Charlotte Pride

[Dilworthy]

The county commission will consider a resolution disapproving of Bill James anti gay attack tomorrow. Session starts at 6pm. He is lapping it all up of course.

This has gone national though and much of the major media does not make the distinction of this coming from one district comissioner. It is portrayed as representative of Charlotte. So an official response is warranted.

No doubt there will be plenty of religious rightwingers represented in the public comments during the meeting. Freedom of speech is not being squelched.

[caterpillar2]

I don't want to disrespect people that go to church as many are loving people. My stepmom is very religious and has gay next door neighbors that she loves. She really doesn't even consider that they are gay. I use her as an example of Christians that are truly loving and not judgemental as they should be. Many Christians are like her at least the ones that I know. That being said, Bill James is just stupid. He doesn't represent anyone specifically I don't think. Unfortunately, those Christians that choose to take God's place as judge and jury will always have their idiot feelings on display, and I believe that they are the minority. But, that is what keeps the world in checks and balances. Bill James is an old, dying example of what is known as a horse's ass.

Edited January 4, 2011 by caterpillar2

[15895]

In response to Bill James latest antigay rant GetEqual NC is organizing a response at the Jan,5 commission meeting.

Bring yourself, friends,family,signs, you get the picture.

When and Where?

[abttown]

I don't want to disrespect people that go to church as many are loving people. My stepmom is very religious and has gay next door neighbors that she loves. She really doesn't even consider that they are gay. I use her as an example of Christians that are truly loving and not judgemental as they should be. Many Christians are like her at least the ones that I know. That being said, Bill James is just stupid. He doesn't represent anyone specifically I don't think. Unfortunately, those Christians that choose to take God's place as judge and jury will always have their idiot feelings on display, and I believe that they are the minority. But, that is what keeps the world in checks and balances. Bill James is an old, dying example of what is known as a horse's ass.

Bill James is a media whore. I think of him as the Paris Hilton of the commissioners. Publicity for him is good, no matter how negative it may be. I don't keep up with Charlotte politics all that much, but does anyone ever run against him in his district? I can't imagine people actually voting for this guy.

You're right though caterpillar2. James' way of thinking is falling by the wayside more and more every year. I gleefully await his departure (from the board).

[Dilworthy]

When and Where?

My error it's happening right now. In the chamber as I type. Go to channel 16 if you can.

[Dilworthy]

Well, it was a long night and it ended with a unanimous vote. Bill James will not change his views just played along . It would be nice to think future dialogue can be conducted without personal insults from all, doubt it though.

[Dilworthy]

The funniest part of the commission meeting were the preachers calling us "practicing homosexuals".

Gee, I thought I had the hang of it by now.

That joke never gets old.

[Urbanity]

In really positive news, the Observer has two articles plus an editorial (the editorial was the other day_ exploring all of this with Bill James. I think "the gays" are coming of age in Charlotte.

[Dilworthy]

I agree that the additional press is helpful. I was sad to read of Wesley Mancinis dissapointment. He has done so much for the city through his

foundation.

No doubt he knows a lot more about our journey here than me. He did mention the angels in america mess.

The contrast between the two incidents are vast in a positive way.

There is much more to do but I don't believe Bill James ignorance, one workers homophobia at Dixies and the ranting on the O's comments section represent the city overall.

To my mind, the lack of an openly gay elected official on the county commission or city council holds us back. Having such a person in the public eye continually would help dispel negative attitudes about us.

We need to keep running candidates until they win.

[bchris02]

I agree that the additional press is helpful. I was sad to read of Wesley Mancinis dissapointment. He has done so much for the city through his

foundation.

No doubt he knows a lot more about our journey here than me. He did mention the angels in america mess.

The contrast between the two incidents are vast in a positive way.

There is much more to do but I don't believe Bill James ignorance, one workers homophobia at Dixies and the ranting on the O's comments section represent the city overall.

To my mind, the lack of an openly gay elected official on the county commission or city council holds us back. Having such a person in the public eye continually would help dispel negative attitudes about us.

We need to keep running candidates until they win.

Does anybody think this is going to cause problems for Charlotte landing the DNC? Has the DNC been held this deep into red territory in recent history?

[Dilworthy]

Eh, I tend to think that Charlotte's lack of unionization may hurt our chances more than Bill James latest tirade.

The Democratic Party is clearly more aligned with gay rights but I don't thing we have big enough sway to directly influence the DNC venue.

OTOH, the O mentioned in it's editorial concerning Bill James that the equality resolution was an attempt to make Charlotte look better to the site selection committee.

[Dilworthy]

I had fun at Sidelines last night. Had been awhile, the vibe was friendly and casual.

Unlike the snobby and unfriendly attitude I sense at Bar 316,

Edited January 16, 2011 by Dilworthy

[bchris02]

I had fun at Sidelines last night. Had been awhile, the vibe was friendly and casual.

Unlike the snobby and unfriendly attitude I sense at Bar 316,

316 is by far the most pretentious bar I've ever set foot in and I've been to quite a few gay and straight.

[Urbanity]

I've haven't had the experiences mentioned of 316 being pretentious at all. I also only been there about half a dozen times though. Yet all of my visits were met with friendly staff and patrons.

I do love Sidelines though. I'm really more of a neighborhood sports bar kind of guy anyway (My favorite place is The Corner Pub on Graham/6th)

[Dilworthy]

IDK, when it was Liasons the place rubbed me the wrong way and 316 has not changed my impression.

It's true that often times you get back the attitude one projects in a bar so I made sure to be in a good mood and smile.

And repeatedly to me it's a scene of little groups glaring at anyone they don't know or don't approve of how they look.

Always have a rough time there if I am not with someone.

Sidelines was quite the opposite, granted the two places have different missions. Maybe the open layout of SL encourages more contact between everyone. 316 is all small rooms and dodgy corners.

[Dilworthy]

About to leave jury duty after escaping a jury box by getting an impartial excuse from the judge. PHEW!!!!

Anyhow the gay news site Qweerty is blocked by on the county wifi with a porno excuse. Idiotic because it's not obscene.

In contrast JoemyGod another mainstream gay blog is not blocked.

So "queer" is considered porn by the censor program on the county network.

Who runs it? Bill James? Lol

[southslider]

^Even worse, sites with "gay" in their URL are also blocked. So even the Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Community Center's website is considered "porn."

[Dilworthy]

Given the DNC is ours now, we have an opportunity and obligation to push for LGBT inclusion in local marketing efforts and publicity.

[Urbanity]

Charlotte Pride is moving to the heart of city center. This year's event will be on Tryon Street between 3rd and the Arts Campus.

[Dilworthy]

That's great news! The downside to last year was the sequestered hidden away feeling.

The upcoming location is much more central and visible. Plus Disco Chicken!

[Dilworthy]

SC Pride in Columbia got approval to hang rainbow flags down their main drag adjacent to the festival.

I wonder if a similar display could hang along Tryon?

[southslider]

I'm happy Pride is returning to Uptown, but less happy about it going back to the heat of summer. Of course, if 2012 Pride picks the same location and weekend as 2011, the festival will be held just days before and blocks over from the DNC.

[southslider]

Now that New York has stood proud for equality, North Carolina should absolutely avoid moving in the opposite direction with a constitutional amendment. Given that gay marriage is already illegal here, any amendment is obviously motivated by politics. But given these tough economic times, I'm also worried our Legislature's foolishness could lead to economic consequences.

Variations of the amendment could go as far as limiting domestic partnership benefits that private companies have chosen to offer their employees. Affected companies are lobbying against this, and must be ready to campaign against it, should the legislators foolishly play politics in their upcoming special session. One heavyweight that should be lobbying is Charlotte and North Carolina's largest corporation.

Given New York's actions, North Carolina legislators should think twice before giving Bank of America a stark choice between drastically different regulations. And if the legislators fail us, I think the voters should then be made acutely aware, via an extensive campaign, that elections have consequences.

[abttown]

Southslider, are you trying to say that attracting business/jobs and improving the state economy trumps the threat of marriage equality? How dare you!

[Urbanity]

The real key about the amendment vote is that they have to approve it this year for it to be on the 2012 ballot which is what they are really after - a way to rile up their key bases to get to the polls in an extremely important election.