QnotesCarolinas

09/10/2026

Outer Banks PrideFest is celebrating 15 years with a full weekend of Pride on the beach.

From a Friday sunset cruise and drag show to Saturday’s free waterfront festival at Roanoke Island Festival Park, this year’s celebration brings drag, live music, vendors and LGBTQ+ community to the Outer Banks Sept. 11–13.

The weekend wraps Sunday with the Big Gay Drag Brunch at Jennette’s Pier.

Read more: https://buff.ly/bORH3Ou

This story is brought to you by Dudley's Place and White Rabbit

Outer Banks Pridefest 2026 celebrates 15 years Sept. 11–13 with drag, live music, a waterfront Pride festival, sunset cruise and drag brunch.

09/10/2026

“Exist, Resist, Persist.”

Salisbury Pride returns September 12 with a theme rooted in Pride’s history of protest and a message organizers say reflects the moment: “Our existence is not up for debate. Our joy is not negotiable. And our community is not going anywhere.”

The festival takes over Bell Tower Green from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with entertainment, community organizations, vendors and more.

Fifteen years after Salisbury held its first Pride festival, the community is still showing up.

Read more: https://buff.ly/Y5cUs1L

This story is brought to you by Dudley's Place and White Rabbit

Salisbury Pride 2026 returns September 12 at Bell Tower Green with its “Exist, Resist, Persist” theme, entertainment, vendors and community.

09/10/2026

Episode 2 of “The Q” is OUT NOW!

In our latest episode, Liz Schob, Vanna Vanity and Chann Little explore the power of belonging through conversations about LGBTQ+ mental health, q***r Latin culture, community and connection.

Featuring Dr. Holly Savoy of Charlotte Trans Health and Lo**ta Chanel and Oso Chanel of LOC Productions, plus the latest LGBTQ+ news from across the Carolinas and another Good News Corner.

Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Visit https://qnotescarolinas.com/the-q-by-qnotes/ for more.

09/10/2026

You may know Vanna Vanity from the stage, the DJ booth or as a co-host of “The Q by QnotesCarolinas.” But who is Nic Booher?

From growing up on a peanut farm in a Virginia town of about 140 people to building The Vanity House and a career in Charlotte’s drag and entertainment scene, Booher has turned a love of music, events and performance into a full-time career.

In our latest Our People profile, we meet the person behind Vanna Vanity and talk drag, DJing, relationships, community, the political climate, co-hosting "The Q" and what keeps Booher smiling through it all.

Read more: https://buff.ly/zC2HJLp

This story is brought to you by Dudley's Place and White Rabbit

Meet Vanna Vanity, the drag performer, DJ and co-host of “The Q by QnotesCarolinas,” and the Charlotte creative behind the persona, Nic Booher.

09/09/2026

Georgia has its first openly gay member of Congress.

Rep. Everton Blair Jr. was sworn in Sept. 1 after winning a special election runoff to represent Georgia’s 13th Congressional District and complete the term of the late Rep. David Scott.

Blair, who is Black and openly gay, previously made history as the first person of color elected to the Gwinnett County Board of Education.

Now, he’s making history again in Washington.

Read more: https://buff.ly/ScPxhYJ

This story is brought to you by Dudley's Place and White Rabbit

Everton Blair has become Georgia’s first openly gay member of Congress after winning a special election to represent the state’s 13th District.

09/09/2026

Hunter Biden says he’s a little bit gay. How little? Apparently, somewhere around 48 percent.

During an interview with gay political commentator Luke Beasley, the former first son joked that he was “48.6” percent gay, later dropped his “gaydom” to 47 percent and ultimately landed at 48.5 percent.

The exchange is just one part of a string of candid interviews in which Biden has discussed sexuality, LGBTQ+ politics, addiction and even whether he might consider running for president in 2028.

So, what exactly is Hunter Biden saying about his sexuality and his political future?

Read more: https://buff.ly/kzLTiy0

This story is brought to you by Dudley's Place and White Rabbit

Hunter Biden jokes about his sexuality and a possible 2028 presidential run as he speaks candidly about LGBTQ+ issues, politics and addiction.

09/09/2026

For 20 years we showed up. This year we march.

Join us for the 20th Anniversary Greensboro Pride Parade & Festival on Saturday, September 12, 2026! Parade steps off at 10:00 AM on Elm Street, with the festival following from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at LeBauer Park and City Center Park.

Expect live performances headlined by Athena Dion and Phoenix, local vendors and food, a Beer Garden, and a Kid Zone for the whole family. Want to go all in? All Access Passes include all day catered food and an open bar in a private tent near the main stage.

Free and open to all ages. Rain or shine.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/3YKsQgG

09/08/2026

How do North Carolinians actually see themselves?

Despite the attention given to political movements and ideological labels, a new Elon University Poll suggests many residents identify more strongly with broader identities tied to class, community and shared values.

Read more: https://buff.ly/ZePW8Je

This story is brought to you by Dudley's Place and White Rabbit

North Carolina political identities extend beyond party labels, with a new Elon Poll finding stronger ties to class, community and shared values.

09/08/2026

For 40 years, Qnotes has told the stories of LGBTQ+ communities across the Carolinas. We want to be here to tell them for the next 40.

But independent local journalism needs independent local support.

Our $40 for 40 campaign is an invitation to help build what comes next. Give $40 to mark our 40th anniversary, become a monthly supporter, or make a larger investment in the future of LGBTQ+ journalism in the Carolinas.

Every gift helps us report the stories that matter, reach our communities and plan for the future.

40 years brought us here. What comes next is something we build together.

Give today at https://buff.ly/l0vHNYI

09/08/2026

Mecklenburg County Public Health is warning residents to take precautions after three recent cases of West Nile Virus, with officials anticipating that additional cases could emerge.

September is typically when West Nile viral activity peaks, and mosquitoes in multiple areas of Mecklenburg County have already tested positive.

While most people infected with West Nile develop no symptoms, seniors and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness.

Officials are urging residents to reduce standing water around their homes, use EPA-approved mosquito repellent and take extra precautions outdoors around dawn and dusk.

Read more: https://buff.ly/t7xDROf

This story is brought to you by Dudley's Place and White Rabbit

Mecklenburg County Public Health is responding to three West Nile Virus cases and warns that viral activity could increase in September.