Anti-HB2 campaign launched
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — GayAshevilleNC.com recently posted a commentary on its website and Facebook about the state’s new anti-LGBT discrimination law, HB2, and included some graphics that became requested items.
Available for download on the website at bit.ly/1SvA4o8 are two different “Partner In Justice” cards. One is simple and one comes with dialogue that states: “Be Proud to Partner In Justice. As a regular customer, I ask you to take a stand and Partner in Justice for North Carolina by advocating the repeal of HB2! I cannot patronage a business that does not take a stand.”
Users are encouraged to give them to businesses and employers as well.
The editorial was also accompanied by a call to action against the newly-implemented HB2.
There is also a petition there to appeal to select individuals to initiate impeachment of Gov. Pat McCrory.
“We, GayAshevilleNC, promise to be tireless in promotion of our community and its accomplishments and help prove to all individuals and corporations, just what it is like to be part of a community that works, plays and lives together — gay, bi, transgender or straight in harmony and respect,” the site’s owners said.
info: gayashevillenc.com.
Elder webinars upcoming
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Land of Sky Regional Council, 339 New Leicester Hwy., Suite 140, has announced that it is providing two webinars focused on LGBT older adults.
The resource/training options are: April 15, 10-11 a.m., Embracing LGBT Older Adults of Color and June 23, 10-11 a.m., Intro to LGBT Older Adults.
Registration is available online for each webinar. For the April 15 event visit bit.ly/1X94Yqc and for the June 23 event visit bit.ly/1qgu5Nr.
info: landofsky.org.
UNC-A celebrates Pride
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The University of North Carolina at Asheville is celebrating its GLBT PRIDE (Practice Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, Education) Month with an array of programming.
Co-sponsored by the university’s Multicultural Student Programs and the student organizations Alliance, Black Student Union, Hyannis House and the Trans Student Union, it kicked off on April 4 with a film screening of “Paris is Burning” and “From the Margins to the Middle: Experiences of LGBTQ People of Color” panel discussion on April 5.
The event continues on April 19 with a film screening of “Pay It No Mind: The Life and Times of Marsha P. Johnson” at 6 p.m. in the Highsmith Union, room 222. This documentary focuses on Marsha P. Johnson, a black trans activist who was an instigator of the Stonewall riot that helped spark the gay liberation movement. A discussion led by UNC-A staff and students will follow.
On April 22, 6 p.m., there will be a Trans Student Union Poetry Showcase featuring poetry, music and art at Hyannis House, 24 Hyannis Dr.
info: msp.unca.edu.
HIV/AIDS dining event readied
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP) has announced that it will host its annual Dining Out for Life event on April 28.
Over 115 participating restaurants will contribute 20 percent of their gross sales for the day to WNCAP to enable it to meet and expand their services. Eat out for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks or takeout and chose a different restaurant for each meal. See the website for the complete list.
SisterCare WNC will be the ambassador for the event on April 28, 5:30-10 p.m., at Two Guys Pizza & Ribs, 121 Barnwell St. #8, in Hendersonville, N.C.
During the SisterCare event, a candlelight ceremony in recognition of those lost to HIV/AIDS will take place. Names should be submitted to sistercarewnc@gmail.com.
In addition, entertainment will be provided by Motown-styled band WestSound and emceed by local impersonator Cher.
info: wncap.org/dofl. sistercarewnc.weebly.com.
Story submissions sought
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The LGBT Elder Advocates of Western North Carolina’s program director, Carolyn Reeves, is on the hunt for submissions for the “Truth Comes Out” story-telling project.
Organizers are especially seeking stories related to health or healthcare obstacle experiences due to one’s LGBT identity. Project submitters, age 50 and over, are asked to share and possibly perform stories that aim to raise awareness about health disparity in the LGBT community.
Email carolynalexis@gmail.com with “Storytelling” as the subject with submissions or queries.
info: lgbtelderadvocatesofwnc.org.
Have news or other information? Send your press releases and updates for inclusion in our News Notes: editor@qnotescarolinas.com.
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@qnotescarolinas.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.