“In an odd series of events, we had actually decided to open a food resource area and onboarded our first mental health intern right before the hurricane hit,” says Amy Upham, executive director of Blue Ridge Pride.
Tag: Blue Ridge Pride
Showing 1-21 of 27 results
Small town activists share stories behind local Pride festivals
Pride events in smaller towns foster community, support homegrown talent and highlight local services, such as gender-affirming health care.
The mission of AVL Hoppers goes beyond volleyball courts
When three Asheville women started AVL Hoppers last year, they wanted the organization to have an impact beyond the volleyball courts. So each season, the group’s championship teams receive a prize in the form of a donation to a local nonprofit of their choice. In all, the Hoppers have helped distribute more than $2,000 to worthy causes.
Whatever it takes: In support of the LGBTQIA+ community
“We definitely could use additional support from major donors, as well as institutional support from funders to ensure we are showing up in the ways our community needs,” says Amy Upham, executive director of Blue Ridge Pride.
LGBTQ community ramps up vigilance
In the wake of a Supreme Court ruling allowing businesses to refuse LBGTQ customers and an overall hostility from certain segments of the population, planning for this year’s Pride festival is a little more complex.
Q&A: Travis Rountree on the history of the LGBTQ+ community in WNC
Since 2019, Travis Rountree, assistant professor of English at Western Carolina University, has worked to help archive Western North Carolina’s LGTBQ+ community.
No violations of local nondiscrimination ordinances found so far
The number of complaints filed under nondiscrimination ordinances with city and county governments has yet to top 25, and it appears that no one has been found in violation of the rules so far. According to public records obtained by Xpress, Asheville had received five complaints as of January, and Buncombe County had gotten 17 as of early March.
Local nonprofit workers discuss pandemic burnout
As the executive director of True Ridge, a Hendersonville-based nonprofit serving Western North Carolina’s Hispanic population, Lori Garcia-McCammon has never had an easy job. Her organization helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and refers clients to bilingual mental health counselors. Recent years have been straining, as many of the Central American immigrants her […]
Around town: Pride stays visible with Pack Square art project
Blue Ridge Pride installs art project in Pack Square Park. Plus, Art in Autumn returns to Weaverville, the Southern Highland Craft Guild celebrates Appalachian heritage, and Pan Harmonia plans Asheville concerts.
Biz Briefs: Blue Ridge Pride debuts LGBTQ+ business alliance
Blue Ridge Pride, a nonprofit supporting the LGBTQ community in Western North Carolina, launched an online business directory for LGBTQ-owned and inclusive businesses called the Blue Ridge Pride Business Alliance on June 25. The directory, available at BlueRidgePride.org/Business, includes retail, food and drink, leisure and services and other categories. Businesses listed in the BRPBA directory […]
Healthy pride
Western North Carolina is a health-conscious place, but one that hasn’t always been welcoming for the LGBTQ community. And without health and wellness opportunities that provide care, while also affirming sexuality and gender identity, some LGBTQ folks may not share essential information with their providers or avoid health care settings entirely. Numerous local organizations and […]
Taking Action: Amanda Wray continues to expand local LGBTQ+ archive
Amanda Wray continues to expand the LGBTQIA+ Archive of Western North Carolina.
Blue Ridge Pride Festival rolls out the welcome mat
“I find that, in Western North Carolina, the vast majority of people and institutions at least aspire to be welcoming,” says Blue Ridge Pride Executive Director Tina White.
Screen Scene: Local film news
“The Coup” wins Best Film at the 2019 Asheville 48 Hour Film Project and Blue Ridge Pride screens an Italian comedy at its next Movie & Mixer Summer Film Series event.
Blue Ridge Pride celebrates more than just its annual festival
Fresh off a Supreme Court victory for marriage equality, Blue Ridge Pride Festival 15 has even more to celebrate this year, including new participants and a new status for its sponsor.
Smart bets: LGBT Night with Beth Sacks
Asheville Music Hall hosts the 18+ event on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 9 p.m.
In photos: Blue Ridge Pride Festival
Blue Ridge Pride hosted the annual Pride Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, in Pack Square. The event was part of four days of Pride activities that included the Miss Blue Ridge Pride Pageant and a performance by comedian Jennie McNulty.
Blue Ridge Pride Festival focuses on marriage, family and fun
Blue Ridge Pride’s Yvonne Cook-Riley estimates that 35-40 percent of attendees at Pack Square Park for the organization’s festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, will be straight allies. That is, people who identify as heterosexual but back their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning friends and family. What accounts for such strong support of […]
This weekend on a shoestring
As always, Xpress brings you the best in low-cost weekend events.
Blue Ridge Pride: There’s new hope for an LGBT Community Center in Asheville
As hopes of a progressive North Carolina crumble into ruin, there is renewed interest in an LGBT community center in the city that, two years ago, a state senator dubbed “the cesspool of sin” because of its domestic-partner registry.
This weekend on a shoestring
This weekend offers juggling, arts and crafts, animals and more. As always, Xpress brings you the best in low-budget entertainment.