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Bank of America is proud to be recognized with a 100% score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index. We applaud Charlotte Pride for the time, resources and heart you contribute to advancing equality. Together, weâ€™ll keep doing our best to share the benefits of being inclusive at work and in the communities we serve. And we invite everyone to join us on a journey that is by no means finished. We are 100% grateful. bankofamerica.com/diversity

ÂŠ2015 Bank of America Corporation. | AD-01-15-8564.G | ARN3X7LN

WELCOME On behalf of Charlotte Pride, we would like to welcome you to the Queen City and the fifteenth annual Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade. This year’s celebration is like none other — we come together to celebrate unique and landmark milestones in our community’s history. Just two months ago, the United States Supreme Court issued its historic decision opening legal marriage equality to all couples, regardless of gender. For North and South Carolinians, we had been celebrating equal marriage since October. But the recent Supreme Court ruling gives us opportunity now to join hand-in-hand with members of the LGBTQ community across the country. This legal victory will mean a great deal to many, especially LGBTQ families, but we hope our event this month will highlight all the many ways our community still has to grow. From issues of health care, poverty, education and more, we encourage you to learn more about how you can continue to support ways to celebrate and empower our community. The festival is the perfect opportunity to learn more about our area’s community service organizations, advocacy groups and community supporters who will gather together for an exciting weekend. As you prepare to visit with us this year, we send you a hearty welcome and invite you to join us at the third annual Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade, visit with our vendors at the PNC Bank Festival Zone, grab a sip and a bite to eat in the Charlotte Pride VIP Lounge presented by Time Warner Cable and enjoy the sights and sounds of our two-day entertainment line up on the Wells Fargo Stage. Welcome to Uptown Charlotte! With Pride, Richard Grimstad Craig Hopkins 2015 Co-Director 2015 Co-Director richard@charlottepride.org craig@charlottepride.org 2015 Charlotte Pride Guide. © 2015 Charlotte Pride, Inc. All rights reserved. For reprint requests or if you’d like copies to distribute at your business or non-profit, email media@ charlottepride.org. Content compiled by Matt Comer. Design and production by Ryan Freeze (www.ryanfreezedesign.com). Community photo spread by Photography By Dunn (photographybydunn.com). Festival icons provided by flaticon.com and freepik.com.

Charlotte Pride Executive Committee & Board of Directors Executive Committee

Richard Grimstad Craig Hopkins Paul Kelly Tara Moser Gwen Pearson Marshall Varner Gary Carpenter Matt Comer Jeff Sampson Dave Webb Scott Hinzman Marc Alexander

Co-Director Co-Director Director-Elect Treasurer Secretary Community Development Chair Acting Entertainment Chair Media & Marketing Chair Operations Chair Parade Chair Technology Chair Volunteer Chair

Charlotte Pride Committee Volunteers Board of Advisors • Rosalyn Allison-Jacobs, Steve Bentley, Tracy Russ Community Development • Tim Edwards, Jamie Hildreth, Ryan Kingston, Douglas Lowe, Shakira Marshall, Yolanda McClary, Ryan Morrice, Patrick Paige (ASC Grant Development), Lisa Raymaker, Quan Rutledge, Jaime Villegas, Heath Wiggins Entertainment • Madeleine Bock, Ashley Jacobs, Billy Reasor Film Festival • Teresa Davis, Victoria Eves, Frank Kalian, Jim Kimbler Media & Marketing • Kimberly Brent (chair, November 2014-May 2015), Ryan Freeze, Bradley Richardson Operations • Lisa Burnette, Garrett Gale, Karen Kasting, Riley Murray (inventory control), Patrick Paige (festival layout) Parade • Natisha Griffin (vice chair), Bwonwyn Jarsocrak, Starr Johnson, Pam Simmons, Carl Tasker, Sara Zimmermann Volunteer Coordinators• Christine Blonowicz, Lesha Dodson, Neil MacAuley, Richard Moss

Charlotte Pride, Inc. PO Box 32362, Charlotte, NC 28232 charlottepride.org facebook.com/cltpride • twitter.com/cltpride • instagram.com/cltpride Charlotte Pride is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Charlotte Pride extends a special thank you and note of gratitude to the staff and congregation of Caldwell Memorial Presbyterian Church for their hospitality in hosting our organization’s meetings and events prior to our move to full-time offices. We thank the staff and congregation of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for opening their hearts and home to us as we moved into our new offices in 2015. Thank you.

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Dear Charlotte Pride Attendees, On behalf of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) and the Charlotte community, we are proud to welcome the Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade back to the city again. With a destination brand of 'Charlotte's got a lot', Pride is a perfect example of the major events that contribute to the 'a lot' our city has to offer visitors and residents alike. We are a community that embraces individuality and diversity. It's in this inclusive spirit that we send the warmest welcome to the thousands of attendees, organizers and guests who will be joining us Aug. 15 - 16. The Charlotte community holds events like Charlotte Pride in high esteem. Last year's celebration infused nearly $8 million in economic impact into the local economy from out-of-town visitors and drew almost 100,000 attendees locally, regionally and nationally. The hard work and preparations that go into this event have made it one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Southeast. We look forward to showing you the southern hospitality we’ve become so well known for and hope you enjoy your time experiencing this vibrant event in the Queen City. Wishing you many happy returns,

Tom Murray, CEO Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA)

PROUD SPONSOR OF

Charlotte Pride 2015

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SPONSORS presenting sponsors

Presenting the Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade

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Once a year, we gather together for the Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade. But did you know that Charlotte Pride presents programs, projects and collaborations throughout the year? Charlotte Pride’s mission is to celebrate and empower the Queen City’s LGBTQ community. We do that each August and through a variety of other projects, events and activities. Collaborative Programs Fund: Charlotte Pride annually allocates a portion of its excess revenues to this fund so that we have the resources available to develop lasting relationships with other community organizations and to create and develop additional programming outside of the festival and parade. One of our collaborative projects last year was local LGBTQ artist Edwin Gil’s “Face of Pride” mural, undertaken with the assistance of the Arts & Science Council. The mural is now displayed in Charlotte Pride’s office.

GayCharlotte Film Festival: In 2015, Charlotte Pride assisted in presenting this annual LGBTQ film festival, formerly a program of the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte. The film festival sought Charlotte Pride’s

support as a fiscal sponsor after the closure of the center. Charlotte Pride offered additional support in the form of a presenting sponsor contribution, financial management, fundraising, media and marketing activities and community outreach. Trans Pride: Our newest project, a collaboration with the local transgender community funded in part by the Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund, seeks to provide expanded support for transgender members of the community, opportunities for social networking, awareness and education events, as well as community and leadership development initiatives to benefit current and up-and-coming transgender leaders. Charlotte Pride Office: We signed the lease on a new office space in December 2014, providing secure meeting space for our volunteers as well as offering space for organizations who also need their own meeting and activity space. The new office, which includes a lounge and several meeting and conference rooms, provides opportunities for Charlotte Pride to interact with, support and assist other community groups in their goals and objectives. Since opening to community use in April 2015, several organizations have already taken advantage of meeting space, including One Voice Chorus, LGBT Democrats of Mecklenburg County, Mecklenburg LGBT Political Action Committee and community efforts to address transgender inclusion and plan an LGBT community forum for candidates for local elected office. Read more: Learn more about Charlotte Prideâ€™s recent accomplishments and activities in our 2014 annual report: charlottepride.org/about/docs/.

Weâ€™re proud to be a part of this community and to be a sponsor of Charlotte Pride.

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Passes for the Charlotte Pride VIP Experience, presented by Time Warner Cable, are available now for $150. Limited quantities are available for pre-purchase online at charlottepride.org/vip/. Donâ€™t wait! Only a limited number of passes will be available the day of the event. Proceeds from your VIP pass help sustain our operations throughout the year. As a thank you for your generosity, VIP pass holders receive exclusive access to the Charlotte Pride VIP Lounge, presented by Time Warner Cable, during the two-day event, Aug. 15-16, with all of these additional perks: - Outdoor, covered lounge with music, furnished by West Elm - Delicious bites to eat catered by Your Custom Catering - Reserved outdoor restrooms - Complimentary beer and wine* - VIP gift bag** - Exclusive access to VIP stage viewing area*** - Exclusive access to VIP parade viewing area*** * - Must be 21+ to consume alcohol. ** - Limited to first 100 purchased VIP tickets; excludes free and sponsorship tickets. *** - VIP wristbands required for entry and re-entry. Charlotte Pride reserves the right to refuse service, make adjustments to schedule, amenities and terms and conditions. See more at charlottepride.org/vip/.

CELEBRATING AND EMPOWERING THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY OF THE QUEEN CITY Each year, Charlotte Pride board members, volunteers and the Pride Guide team are excited to dream up a theme that ties the content of each annual Charlotte Pride Guide together. One year, our board and volunteers gave a toast to Queen Charlotte and our city’s history. Last year, we gave a nod to NASCAR — one of the local area’s most popular sports. But this year, we wanted to fully embrace our mission — Celebrating and Empowering the Queen City’s LGBTQ Community. On May 30, we invited LGBTQ and ally community members to our new office space for a community photo shoot. LGBTQ families, youth, people of color, transgender community members, people of faith and leaders of faith, LGBTQ athletes, artists, singers and more joined in. Take a look through our photo spreads this year and be proud — proud of all the beautiful smiles and personalities that collectively make Charlotte a welcome home for LGBTQ people, their family and their friends. Special thanks to volunteer photographer Erin Dunn of Photography By Dunn (photographybydunn.com).

celebrating & Empowering the Queen Cityâ€™s LGBTQ Families & Youth

celebrating & Empowering the Queen Cityâ€™s LGBTQ people of faith

celebrating & Empowering the Queen Cityâ€™s LGBTQ Artists and entertainers

celebrating & Empowering the Queen Cityâ€™s LGBTQ People of Color

celebrating & Empowering the Queen Cityâ€™s LGBTQ Athletes & Fitness community

celebrating & Empowering the Queen Cityâ€™s Transgender Community

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Artist Edwin Gil has created the outlines of a brand new work, but he needs your help to complete it! Pick up a brush, pick a color and leave your mark on the canvas to become a part of this great new project! Stop by the public art project and pitch in during the two days of the Charlotte Pride Festival. Edwin will be located at the corner of Levine & Tryon, right near the Firebird statute at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. This project was made possible, in part, with funding from Arts & Science Council, the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. Learn more >> Did you see last yearâ€™s Pride-themed art project from Edwin Gil? The Face of Pride mural, composed of thousands of glass tiles with the thumbprints of festival-goers, measures 17 feet wide by 8 feet tall and is displayed in the Charlotte Pride office. Learn more about last yearâ€™s project and see photos at charlottepride.org/faceofpride/.

pnc bank festival zone attractions Kids Zone 3rd & Tryon Sts. Stop by the kids zone for family-friendly games and activities. Campus Pride LGBT-Friendly College Fair Levine Avenue of the Arts Learn more about LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities across the region and nation. Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Learn more at campuspride.org. Know Your Status & Learn More Tryon St., between MLK & Levine Be sure to stop by our various HIV/AIDS service organizations and educational groups to get tested and learn more about HIV awareness, prevention and treatment. Food Court Tryon St., between 3rd & 4th Sts. Charlotte Pride brings back its expanded and more friendly food court this year, with abundant seating and more food options including traditional carnival food, barbecue, Chinese, ice cream, burgers, hot dogs and more. Bud Light Karaoke Lounge Trade & Tryon Sts. Grab a drink, sit back and party to the sounds of karaoke, or grab the mic and be a star! Karaoke provided by DJ Skittlez, 1-7 p.m. on Saturday and 3-6 p.m. on Sunday.

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charlotte pride week events AUGUST 7 Time Out Youth Charlotte Pride Dance Kick of Charlotte’s Pride celebrations with an evening of dance and fun. Open to youth under 21. 7-10 pm, Midwood International & Cultural Center

AUGUST 9 Annual Interfaith Service Charlotte Pride’s annual Interfaith service celebrating the dignity, value and worth of all people. With clergy from a diversity of faith traditions. Refreshments following the service. 4 pm, Caldwell Memorial Presbyterian Church Miss and Mr. Charlotte Pride Pageant Who will be crowned the next Miss Charlotte Pride? Come out and cheer on the contestants. 7 pm, The Scorpio

AUGUST 10 Transgender Community Social and Keynote A free evening social mixer and keynote featuring special guests: transgender civil rights leader Kristin Beck, former Navy SEAL and Congressional candidate and openly transgender U.S. Army Sgt. Shane Ortega. 6 pm, Levine Museum of the New South For tickets, visit charlottepride.org/trans/ 36

August 11 LGBT Community Candidate Forum A forum tackling local LGBTQ issues with Charlotte mayoral and City Council at-large candidates. 6:30 pm, Le Méridien Hotel Trivia Tuesday - Pride Edition Lana Cane presents a Pride Edition of her iconic Trivia Tuesdays. Come wearing your favorite Pride-themed T-shirt for bonus points! 8 pm., Petra’s

August 12 Latin@ Pride Night First-ever Latin@ Pride Night! Come eat, drink, and mingle! 6:30-9 pm, Charlotte Pride Office Mass of Celebration for the LGBT Community Annual mass for LGBT community and allies, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. 7 pm, St. Peter Catholic Church

August 13 SHIPROCKED! Featuring Cazwell, Hank & the Cupcakes, Bethann Phetamine and Your Fuzzy Friends 10 pm, Snug Harbor

August 7-16, 2015 AUGUST 14 Pride Shabbat Temple Beth El hosts a Sabbath service for Pride, with a guest speaker and dinner following. 6 pm, Temple Beth El Bear Happy Hour Presented by FURnace, a monthly event for the local bear community with games, drink specials and food. 7 pm, Crown Station Takeover Friday Don’t miss this annual kick-off to a weekend filled with Pride. 7-11 pm, Le Méridien Hotel

AUGUST 15 Charlotte Pride Festival PNC Bank Festival Zone

Over 150 vendors, sponsors, community non-profits and activities. Noon-10 pm, S. Tryon St. After Party with the Prancing Elites The Prancing Elites travel from the Wells Fargo Stage to the Nickel Bar for a night of fun and entertainment. 10 pm, The Nickel Bar

Get more detailed events listings at our online calendar at charlottepride.org/calendar/.

August 16 Gay Pride Breakfast Bike Ride Join Charlotte NC Tours on a bike ride through the Gayborhood and join them in their parade contingent, with this year’s theme: 100 Years of Broadway and Counting. Breakfast served. 9 am, Plaza Midwood Charlotte Pride Yoga powered by Charlotte Yoga All levels Vinyasa class. Bring your own mat. Charlotte Yoga will be giving away a certificates for one free month of yoga, as well as other great giveaways. 11:30 am-1 pm, Wells Fargo Stage

Charlotte Pride Festival PNC Bank Festival Zone

Over 150 vendors, sponsors, community non-profits and activities. Noon-6 pm, S. Tryon St.

Bank of America Charlotte Pride Parade

Over 100 marching contingents and floats make their way down Tryon St. 1-3 pm, N. Tryon St. After Party at The Scorpio Join the house cast of The Scorpio and Pride revelers for this official after party. 9 pm, The Scorpio

Parking, Transit and Accessibility Accessibility Charlotte Pride is proud to be one of the only Uptown festivals to consistently provide accessible opportunities for our entire community over several years. Charlotte Pride strives to provide an accessible experience for all our attendees and participants. Accessible restrooms, VIP Lounge and stage viewing area will be provided. Sign language interpreters will be available for stage entertainment and at the parade judges/emcee stand. Interpreters provided generously through Fluent Language Solutions. Parking Information Visit www.charlottecentercity.org/transportation/parking for real-time parking info, parking decks and surface lots. We would recommend estimating $5-$15 â€œspecial eventâ€? parking prices at most facilities. Free on-street weekend parking can be found on multiple streets around Uptown. Please note that some regularly-marked street parking spaces might be limited or restricted near the festival or parade. Bike Share Information (Charlotte B-cycle) charlotte.bcycle.com There are multiple bike share stations on and around the festival site. There are also multiple bike racks along Tryon St. to lock up personal bikes. Public Transit Information (CATS) www.ridetransit.org LYNX: The festival is within a block of the LYNX Stonewall and 3rd St. Stations and just two blocks from the Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC). The parade will be closest to the CTC and 7th St. stations. Bus Service: Several dozen bus lines service Uptown Charlotte. See the CATS website for more information for routes and schedules. Taxicab and Car Service Uber car services: www.uber.com/cities/charlotte Lyft car services: www.lyft.com Yellow Cab of Charlotte: 704-444-4444 / www.yellowcabofcharlotte.net Crown Cab: 704-334-6666 / www.crowncabinc.com City Cab: 704-333-3327 / www.citycabofcharlotte.com 38

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what they’re saying... Charlotte Pride’s 2014 event was a smash hit with community members. The media and high-profile leaders and institutions in the city took notice. Here’s just some of the positive reviews from last year. CRVA says the festival now qualifies as one of Charlotte’s “city signatures” and is being promoted as such. “We recognize what a draw this is for our community, especially with it being one of the largest organized pride events on the East Coast,” said Laura Hill White of CRVA, noting that the event brings in a lot of out-oftown visitors. — Charlotte Observer, Aug. 13, 2014 Organizers have conservatively estimated that this year’s crowd will be the same as last year’s 80,000. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it draws double the crowd it had last year,” said Jennifer Gaisbauer of the Charlotte Gay and Lesbian Fund, which gave money in 2013 to help re-establish the festival. “It’s a time in society when things are changing fast, and organizers of Charlotte’s festival are capitalizing on that,” she said. “They moved it uptown (in 2011), putting it where all mainstream parades are. It was no longer hidden.” — Charlotte Observer, Aug. 13, 2014 “My family’s been so supportive every step of the way. That made it so easy for me to come out,” he said. “It’s great to see parents openly confessing their love for their kids.” — Weston McNeely, 17, of Matthews commenting on a PFLAG parade float to the Charlotte Observer, Aug. 18, 2014. “The Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade is a signature event for the city that drives tens of thousands of visitors here, infusing millions of dollars into our local economy that continues to pay dividends for years to come.” — Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority Executive Office Tom Murray commenting on the growth of Charlotte Pride and the release of results from its first-ever economic impact study.

Share your experience this year!

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2015 CHAMPIONS OF PRIDE Each year, Charlotte Pride honors several community members who have made a difference with our annual Champions of Pride Awards. Learn more about our award recipients below, read more detailed bios at charlottepride.org/champions/ and be sure to say hello to them as they ride in this year’s parade! Awards will be presented on Aug. 16.

Joshua Burford Harvey Milk Award

Though living in Charlotte for only a short time, Joshua Burford has had a tremendous impact on local LGBTQ community conversations, priorities, leadership, culture and history. In particular, he has nearly single-handedly orchestrated the creation of the first-ever Charlotte LGBTQ Community Archive and has begun collecting and preserving local history that spans over six decades. He is currently organizing a regional project that will connect southern LGBTQ archivists and provide increased access to historical materials. In addition to his community service, he works with LGBTQ students at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte in his position as assistant director for sexual and gender diversity at the campus’ Multicultural Resource Center.

The Hon. John Autry

Charlotte City Council, District 5 Outstanding Ally Award

First elected to Charlotte City Council in 2011, John Autry has been among the most committed and outspoken straight allies in local government. He has taken time to attend LGBTQ community events, in addition to supporting a wide range of other community organizations in District 5, an East Charlotte constituency that includes portions of the most heavily LGBTQ-populated ZIP code in the State of North Carolina. In the spring of 2015, Autry was the only straight-identified member of City Council to stalwartly oppose a compromise ordinance package that would have left some members of our LGBTQ community less protected in several local non-discrimination protections. In speaking against the compromise proposal, Autry cited his love for his lesbian daughter and stood strong when facing backlash for his vote, telling local media: “I’m comfortable with my position and if faced with the same options tonight, I would do the same thing. In matters of civil rights, who should be excluded?”

Gabby Hubert

Young Catalyst Award

A rising junior at Parkwood High School in Monroe, N.C., Gabby Hubert organized her school’s Day of Silence activities in 2014 and, in 2015, helped to expand its observance to two other schools in her school district. Over the past two years, she has engaged nearly 200 students, a significant portion of her school’s population, been featured in local press for her activism, raised money to donate LGBTQ-themed books to her school library, donated portions of her raised money to national and local LGBTQ youth organizations and spoken on LGBTQ issues in class presentations. Additionally, in June 2014, Hubert served as a page for the North Carolina Senate.

Read more: Learn more about this year’s Champions of Pride Award recipients and read extended biographies at charlottepride.org/champions/.

Stonewall Awards Special Recognition

Chosen annually by Charlotte Pride co-directors to honor one or more individuals, organizations or companies who have demonstrated an ongoing and dedicated commitment to the spirit of Pride in Charlotte, either through their support of Charlotte Pride or past Pride organizations or events. These special awards will be presented to award recipients at the Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade on Aug. 16.

charlotte pride history Get to know more about how Charlotte Pride came to present the Southâ€™s third largest LGBTQ Pride event. Take a look at our short history timeline below. 2000-2001

Charlotte Pride founded (incorporated November 2000); events held annually in Marshall Park starting in 2001 through 2005.

2005

Facing financial challenges as a result from increased harassment from anti-LGBT protesters, Charlotte Pride organizers announce that 2006 festival will not be held. Several community members decide to establish a new event, Pride Charlotte, in partnership with LGBT Community Center of Charlotte.

2006

First Pride Charlotte is held at Gateway Village, continues there through 2009.

2010

Pride Charlotte moves to NC Music Factory, with estimated visitor attendance of 12,000.

2011

Pride Charlotte moves to Uptown's S. Tryon St., estimated visitor attendance grows 125% to 27,000.

2012

Pride Charlotte expands from one-day festival to two days, again held on S. Tryon St. one week before the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Estimated visitors increased to 45,000.

2013

Organizers of Pride Charlotte separate from the LGBT community Center of Charlotte to spin off the festival into an independent organization, re-establishing the original Charlotte Pride. The first LGBTQ Pride parade is held in Charlotte in nearly 20 years. (One parade was held in 1994, when the statewide NC Pride Fest and March visited Charlotte.) Estimated visitor attendance rises to 80,000.

2014

Charlotte Pride holds second parade, along with its continued two-day festival. Breaks landmark visitor attendance estimate of over 100,000. Becomes third-largest LGBTQ Pride event in the South, following Atlanta and St. Petersburg, Fla. First-ever economic impact study is conducted, showing an estimated 65,000 unique visitors over the two-day event and $7.75 million in economic impact from out-of-town visitors.

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Bank of AMerica Charlotte Pride Parade GRAND MARSHALS The Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara Raised in North Carolina, the Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara is a minister in the United Church of Christ and the executive director of the Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE). With the CSE team, she has traveled North Carolina and the South promoting full LGBT equality, standing with thousands who took action through the WE DO Campaign. CSE was honored to help lead General Synod v. Reisinger, the lawsuit that struck down Amendment One in North Carolina, and a lawsuit that struck down Mississippi’s marriage ban. Beyond helping to achieve marriage equality, CSE offers ongoing free legal clinics, hosts the annual LGBT* in the South conference and has launched the Southern Equality Fund to provide direct funding to LGBT grassroots organizers. CSE’s work has been covered by media outlets across the South and nation. Jasmine is a graduate of Chapel Hill High School, Brown University and Harvard Divinity School. Her debut collection of short stories, DAMN LOVE, was published in 2013 and won the 2014 PEN/Hemingway Honorable Mention Award for Debut Fiction. She lives in Asheville with her wife, Meghann Burke, who leads CSE’s Legal Team, and their son. She is Tar Heels and Panthers fan and also loves romantic comedies. Jermaine Nakia Lee Jermaine Nakia Lee is the acting artistic director for the Carolinas Pride Theatre Ensemble funded by the Pride Youth Theatre Alliance. A program of the Charlotte-based Freedom Center for Social Justice, the Ensemble creates original theatre works that tell the story of marginalized individuals: youth, people of color, women, LGBT and under-privileged communities. Lee attended the famed New World School for the Performing Arts in Miami, Florida, as a middle and high school student. He then went on to study Music Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is a critically-acclaimed playwright whose musicals, For the Love of Harlem and A Walk in my Shoes, have enjoyed sold out audiences and national tours. Currently, Lee is a program manager at the PowerHouse Project, a federally-funded community center for LGBT & allied youth/young adults of color, which provides free & confidential HIV testing without appointment and boasts a large drop-in center where social and informative activities are held weekly. Jermaine is the proud recipient of the City of Charlotte’s 2015 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medallion for his indelible contributions to art and culture, LGBT advocacy and youth empowerment. 50

Bank of AMerica Charlotte Pride Parade Parade Emcees & Judges Lana Cane Lana Cane is the bubbly alter-ego of local Charlottean Davey S. Greene. Lana hosts a monthly trivia night at Petra’s Piano Bar in Plaza-Midwood, which as been called “wholesome family fun (if kids were allowed)” and has become known as a go-to personality to support local non-profit and community causes. Greene says his character Lana was created during a time in his life when he needed a mechanism to cope with the stresses of caring for his mother during her cancer treatments; like Greene’s mother, Lana is a semi-retired nurse. He describes Lana as “one of those eccentric ladies you see around town that you just couldn’t help but love.” Chirl Girl Chirl Girl’s love of radio and first experience in broadcasting began in Salisbury at the Adult Standards station WSAT. She was asked to read the names on the “Sick and Shut-In” list at the tender age of nine years old. Her official entry into radio was in Chapel Hill doing Top 40 at WCHL and went from there to cover news and sports at WSTP and playing beach music on WRDX. She was recruited away by WSOC 103.7, the top country station in Charlotte, to become their first African-American DJ. She two-stepped and line danced with them for three years and left to work with “The Kevin Cooling Foxx Show” and then went on to co-host and produce “The Breakfast Brothas Morning Show” on the number one urban station, WPEG. After several years there, Chirl Girl moved over to their Urban AC, V101.9, to co-host and produce “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” in Charlotte for three years and then, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show.” Until recently, the last eight years she hosted and produced “The Chirl Girl Show” middays on WBAV in Charlotte. Special Guests: LOVE WINS! In the name of love and in recognition of an historic achievement at the U.S. Supreme Court this year, we’ve dedicated this year’s Grand Marshal slots to the community and to all those Mrs. & Mrs. and Mr. & Mr. couples who can finally say “Just Married.” We invite you and your “Just Married” spouse — whether you’re LGBTQ or a straight ally — to march as an honorary grand marshal this year. To learn more about participating and to sign up, visit charlottepride.org/parade/. 51

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Wells Fargo stage schedule Saturday, August 15 12:20 PM 12:45 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:15 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 3:45 PM 4:15 PM 5:00 PM 5:45 PM 6:30 PM 7:15 PM 8:15 PM 9:00 PM

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Opening Ceremony & National Anthem The Reason You Stayed Star Willson and Friends Christy Snow Lovesucker Henry River Honey Miss & Mr. Charlotte Pride The Scorpio Revue Dust & Ashes Big Mamma D’s House of Burlesque Messenger Down The Prancing Elites Shadina Estelle SHIPROCKED! with Special Guest

Sunday, August 16 3:15 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:30 PM

• • • •

Community Drag Showcase Champions of Pride & Parade Awards Billy Gilman The Scorpio presents: RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Trinity K Boney and Yara Sofia 59

Wells fargo stage emcees:

Big Mamma D Burlesque Matriarch & Award Winning Vocalist Big Mamma D, “The Naked Chanteuse” and the Biggest Showgirl in the South! Deana Pendragon has been performing in some capacity all of her life (although she went to college to be a doctor!!). She is the producer and creatrix of the shows, the school, and personally trains all of the girls. An established costume designer and seamstress, she has worked with The Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and others around the Carolinas. She is the founder of The Great Southern Exposure Burlesque and Variety Pageant. She can also be found in the book “It’s All That Glitters” and the burlesque documentary “Tease in the Tar Heel State”. She’s politically active and has been an annual emcee for Charlotte Pride since 2008. Class, Costuming, and Charisma make her a Quaintrelle Juggernaut covered in rhinestones. Joanne Spataro Joanne Spataro is a humorist and essayist. Her work has appeared in The Advocate, The Huffington Post, and The Charlotte Observer. She is a regular panelist on WCCB Edge, where she talks pop culture, politics and news from her irreverent, LGBT-centric perspective. She was recently selected as one of the winning entrants in this year’s Wildacres Writing Residency Program. Malachi “There is no truth. There is only perception.” — Gustave Flaubert. While long having been a staple of the LGBT community, Malachi redefines drag by pushing the boundaries of gender-illusion and what one comes to expect in gay performance art. Eschewing the traditional trappings of tall wigs, elaborate makeup, and kitschy lip synch routines, Malachi blends provocative outfits and dance moves with innovative remixes of popular songs — tailoring each of them to resonate emphatically with the crowd. His performances are high-energy and addictively captivating. In fact, it is not uncommon to walk away from such events and subconsciously replaced the song’s original lyrics with those of his latest track. From “Ratchets” to “Power Top,” you will never be more entertained than when watching Malachi give you life. Jamie Monroe Jamie Monroe, a 30 year veteran in the art of female illusion, has traveled throughout the United States. She is best known for her illusions of Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Charo, Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks. She has held the prestigious titles of Miss NC America, Miss Georgia USA, and Miss NC USofA. She was featured as Marilyn Monroe and Charo in the Las Vegas production of “Boylesque” staged at the Hula Hut Showroom and Beachcomber Hotel in Waikiki, Hawaii. She has been highlighted in publications such as Creative Loafing, Drag Queen Magazine and Relish. She is one of the hostesses of Salisbury Pride, held in her hometown. She has become actively involved in the fight for equal rights for transgender people. Jamie believes in living life to its fullest, taking chances to stay relevant, and always fighting for what you believe in.

Read more about our emcees and entertainers at charlottepride.org/entertainment/.

estelle

headlining the wells fargo stage saturday, august 15 at 8:15 PM presented by charlotte pride

Grammy Award-winning British songstress Estelle released her fourth studio album, True Romance, on Feb. 17, 2015 via her own imprint, Established 1980 Inc./ BMG, featuring the inspirational Top 20 radio hit “Conqueror.” The album, anchored by four themes — passion, courage, true romance and the BS — has garnered her praise from the likes of Elle, Oprah Magazine, Cosmo, InStyle, Entertainment Weekly, VHI and Billboard. Estelle had a cameo on the hit FOX show “Empire” in March, has landed TV appearances on “The View,” “Live with Kelly & Michael,” “The Real,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” was profiled on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” and was invited to perform with her idol Gladys Knight and country superstar Martina McBride during the first-ever “Skyville Live” webcast in Nashville. In addition to her music, Estelle also runs her foundation All of Me, which focuses on educating and expanding the horizons of young people through college scholarships and volunteer opportunities abroad. She has also ventured into the world of animation, voicing a lead character, Garnet, on Cartoon Network’s hit show, “Steven Universe.” In the world of fashion, her Scarves by Swaray line is yet another outlet for Estelle’s endless creativity. Made from the finest quality silk and inspired by Estelle’s heritage and global travels, these versatile pieces can be worn in many ways. Estelle truly conquers it all. She first burst onto the scene in 2008 with her double-platinum, international chart-toping hit song “American Boy,” featuring Kanye West, transforming her into a pop and R&B sweetheart and earning her a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. 61

billy gilman

headlining the wells fargo stage Sunday, august 16 at 4:30 PM presented by charlotte pride Billy Gilman burst onto the national stage in 2000 releasing the hit single “One Voice.” His debut album was certified double platinum in the United States, and he was included in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the youngest singer to ever reach #1 on the Billboard Top Country Album charts. He has sold five million albums worldwide and garnered awards and nods from the Academy of Country Music, the Country Music Association, Billboard Magazine, and the American Music Association.

Now 27, Gilman is eager to come back and share his new music and his new sound with his fans. “It took me a good while to figure out exactly who I was, musically speaking. As a little kid, sometimes I was just told what to sing. But now I have enjoyed coming into my own and discovering what it really is that I want to sing. And I think that my fans will be pleasantly surprised with what they hear.” Gilman is also mindful of the need to be patient with his career. “Music is my life, and it is always what I will be doing with my life. But I understand, given my unusual history, that the road back is not going to be short and easy. I will have to earn my way back into this business—one fan at a time. And that’s exactly how it should be.” “Say You Will” is the first solo single that Gilman has released since 2008. “Having had a lot of success in this business at a really young age was truly a blessing. But it also puts me in a unique and challenging situation as a young adult—trying to reintroduce myself to country fans now that I look and sound a lot different than I did just 7 or 8 years ago.” In 2012, Gilman made waves by recruiting 18 fellow country superstars to collaborate on a charity single called The Choice to benefit the Soles4Souls charity. Proceeds from the song, which included Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Josh Turner, and Rodney Atkins, placed shoes on tens of thousands of barefoot children around the world. 62

the prancing elites

appearing on the wells fargo stage saturday, august 15 at 6:30 PM presented by charlotte pride

Currently the stars of an Oxygen Media hit TV show, â€œThe Prancing Elites Project,â€? the members of this African-American, gay and gender non-conforming team dance to the beat of their own drum with the uplifting, inspiring and humorous experiences and life stories. The dance team, comprised of Adrian Clemons, Kentrell Collins, Kareem Davis, Jerel Maddox and Timothy Smith, is challenging societal norms while overcoming several obstacles with passion and wit on their journey to be their authentic selves. Their Oxygen series delves into the personal lives of these five best friends in Mobile, Alabama as they fight to be accepted in the female-dominated dance culture of J-Setting. Currently excluded from competitions and banned from participating in several hometown and national parades, The Prancing Elites seek other ways to showcase their talent from dancing in the stands at college football games to performing on a boat cruise. Despite professional rejections, family disapproval and tensions, personal health crises and heartbreak, the group wonâ€™t let anything stand in their way as they continue to lift one another up and band together in the face of adversity. Hoping to build a name for themselves outside the walls of Mobile, this dream team is determined to see their name in lights and go wherever the music takes them. 63

shadina

appearing on the wells fargo stage Sunday, august 15 at 7:15 PM presented by charlotte pride

Shadina is the God Daughter of the Legend Otis Williams of The Temptations! She has been burning down the stage at Prides across the country: Cleveland Pride, LA Pride, Palm Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Baltimore, Delaware, Tucson, Brooklyn, Harlem, Boston, Toronto Canada pride, Long Island and Rhode Island, as well as Capital Pride in Washington, D.C. Shadina also performed on BET’s “106 & Park,” and at Madison Square Garden, The House of Blues, The Apollo, BB Kings at Time Square, Capitol Mall, Macy’s national department store tour, Six Flags America, Ohio State University, Towson University, Radio One Stone Soul Picnic, Staples Center, Verizon Center and many more. She has shared the stage with Jennifer Hudson, Cher Lloyd, Emeli’ Sande, Icona Pop, Alicia Keys, Danity Kane, Mary J Blige, the Pussy Cat Dolls, Keisha Cole, Brandy, Ludacris, Kelly Rowland, old school hip hop legends and more, just to name a few.

Trinity K Bonet Wells Fargo Stage, Sunday, Aug. 16, 5:30 PM Presented by The Scorpio Trinity K Bonet, who also goes by Joshua Jones, was born January 31, 1991, in Jacksonville, Fla., the oldest of two kids by both persons. Trinity knew early on that she would be a star. Moving to Atlanta at 16, she started her drag career in bars all over the Atlanta area without them knowing her real age! By 18 ,she had captured up to 10 newcomer titles. By 19, she was top five at her first national pageant. At 20, she won Miss Dumarr International in Tampa, Fla., and Miss Models Inc in Norfolk, Va., At 22, she was chosen to compete for RuPaul’s Drag Race. Trinity is a rising star and a survivor.

yara sofia Wells Fargo Stage, Sunday, Aug. 16, 5:30 PM Presented by The Scorpio Born Gabriel Burgos, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this queen is better known as Yara Sofia. She is 31 years old and has, since birth, always shown interest in theatrical arts, dancing, and design. Yara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre as well as an Associate of Arts in Fashion Design/Haute Couture. While designing and creating costumes for musicals and plays at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart University) in Puerto Rico, Yara decided to continue developing herself as an actor/performer. With that desire and a Halloween dare, Yara dived into the art of drag. In 2005, she won her first title as “Miss Road to Diva” at Krash Nightclub in Puerto Rico. Five years later, in 2010, Yara hoped to take her drag career to the next level and decided to audition for RuPaul’s Drag Race, which was then transmitted on Logo and VH1. After being invited to participate in the competition, placing in the Top 4, she was voted for people’s choice as Miss Congeniality of Season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. From there, Yara began traveling all over the world, showcasing her amazing and unique talent as a drag queen, performer, and designer. She was invited back to RuPaul’s Drag Race for the All Stars edition and was paired with Alexis Mateo. Since the show aired, Yara moved to Los Angeles to become better known in the world of fashion and to continue growing as a performer. In February of 2013, she toured a few cities in North 67 Carolina and met her now fiancé, Rubin. The two currently reside in Las Vegas.

The Scorpio revue Wells Fargo Stage, Saturday, Aug. 15, 3:45 PM Sunday, Aug. 16, 5:30 PM The Scorpio is Charlotte’s longest running nightclub complex (46 years) catering to the LGBTQ community. The doors are open to all. The Scorpio is home of the legendary Miss Gay NC America Pageant, one of the most prestigious state preliminaries of the Miss Gay America pageant system. The club is rich in history and has been supporting many local LGBTQ organizations through it’s long standing, proud existence. Immensely proud of it’s many awards and commendations throughout the years, which can be seen on display in the fabulous, shining, lobby trophy case. The Scorpio continues to offer a great high energy dance experience as well as the best shows for the gay community around. You can see the best in national titleholders and reality TV show entertainers as well as the best in local female impersonation. The club features four bars and two dance floors with the best up to date light system on the main dance floor, in the Southeast! It is with this success and high standards that the Scorpio is proud to present some of the finest entertainers from RuPaul’s Drag Race which airs on the Logo Channel. On the Wells Fargo Stage this year, host Tiffany Storm and DJ Ghost will review the best of the best of The Scorpio, featuring entertainers from RuPaul’s Drag Race.

shiprocked

wells fargo stage saturday august 16 at 9 pm

The wildest weekly event in underground Charlotte is also the longest running! Every Thursday night at Snug Harbor for over eight years, D.J. and host Scott Weaver spins a killer variety of rock and dance music while a cast of hot go-go pirates gyrate the night away to one of the Queen City’s most diverse crowds! Our resident punk-drag artist, Bethann Phetamine brings the rockin’ show with a healthy dose of camp and Shirley Sweet adds the burlesque glamour! Special guest performers, national cutting-edge live music acts, monthly theme parties and the occasional contest add to the fun, all while having a social conscience by promoting safe sex and hosting a variety of benefits throughout the year and annually adding diversity, unique entertainment and excitement by being a part of Charlotte Pride!

big mamma d’s house of burlesque

wells fargo stage saturday august 16 at 5 pm

Big Mamma’s House of Burlesque is the Largest, Longest Running, Award Winning Burlesque and Variety Show in the Southeast. Founded in 2006 by Deana Pendragon, the cast has performed a brand new show every 60 days for the last nine years and was voted Charlotte’s Best Performing Arts Group multiple times! Big Mamma D was Charlotte’s Best Female Vocalist five years in a row and Charlotte’s Sexiest Woman 2008 per Creative Loafing. Our shows are the critically acclaimed epitome of classic Vaudeville, Variety and Burlesque updated to encompass sideshow, comedy, girls, music, dance, girls, magic, humor, and did we mention all the pretty girls? We are honored, proud, and excited to perform at Charlotte Pride this year! 69

messenger down

wells fargo stage saturday august 15 at 5:45 pm Driven by a passion for their sound, a mission to bring something fresh to the current music scene, and the occasional smoothie, Messenger Down is turning the industry on its head. After three years of successful history and debut release, “The Gentleman’s Guide to Keeping Away From People Like You,” and sophomore effort, “What Should Have Been Said,” the Charlotte-based band still has more in store than the world is ready for. Consisting of Garrett Foster, Connor Vogt, Arun Bose & Jordan Blake, Messenger Down is pulling all the stops with songs that hit harder and infectious hooks aimed to leave any listener on the edge of their seat.

The Reason You Stayed

Wells Fargo Stage Saturday, August 16, 12:45 PM

The Reason You Stayed is an all-female band from Charlotte with an energetic sound that always leaves the crowd wanting more. The band brings to the stage a broad array of music including originals that showcase their own style, some old classic rock favorites, and familiar pop with a twist. With a sound like Paramore intersects with old school Metallica, TRYS shows are high energy and always keep the crowd, of all ages, coming back for more. TRYS is working on their first EP, gearing up for more studio work and continuing to write originals that reflect a piece of us all. TRYS started in the summer of 2013 out of Ballantyne School of Music and has been on an incredible ride since. The members of the band are Paolina Massaro, Lead Vocals/Guitar; Savannah Ruff, Lead Guitar/Vocals; Shelby McVicker, Rhythm Guitar; 70 Caitlin Cassell, Bass/vocals; and Sydney McVicker, Drums.

DUST & ASHES

wells fargo stage saturday august 16 at 4:15 pm

Dust & Ashes is an Americana/Folk quartet hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina. Their dynamic range combines the intensity of wall-of-sound-barn-burners with the sincere intimacy of heartfelt ballads. This all female group exploded onto the local music scene in 2014 with their fresh take on folk music, a genre which their fans affectionately nicknamed “Swamp Stomp.” Lush vocal harmonies, heavy rhythms, and unique instrumentation (including cajón, musical saw, banjo, flute, viola, and myriad auxiliary percussion) support the traditional acoustic guitar played by Heather Himes, the band’s gender queer lead. Himes’ songwriting is inspired by Neil Young, Willie Nelson, Ryan Bingham, Brandi Carlile, Scott Avett, Dallas Green and James Vincent McMorrow, among others. The band has been gaining popularity in the Plaza Midwood and NoDa neighborhoods, performing frequently at Hattie’s Taproom, Snug Harbor, Evening Muse, Double Door Inn, Thomas Street Tavern and more.

LOCAL ENTERTAINERS Charlotte Pride’s entertaintment this year expands to offer the spotlight to an amazing diversity of local talent, from individual singer-songwriters, performance artists and bands performing on the Wells Fargo Stage and in the Time Warner Cable VIP Lounge. Solicited through two open community auditions, we are pleased to announce the following community entertainers this year.

Wells Fargo Stage Carrie Chanel Veronica Davis Dust & Ashes Nina Fierra Norena Guitierrez Trevion Gutierrez Henry River Honey Ceddy J Lovesucker Mac MacLaughlin Brittany Sedique Joseph Spence

Time Warner Cable VIP Lounge Veda Covington Cole Grier David Kim Von Hunter Najee

Learn more: Read more about our entertainers, as well as other local entertainers, at charlottepride.org/entertainment/.

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