Pride events in smaller towns foster community, support homegrown talent and highlight local services, such as gender-affirming health care.

Pride events in smaller towns foster community, support homegrown talent and highlight local services, such as gender-affirming health care.
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.
“The Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Board of Commissioners have a unique opportunity to be leaders on the issue of LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections.”
Various local efforts are underway to spotlight and preserve the stories and achievements of local LGBTQ community members.