Headlines: ENDA, gay suicide, Pride (w/ video report) & Carolinas’ anti-gay foes

Headlines & snippets from the Oct. 20 issue (my debut issue) of Q-Notes, your premier source of Carolinas’ LGBT news & views:

Trans protections ripped from ENDA
National organizations, trans activists respond; rift in HRC forms
by Matt Comer . Q-Notes staff
WASHINGTON, D.C. — At the end of September, U.S. House leaders including openly gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) would no longer contain protections for transgender Americans.

Their announcement provoked a firestorm of controversy, in-fighting and division among the LGBT community. At the same time, however, the response to the announcement provided a chance for hundreds of national and state LGBT organizations to unite for a transgender-inclusive ENDA.

Citing an unrecorded “Whip count,” or poll, of House members, Frank stated, “it became very clear that while we would retain a significant majority of Democrats, we would lose enough so that a bill that included transgender protection would lose if not amended.” READ MORE

N.C. man kills himself after sex sting arrest publicized
Community members cite media, police handling as cause
by Matt Comer . Q-Notes staff
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Over a two-week period in late September, 40 men — including one preacher and employees of school systems — were arrested in undercover sex stings in Johnson City, Tenn. public parks, possibly leading to the suicide of one man less than 24 hours after charges against him were announced.

According to The Johnson City Press, the police targeted two parks they felt had become known for sexual activity. The report of the sting was featured prominently as the lead headline on the paper’s front page and included names, addresses and photographs of each man arrested.

One of the area’s television news stations, WJHL Channel 11, also carried news of the undercover operation and posted on its website the Johnson City Police Department press release, which also included names, addresses and photographs. READ MORE

NC Pride 2007 draws thousands
Festival attracts strong youth contingent
by Matt Comer . Q-Notes staff
DURHAM, N.C. — With the sun shining and a nice breeze, the 23rd annual NC Pride Festival hit the streets of Durham and the Duke University East Campus on Sept. 29.

The festival drew between 6,000 to 7,000 excited and energetic participants according to Festival spokesperson Keith Hayes.

Along with an all-time record of 160 participating businesses, non-profit organizations and other associations in the vendor fair, the festival attracted students, community members and business and political leaders.

A celebrity appearance from Raleigh native Randy Jones, better known as the “Cowboy” of the Village People, surprised the crowd with rousing renditions of “Y.M.C.A.” and other 70s favorites.

As in years past, the parade featured fantastic floats and other fun sights. Duke University students rode a float made for the Human Rights Campaign. Other riders threw out Mardi Gras beads, candy or other treats to the crowds.

Student and college groups from around the state marched and showed their solidarity. From the western mountains all the way to the eastern portions of the state, college organizations lined up and took to the street with rainbow flags and banners. READ MORE

Anti-gay foes in the Carolinas
Gay organizing continues despite threats
by Matt Comer . Q-Notes staff
The LGBT communities of the Carolinas have come to know far too well the presence of visible and vocal anti-gay opponents. In their attempts to keep gay and transgender people invisible in the two states, the queer communities of the Carolinas are learning how best to deal with them, how to respond and further organize.

Although his official service to the state ended in 2005, former S.C. State Rep. John Graham Altman’s vocal opposition to LGBT equality has certainly left a legacy. First elected in 1997 to represent Charleston County, the Republican had been a fixture in state politics since the 1950s, Altman was among the most outspoken anti-gay leaders in the state.

In 2004 he left his most lasting, harmful legacy when he fervently supported the anti-gay marriage amendment to the state’s constitution, which passed by an overwhelming majority.

“This amendment gives us one extra layer of protection against a federal judiciary gone wild,” said Altman. READ MORE

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Oh… and I promise… I really didn’t write everything. Visit Q-Notes at www.q-notes.com to see all the other great stories, plus, I’ll be posting separately the article on my new beginning at the paper.

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