Pride events in smaller towns foster community, support homegrown talent and highlight local services, such as gender-affirming health care.
Tag: LGBTQ
Showing 1-21 of 46 results
LGBTQ+ church leaders share reflections on service
The Rev. Sarah Hulbert says the same God that made her who she is also called her to the priesthood. She is disappointed in those who use the Bible to discriminate against minority communities because of what she says is an improper conflation of politics and Christian teachings.
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.
Keep Asheville weird: Businesses try to maintain uniqueness amid city’s rapid growth
Small-business owners recognize that they not only add value but are a driving force behind the popularity of this quirky city.
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.
Culture war comes to Asheville school board
Two people speaking during public comment revealed brewing tensions around critical race theory and sexuality education in the Asheville City Schools district.
Buncombe County announces four monkeypox cases
North Carolina has 53 cases of monkeypox as of July 29, according to a dashboard on the NCDHHS website. There have been no reported deaths from monkeypox in the U.S.
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 […]
Local LGBTQ community reconfigures weddings
For more than a decade, Jeanne Sommer of Hidden River Events has been hosting and presiding over same-sex partnership ceremonies on her farm in Swannanoa. “It doesn’t matter if it’s heterosexual or same-sex,” she says. “The ethics of good loving are what matters.” Since 2014, when a federal court ruling overturned Amendment 1 in North […]
Letter: LGBTQ coalition promotes legislative mischief
“Mind if I suggest this special interest group’s reputation is wrapped in a rainbow — not reality?”
Miss Gay Latina celebrates culture, community, camaraderie
Extraordinary entertainment aside, “It’s the sense of camaraderie and inclusion that truly sets this pageant apart,” says last year’s winner, Dorae Saunders.
Council candidates come out to support LGBTQ community
A City Council candidate forum called into question how progressive Asheville really is when it comes to rights and protections for those in the LGBTQ community. All six candidates said they are in favor of the city of Asheville implementing a nondiscrimination ordinance, which is specifically disallowed under House Bill 142.
Changing of the Graham
Montreat
Asheville LGBTQ community to celebrate progress, call for change at Blue Ridge Pride Festival on Oct. 1
Author, transgender activist and newcomer to Asheville Tina Madison White reflects on the state of the Pride movement in 2016. White is the director of operations for Blue Ridge Pride Center, which will host its eighth annual Pride Festival Saturday, Oct. 1 in Pack Square Park in Asheville.
Letter writer: HB2 article informed on several levels
“Educating in a nonthreatening way is what will help people understand each other better. I am proud of Asheville’s openness, support and stand on these important issues.”
Solidarity in grief and love: Ashevilleans stand in vigil for the victims of mass shooting at Pulse Bar in Orlando
To honor the victims of the deadliest mass shooting carried out by an individual in our nation’s history, Asheville people gathered for words of encouragement, an urging toward actions of love, a friendly embrace and a moment of silence. On Monday evening, streams of people filed in on foot, on bikes, and in cars to […]
INTERVIEW: Gov. McCrory offers his views, amid protests at the Western Residence
Spring is a beautiful time to visit the Governor’s Western Residence on Town Mountain. Governors and their spouses have traditionally opened the residence to the public twice a year — once in the spring when the rhododendrons are in full bloom, and once during the winter holidays. Last December’s gathering saw record attendance, according to a tour guide […]
Warning signs
Carlvin and Stomps
City Council calls for repeal of HB2, urges other cities to do same
At its regular meeting on April 12, Asheville City Council passed a strongly-worded resolution calling for the repeal of House Bill 2. Citizens and Council members reflected on the impact of the law on many aspects of life in North Carolina, striking a chord of near-unanimity in wholehearted dissent.
In photos: A rally in support of HB 2 and protesters against it share Pack Square
On Saturday, April 2, supporters and opponents of the recently-passed North Carolina legislation House Bill 2 demonstrated in Asheville’s Pack Square. The new law overturns a Charlotte ordinance that would have allowed people to use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity rather than the sex that matches their birth certificate. It also prevents other municipalities from passing similar ordinances to Charlotte’s, and it limits legal recourse for those who believe they have experienced discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex or disability.