FEBRUARY 2022

ADVOCATE~CELEBRATE~ EDUCATE~ SERVE

Volunteer Opportunity

COME OUT AND BE PART OF THE

KREWE DE PRIDE!

Help us create a big top experience as we participate in the annual Asheville Mardis Gras parade on Sunday, February 27!

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE VOLUNTEER FORM AND WE WILL GET BACK WITH YOU TO GET YOU STARTED WITH THE PRIDE FAMILY!

Blue Ridge Pride continues to expand!

We have used the saying 'so many moving parts' in the last year. And it is true. We are blessed to have some great volunteers coming forward to lead programs and projects. We are directing some attention to recruiting ambassadors around the Mountain Region to get the word out about opportunities with Blue Ridge Pride and share our programs to a broader audience. With growth can come struggles. But let me assure you we have the team, the dedication and energy to make 2022 our strongest year since our inception.

Butch Thompson

President, Board of Directors

WNC VIRTUAL PRIDE CENTER

Is your business, practice, or organization welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community? Then let people know!

Our Virtual Center offers a variety of entries for businesses, organizations, churches, and more.

Get some free publicity!

Join one of our welcoming directories:

BUSINESS ALLIANCE

In 2022, Blue Ridge Pride will be expanding our Business Alliance program by launching our All Are Welcome Here initiative, an area wide partnership with Western North Carolina’s welcoming and affirming businesses.

This initiative is designed to increase awareness of the LGBTQ+ community in Western North Carolina and open doors to welcoming, inclusive businesses in the area.

Blue Ridge Pride is proud to open a partnership with Trinity House, the only shelter in the area welcoming LGBTQ+ youth who are at risk of becoming homeless.

Our goal is to increase the number of families willing and able to provide foster care for at-risk LGBTQ children. As well as raising local awareness of the need for foster parents, we will be working with Caring for Children to train community members.

Stay connected to learn more about this much needed service in our region.

GENERATION PLUS

BRING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH PRIDE AND COMMITMENT

Hear about the journey of your fellow LGBTQ community members in this series of spotlights on local LGBTQ leaders and influencers. Leave feeling inspired.

Meet local pharmacist, Jay Worthington on February 2. Jay shared his journey of growing up gay in Georgia and will reflect on the joy and pain he faced coming out and being in a long term relationship. Click here to here his interview.

Learn more about our Generation Plus program

- https://blueridgepride.org/projects/generation-plus/

EDUCATION & OUTREACH

Cortina Jenelle Caldwell

"So it's like, there isn't a role that the male or the female plays. It's like, everything's up for conversation because things shouldn't be divided by gender."

Click here to hear more from Cortina.

For more information about our Oral History Program or to get involved please visit us at

https://blueridgepride.org/projects/education-and-outreach/oral-history/

COMMUNITY EVENTS

FEBRUARY 27

ASHEVILLE MARDIS GRAS PARADE

APRIL 30

MASQUERADE BALL

JUNE

Special Event to be announced

Thank you to our

Emerald Sponsors for your generosity and support!

https://blueridgepride.org/