What was 1 Thinking? Have you had some unsafe sexual experiences? Take control by having a FREE Syphilis/HIV Test Syphilis is curable — Treatment is Free Free/Confidential Walk In Syphilis/HIV testing: Every Wednesday: 5-7 PM Lesbian & Gay Community Center of Charlotte 1401 Central Ave. (28205) Call 704432-TEST (8378) for more information O PRO.J6CT m.u.s.E. meo-iLEnBuns uniTEs SVPHILIS EHDS mu Drink Specials: Tuesday $1 Jello Shooters Wednesday $2.50 Kamikazes Thursday $3.50 Long islands Friday $1 off Domestic Bottles Saturday $1 off Highballs Sunday $1 Draft Hip Hop MC Battle featured on Mondays Offering Greensboro on "everybody knows your name" atmosphere. House DJ Open 7 days a week • M-F 4-2, Sat/Sun 8-2 708 W. Market Street, Downtown Greensboro NORTH CAROLINA North Carolina News Notes *eir jobs, rather than by Lainey Millen . Q-Notes staff Guild names King recipients CHARLOTTE — On Aug. 15, three area activists and businesses were presented with the 2006 Charlotte Business Guild/Don King Community Service Awards for their contribu tions to the local LGBT community. LaWana Mayfield, who currently serves as a leader for several Charlotte gay organiza- Charlotte Business Guild President Kelly Dougherty (left) with LaWana Mayfield, Darryl Logsdon and Billy Maddalon. tions; Darryl Logsdon, who helped establish the Lesbian & Gay Community Center; and Unique Southern Estates, which owns The Morehead Inn and VanLandingham Estate, were recognized at a special reception held at the VanLandingham Estate. Mayfield is one of the premier LGBT lead ers in Charlotte currently. Logsdon has been a pioneer in establishing several LGBT organi zations in this city. And, Billy Maddalon and his staff at The Morehead Inn and VanLandingham Estate provide a beautiful, yet cost-efficient venue for a number of the areas organizations. Lor more information, visit www.charlottebusinessguild.com. Say thanks to Progress Energy RALEIGH — Not many people write thank you notes to the electric company, but the LGBT community and those who observe equal rights for all Americans have something to say thank you about. Some employees at Progress Energy, one of the state’s major employers, will soon be able to enjoy new benefits. The company has announced it will extend full medical and life insurance benefits to unmarried partners of its employees. The domestic partners benefits will affect straight, unmarried couples as well as LGBT couples in the Carolinas and Florida. The Raleigh-based company has more than 11,000 employees and 4,000 retirees who may benefit from the policy. Company officials say the program is designed to help support the company’s com mitment to a diverse environment that is wel coming to all individuals and families. Equality NC (ENG) member Dawn Prince- Cohee was the first employee to come forward and ask the company to make its benefits pol icy more inclusive. “Progress Energ/s decision is a signal to leaders in our state that fair and equal employment policies are not just the right thing to do, they’re also good for business,” said ENC’s Executive Director Ian Palmquist. “We call on other North Carolina compa nies and our state and local governments to follow the lead of our largest employers. Benefits like these allow employees to focus on worrying about how to find coverage for their loved ones,” he added. When you get your bill this month, write a note on the return coupon to Progress, saying thanks for thinking of all Americans when forming benefits for their employees or visit www.progress-energy.com to leave a secure message in their customer service comments section. It’s three at the OWCC WILMINGTON — The OutWilmington Community Center, 317 Castle St., is now hosting a free social event — “Third Thursday Social, Music, and Art!” — every third Thursday of the month from 5:30-8 p.m. for everyone in the area. Local artists, musicians and restaurants are on hand to provide a community gathering venue complete with a festive, creative place to mix and mingle while featuring the talents and energies of the Wilmington community. The Wilmington Wine Shoppe and Apple Annie’s have been providing continuous sup port of the Center and the event. For more information, visit www.outwilmington.com. Get listed! CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Community Center is now offering to all organizations and businesses in the area an opportunity to create a directory listing on its website. Premium business listings are only $50 per year and includes: listing title with a summary description (250 character length) that appears in search results and links to the lis- tee’s unique listing page; address with a map link, phone and fax; links for email, website and to add to personal favorites; unique list ing page with its own URL web address (which includes a logo image, a description of any length and all the basic contact informa tion as also found in the search results); logo image will rotate with other organization and business level one listings among the three featured listings on the front page of the site; link to the business web address and to send to a Friend; the ability to create printable pro motions or coupons;the ability to create a photo album on the unique listing page; the ability to make changes to listing items (all changes are moderated by The Center); and access to web statistics about the listing. This is a great way to be more visible in the community and support The Center at the same time. For a summary of options for listing busi nesses or organizations in the directory, visit www.gaycharlotte.com. COLAGE to hold national meeting DALLAS, Texas — Act Out: The National LGBT Family Conference, a first-ever Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE) Chapter Institute sponsored event, will be held Oct. 27-29 at the Fairmont Hotel. This conference is for people with LGBT par ents. There will be two program tracks. COLAGE Crew will provide activities and workshops for youth, ages nine-13 with one or more LGBT par ent to feature art, games, discussion, movies and more. COLAGE Leadership Track is a series of see next page > 10 SEPTEMBER 23 .2006 • Q-NOTES