Thanks WNC for showing your pride!

Posted on by Julie Klipp Nicholson

On Oct. 2, over 5,000 people gathered in downtown Asheville to celebrate, raise awareness and be entertained. Blue Ridge Pride 2010 was a huge success, and we are grateful to each and every person who made it possible. Thanks to our volunteers, vendors and sponsors. Thanks to the City of Asheville for your support of Blue Ridge Pride. Thanks to everyone who “came out” to be a part of the festivities.

We live in a community where LGBTQ folks are generally welcomed and supported. However, the recent reports of multiple suicides by gay and gay-perceived teens who were relentlessly bullied until they felt they have no choice but to end their lives is a poignant reminder of just how important Pride celebrations still are. Gathering together to celebrate our diversity and to raise awareness of the inequalities LGBTQ people still face is important to us as individuals and as a community.

Blue Ridge Pride is an all-volunteer organization made up of individuals who believe that through celebration and education we can build a stronger, safer and more just community. We need your help to continue to grow the festival and our other year-round events. Please consider volunteering, donating or sponsoring our events. For more information check out www.blueridgepride.com.

— Julie Klipp Nicholson
Blue Ridge Pride

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