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Not for Reproduction Copyright 2008 QNotes Not for ReproductionN O R T H CA R O L I N ANorth Carolina News Notesby Lainey Millen & Matt Comer . Q-Notes staff ENC to holdc o p r i g h tconference, galaCHARLOTTE DURHAM — The Second Annual EqualityConference and Gala will be held on Nov. 15 atIt’s a real dragDuke University.CHARLOTTE — Lip Service, the QueenCity’s only open mic for the mature and creativeLGBT community, is kicking offMasquerade Month on Oct. 1 with B Who YaWanna B at Faces Nite Club, 2815 Crisman St.Doors open at 8 p.m. and participants mustsign up to read by 8:43 p.m.Drag kings or costume enthusiasts areencouraged to read as their alter egos. Prizeswill be awarded for the best presentation.2 0 0 8Cover is $7. Parking is free.For more information, email L. Monique attheblackdymond@yahoo.com or vistwww.myspace.com/lmonique2006.‘How to’ on membershipCHARLOTTE — The Charlotte BusinessGuild (CBG) Small Business Seminar will beheld on on Sept. 24, at 5:30 p.m. at the Lesbian& Gay Community Center, 820 Hamilton St.,Suite B11.Topic for the event is “The Civic andMarketing Value of a Charlotte Chamberc o p rMembership.”i g h tMichael Greene, investor recruitment;Lori Lewis, chief revenue officer; and KathyVitale, investor recruitment of the CharlotteChamber of Commerce will outline the benefitsof a Chamber membership. During thisseminar, participants can learn how to connectand network; access tools and resourcesto grow business; and learn how theChamber is an advocate for issues thatimpact the business community and theCharlotte region.The Guild is is a Diversity Partner withc o p rthe CharlotteiChamber.gCBG members canh treceive a 50 percent discount on ChamberMembership.Please bring business cards or businessideas to share. The presentation will be followedby a question and answer session withan additional opportunity to network.For more information, call Melissa Woodsat 704-661-6368 or visit the Chamber websiteat www.charlottechamber.com.TRIANGLEThis dynamic event features a full day of cutting-edgeworkshops, speakers and celebration.The Conference is North Carolina’s largestLGBT forum.A keynote panel will feature noted nationalleaders including Mara Keisling (NationalCenter for Transgender Equality), KateKendell (National Center for Lesbian Rights)and Alexander Robinson (National BlackJustice Coalition). Attendees will also be ableto choose from a wide-range set of workshopscovering topics such as community organizingin small towns, LGBT health and wellness, anintroduction to transgender issues for LGBallies, and more.Following the Conference will be theGala, chocked full of fun, friendship, foodand festivities.Student rates are available.For more information and to register, visitwww.equalitync.org/conference or contactSeth Maid by email at seth@equalitync.org.RUM expands visionDURHAM — Reconciling UnitedMethodists (RUM) has announced that TheSanctuary at Lakewood has joined the list ofinclusive congregations across the state. Thecongregation voted in late August to open itsdoors to the LGBT community.On Sept. 9, RUM sat down with students atLouisburg College to share stories and voiceconcerns about the intersection of faith, sexualitiesand the church. This was the first offour meetings scheduled during the Fall.RUM and Calvary United MethodistChurch are teaming up to join others duringthe NC Pride march festivities on Sept. 27.They will also have booth space.For more information, call Caleb Parker at919-667-3787 or email wcp0622@gmail.com.Need support?DURHAM — Therapist Jessie Sell, an advocateand friend to the transgender communityfor several years, is interested in starting a TGsupport group. She has found limited resourcesEASTERN for members of this often invisible community.She is interested in creating a safe place forLend a handindividuals to come and express themselves2 0 0 8GREENVILLE — Due to some recentwithout judgment. She is in the initial planningstages of formulating the group, but want-unanticipated renovation costs The TipsyTeapot, 409 S Evans St., needs community ed to gage interest and need in the Trianglesupport to ensure it’s doors remain open.area. She is open to creating a group based onOver the years it has evolved into a much issues relevant to its group members.needed free thinking space of expression and There is no established time line presently.community. Tipsy has expanded to bring live She has expressed her passion to create somemusic, wireless internet access, poetry nights, resources that she feels are lacking.V-Day events, an English-style brunch onFor more information, call Sell at 919-225-Sundays, the sale of beer and wine, and, more 3478 or email Jessie_Sell@yahoo.com.recently, Indie films. It has continued to providea space where everyone may experienceWESTERNdiversity acceptance and community.Ways to help are to frequent the establishment,share with others the need for assis-MAGGIE VALLEYRetreat slatedc o p r i g h t— The annual Thetance at Tipsy, attend special events and contributemuch needs funds to assure that the bian and gay Christians will be held on Oct.Cross & The Rainbow spiritual retreat for les-doors remain open.10-12 at Living Waters Reflection Center.For more information on how to help, callJoin others during the 10th annual retreatDelia at 252-413-0087 or visit personal.ecu.edu/ in a warm and welcoming atmospherehcr0916/tt or www.myspace.com/tipsyteapot.see next page >8 SEPTEMBER Not for Reproduction 20 . 2008 • QNotesCopyright 2008 QNotes Not for Reproduction