youth group holds celebration
DURHAM, N.C. — The NC Queer Youth Power Coalition will hold its Queernival on March 28, 12 p.m., at Calvary United Methodist Church, 304 East Trinity Ave.
The event is a southern celebration of youth liberation from homophobia, racism, sexism and all other forms of oppression where youth of all ages, adult allies and non-profit organizations engage in games, food and performances to educate the community about issues that impact minority youth, organizers said.
Participants are able to throw pies, play, dance, create art and more. The event features a bouncy castle, an open mic drag, performances by youth musicians, while enjoying raffles, auctions and other activities.
Youth-led organizations, such as high school Gay-Straight Alliances, will staff booths to host carnival games, run contests, serve homemade treats or promote an issue. Any group is invited to contribute flyers, pamphlets, zines, stickers or anything else to the networking table. Proceeds from Queernival booths will support local GSAs and other youth-led initiatives.
The NC Queer Youth Power Coalition is a collaboration of QORDS, Youth Organizing Institute and iNSIDEoUT/Upsidedown. Organizers call it a transformative collective for the community.
info: insideout180.org. ncqueeryouthpower.org. qords.org. empoweryouthnc.org.
Youth group seeks summer funds
DURHAM, N.C. — INSIDEoUT is asking local businesses to help in the organization’s project to raise $6,000 to send eight LGBT teenagers to the Smoky Mountains this summer for Outside the Lines, an adventure-filled week of hiking, canoeing, friendship, leadership and activism held from June 21-28, said organizers.
The campaign theme is “Transcending Barriers.” Outside the Lines brings together youth from a variety of class, race and other backgrounds to promote cross-cultural connections and awareness. Participants will return to the Triangle ready to transform their schools and Gay-Straight Alliances into more inclusive, diverse communities and to push back against North Carolina’s harmful legislative agenda from the front lines, organizers added.
Giving level suggestions include: $50, one night of camping; $100, one youth’s meals for the week; $180, canoe trip for one; $500, one youth’s participation for the week; $1,800, expenses for a 15-passenger van and gas between Durham and the event site.
Contributors receive incentives showcasing their businesses.
Send donations to Insideout, 1303 Clarendon St. B, Durham, NC 27705, made out to Insideout with Outside the Lines in the memo line. Contributions can also be made online.
To learn more, email Robert Wells at rewells318@gmail.com or Amy Glaser at insideoutamy@gmail.com.
info: insideout180.org.
‘T’ awareness focus for meeting
RALEIGH, N.C. — SAGE Raleigh will hold a Lunch and Learn on April 2, 12 p.m., at the LGBT Center of Raleigh, 324 S. Harrington St., in observance of Transgender Month of Awareness.
The Trans* Allies Bring Your Lunch and Learn will offer ways to support the “T” in LGBT. Trans community trainers from the local area will present “Trans* Allies and Advocacy.” The program will be a combination of education and a discussion of ways allies can be supportive of the Trans* community.
Attendees are asked to bring something to eat during the session.
The following week, on April 9, 11:30 a.m., SAGE Raleigh’ Lunch and Learn will host Scott Waterhouse from Resources for Seniors who will share information on services available from the non-profit. RFS is aware that the LGBT community is under-served and has reached out to help fill the gaps.
Attendees are asked to RSVP by April 7 so that organizers can plan accordingly for lunch service. Email sage@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com to reserve a spot.
On April 17, 7 p.m., at the center, SAGE Raleigh and The Allies Group of the LGBT Center of Raleigh will join together for a panel discussion with community youth. Topic is “What it’s like to grow up LGBT in today’s world?”.
info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.
CMF schedules host party
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Crape Myrtle Festival will hold its annual host party on April 11, 7 p.m., at the home of Chris and Jessica Gotwalt, 401 E. Jones St.
Each year a supporter of the festival opens its home to the organization and its guests. The gathering is used to raise funds for Crape Myrtle and is often the most successful fundraising venture of the calendar. In fact, at the one event, it secures as much contributions as it does throughout the year. The festival supports organizations across the state that handle those affected by HIV/AIDS. It provides funds for expenses, awareness, prevention, testing, counseling and a variety of other services.
Catering is supplied by Donovan’s Dish. Attendees are also welcome to enjoy drinks, as well as the camaraderie during the celebration.
Attendees are asked to purchase their tickets at the door by making host level contributions that begin at $150, organizers said. Host level entitles the benefactor to perks beyond entry to the event. More information about this is available by emailing info@crapemyrtlefest.org.
info: crapemyrtlefest.org.
Fest around corner
RALEIGH, N.C. — Out! Raleigh will be held on May 2, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., at City Plaza and Fayetteville St. between City Plaza and Martin St.
This outdoor festival showcases entertainment, vendors and more in celebration of the LGBT community and its allies in a family-friendly atmosphere. It is a major event sponsored by the LGBT Center of Raleigh, 324 S. Harrington St.
It is currently accepting vendor applications. Deadline is April 1.
Children will be able to do face painting, balloon twisting and more in the KidsZone while adults are treated to entertainment by a capella group The Kinsey Sicks, indie rockers Kurtzweil, singer Shadina, musicians Dylan Michael & The Family, recording artists Sam Saulsby Trio, Common Woman Chorus, eclectic musicians Army of Dog, Triangle Gay Men’s Chorus and DJ Pancakes.
Volunteers are also being sought. Visit the website to learn more.
Raleigh Little Theatre’s cast also joins in the celebration while it performs selections from “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” The award-winning musical will also be in residence at the theatre from May 1-17 at the Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre, 301 Pogue St. Performances are at 8 p.m. on May 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, with matinees at 3 p.m. on May 3, 10 and 17.
Tickets are adults/$24, seniors, students/$22 and first Sunday/$13 for all.
info: outraleigh.org. lgbtcenterofraleigh.com. raleighlittletheatre.org.
Anti-violence initiative launched
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Gay Christian Network has launched its #LiveLoveOut movement to counter violence and dehumanizing treatment that harms LGBT people across the world every day, organizers said. It was announced at its conference in January.
Organizers said that “youth homelessness, bullying, abuse and hate crimes don’t represent the Gospel,” and that they wish “live out Christ’s love in our communities, churches, and families…through #LiveLoveOut” in order to “stand united in making our Church the refuge it is meant to be.”
Their hope is to raise $150,000 to aid in the fight against global issues pertaining to mistreatment of LGBT individuals.
The funds will be used to educate “influential” leaders and become connected with larger organizations. It will also allow the Gay Christian Network to increase their resources in order to spread the #LiveLoveOut message.
At press time, they had collected roughly $90,000.
In other news, the organization is searching for a development director to oversee growth strategies and fundraising. The position is for the Raleigh office, but could be handled remotely with the right candidate.
Those who apply should have a Bachelor’s degree, training in fundraising and development, experience with non-profits, strong communication skills and familiarity with donor management software. Visit the website for further information and description.
A cover letter, resume, references and salary requests are required for consideration and should be sent to jobs@gaychristian.net.
info: gaychristian.net.
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Share your news with us
Does your organization or special interest group have events or great information to share with our readers? If so, be sure to send in your information to specialassignments@goqnotes-launch2.newspackstaging.com. In the upcoming months, we’ll feature one of you in our news notes section in each issue. Are you a part of a Meetup, Yahoo or Google group and do you do something that’s really newsworthy? Do you provide a service for the community or hold fundraisers for worthy causes? Do you educate the public about LGBT issues or concerns? Of course, this is only a sampling of things we are interested in. It’s the aim of these pieces to inform, enlighten and educate our readers about what we’re doing here in the Carolinas to champion LGBT rights, as well as offer resources for those who may be interested in what your group is doing