Q-Notes publisher Jim Yarbrough, bar owner Greg Brafford, long-time activist Darryl Logsdon, and former activist Don King will be among the panelists for the Guild's May 20 program on the history of Charlotte's LGBT community.

King, who arranged speakers, said that these areas will be covered:

The "organized" community, to include LGBT civic, social, advocacy, sports, professional and religious organizations.

The media that have served the community.

The community's evolving relationship with the business market.

The women's and feminists' movements and their influence on the LGBT community.

The history of LGBT bars and nightclubs.

A review through the years of the general media's take on LGBT people and the LGBT community.

Brafford has been involved with Charlotte bars since working for Oleen's, one of the community's early true LGBT bars.

"I see the panel as the beginning of an effort to put together a definitive history of the community," King said.

He said that missing from the panel is someone who has experienced the pre-bar, pre-organization days of the community, and he invited anyone who knows a person willing to address those days as a panelist to call him at 704-563-5699, or e-mail dwking42@yahoo.com.

Date: Tues., May 20, 2008
Location: VanLandingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza
Food: Hors d‚oeuvres; cash bar
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 for CBG members; $25 for guests and non-members ($5 added for those without reservations)
Reservations should be made by noon on Friday, May 16 by e-mailing businessguild@yahoo.com or calling 704-565-5075. Individuals making reservations who do not attend will be charged for the event. $5 will be added to the entrance cost for those without reservations.