With Pride returning to Charlotte, get familiar with these LGBTQ-friendly organizations
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With the Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade returning to uptown, it presents an opportunity for people to familiarize themselves with other LGBTQ events and organizations the city offers.
While the main event only lasts a short time, the Charlotte Pride Programs team offers year-round community involvement for volunteers.
[Related: Charlotte Pride is back! Details for the uptown festival and parade in 2022]
Charlotte also has a number of other LGBTQ-friendly organizations that focus on advocacy, business development, athletics and the arts. Here are some of the ones you can get involved with:
Charlotte LGBTQ Elders
Founded in 2018 to serve as a resource for those 55 and older, the organization hosts a monthly program to bring elders together to connect and learn, and provide training to other area groups on cultural competency surrounding LGBTQ elders.
Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce
As the largest LGBTQ business advocate organization in the Charlotte region, the group provides opportunities for LGBT+ professionals, including marketing, networking, procurement and referral based business growth. The Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce also provided development of business skills and expertise through workshops and seminars.
Time Out Youth
Time Out Youth Center offers support, advocacy and opportunities for personal development and social interaction to LGBTQ youth ages 13-24. At the center, youth are encouraged to be themselves through expression in whatever way feels comfortable for them.
PFLAG Charlotte
PFLAG’s goal is to support families, allies and people who are LGBTQ+, and educate them about issues that are important to the community. The organization hosts several educational programs a year supporting the LGBTQ+ community in healthcare, education and in the workplace.
Stonewall Sports Charlotte
Stonewall Sports Charlotte is an LGBTQ and ally non-for-profit sports league. The league offers bowling, cornhole, dodgeball, Esports, kickball and volleyball year-round.
Charlotte Royals
The Charlotte Royals, a gay rugby team founded in 2004, has more than 30 players and countless supporters across the country. The team plays an average of six matches in the spring and fall seasons, and hosts an annual tournament, Queen City Crown, held at various venues in Charlotte. All practices are open to the public to learn about the sport.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte’s mission is to “create a society that values its LGBTQ+ members” through artistic achievement, education and engagement, according to their website. This year, their signature concert, “Big Gay Sing,” will feature Broadway hits from “Hamilton,” “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Jersey Boys.”
CharlotteFive’s Heidi Finley contributed to this story.
