By blueridgepride | January 8, 2023
Generation Plus works to leverage the power of the LGBTQ+55+ community through education, advocacy, service, and celebration.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | December 20, 2022
Holidays can be wonderful. They can also be challenging. Fortunately, many of our community partners are keeping the lights on. Don't hesitate to reach out. You deserve it!
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | November 29, 2022
Let us know your preferences for future gatherings.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | October 17, 2022
We are so grateful to our performers - all of them local to our community. Featured here are photos of our Main Stage, Cafe Stage, and DRAG performers, as...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | October 17, 2022
What an amazing day! Check out our photos of the Welcoming WNC Procession and Blue Ridge Pride Festival. If you have photos and videos to share, upload them to...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | October 17, 2022
Each year, we count on our exhibitors to deliver the messaging and services at the festival. That’s why we put so much stress on bringing as many different organizations...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | September 19, 2022
Main Stage Lineup 11:00 AM Opening & National Anthem Led by the Asheville Gay Men's Chorus 11:15 AM – Asheville Gay Men’s Chorus The Asheville Gay Men's Chorus entertains,...
By blueridgepride | July 1, 2022
We seek to make the Pride Portal a community-driven information resource. Here is how you can get involved.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | July 1, 2022
We use a software tool, Signup Sheets, to register volunteers to work at events and on projects where no interview is required. This is a quick guide for any...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | June 17, 2022
Blue Ridge Pride traces its roots back to 2009, when the community banded together to hold its first festival on a public space in Martin Luther King Park. For...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | June 16, 2022
Our Mission & Vision Our mission is to promote equality, safety, and quality of life for western North Carolina’s LGBTQ and allied communities, working as a united community through...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | June 14, 2022
If you are having trouble adapting a picture you want to use on our site to our size and ratio requirements, here is a free tool you can use.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | June 14, 2022
A central source for links to forms and information that volunteers may find helpful.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | June 7, 2022
There are a lot of incredible archives that capture the rich history and culture of the LQBTQ+ community. Check these out!
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | May 23, 2022
Blue Ridge Pride encourages visitors to use the transportation options with the lowest carbon footprint.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | April 1, 2022
RASP is North Carolina's online alcohol safety training that is required of volunteers who want to serve alcohol at events. It only takes 15-20 minutes.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | March 25, 2022
All Performers, or their parent / guardian if they are under 18 years old, must review and consent to the following policies, releases and waivers.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | March 25, 2022
Overview of terms and conditions for performers at Blue Ridge Pride events.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | March 25, 2022
An Opportunity for Community Services, Advocates, Artists, and Businesses
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | March 15, 2022
A virtual series of spotlights on our LGBTQ community leaders and influencers.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | February 9, 2022
Please complete these steps at your earliest convenience.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 31, 2022
This is a Daily / Weekly / Monthly checklist of tasks for maintaining the virtual center. It includes direct links to complete each task and some basic instructions.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 30, 2022
Our Contact Information Please note: We do not have a physical center to visit. We maintain a virtual center to better serve our rural community. General Email: Hello@BlueRidgePride.org Mail: PO...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 30, 2022
How to get your post noticed where it needs to be noticed.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 29, 2022
These links will only work for a few people with access to the backend of the site.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 24, 2022
We explain the rules of the road for submitting news, articles, events, and other content to the site.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 17, 2022
Instructions for using our Volunteer Sign-up Sheets.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 17, 2022
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) announced a new program for LGBT entrepreneurs, as well a $500,000 investment in expanding highly successful programming established during the pandemic through...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 17, 2022
Certification offers access to many government and business supplier programs. If you join the Carolinas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, your certification is covered in the cost of membership!
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 17, 2022
Formal Business Certification Programs offer participating businesses access to contracting set-asides with various government organizations and many large corporations. They also provide access to training, scholarships, and a national...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 13, 2022
We are a community-based oral history and physical artifacts archive dedicated to preserving LGBTQIA+ history of the south. The archive offers community training workshops (where you learn how to...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 13, 2022
Follow us on Instagram @wnc_lgbtqia for the most current news on our project. Publications associated with our archive include . . .
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 8, 2022
This grant program will provide 25 grants of $500 to qualifying applicants and nominees. They seek artists who are passionate about leveraging art as a catalyst and force for...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 6, 2022
Conducting an oral history project can be a lot of fun. Do it with your family, church, or organization. It is a great way to learn about the person...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | November 23, 2021
The members of Team Trans, believed to be the first entirely trans sports team in the United States, recently reunited to play their second hockey tournament.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | November 23, 2021
If you shop at Amazon, you can support our mission, with no additional out-of-pocket costs.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | November 23, 2021
Come to this fundraising event to support female-driven independent feature film "Whistle Down Wind."
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | November 23, 2021
Find out what you need to understand about powers of attorney at this free webinar.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | November 3, 2021
We are driven to serve our community, consistent with our mission and vision. But we are also guided by our identity as an organization. What is our unique place...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | November 1, 2021
Organizations add value to a community in so many ways. We highlight a few that are particularly relevant to our website and audience. We start from a position of...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | October 31, 2021
A student profiles Professor Wray's efforts to capture the oral history of the WNC LGBTIA+ cmmunity.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | September 27, 2021
The following was shared on Face Book on Saturday, the day of the cancelled Blue Ridge Pride festival. Every year, a few in the community question what this event...
By blueridgepride | September 23, 2021
We appreciate that this cancellation affects our exhibitors, vendors, and sponsors. We want to help you to recover or to redirect your funds as quickly as possible.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | September 1, 2021
Our team reached a difficult but unanimous decision last night. We feel that it is in the best interests of our community to cancel our much-anticipated festival. This press...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | August 26, 2021
We are monitoring COVID closely, mindful that cancellation is a possibility. We describe the actions we are taking and invite community input to our decision-making process.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | August 11, 2021
We are excitedly planning for the 9/25 festival and procession in Asheville's Pack Square Park. There is record-setting interest. However, our number one priority is our community's health and...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | August 9, 2021
These are the instructions issued by Downtown After Five for their partner program.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | August 4, 2021
We are taking a more community-driven approach to ensuring security this year.
By blueridgepride | July 29, 2021
It’s time for some inclusion, y’all! That’s the theme of this year’s Blue Ridge Pride Festival. So, mark your calendar for Saturday, September 25 at Asheville’s Pack Square Park...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | July 27, 2021
The Blue Ridge Pride Business Alliance is partnering with photographer Lauren Merrell and Youth OUTRight to bring local businesses a unique opportunity. They are invited to become a Strength...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | July 22, 2021
This is an occasionally updated count of festival exhibitors by category.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | July 16, 2021
Thank you, sponsors! This page is for use by current sponsors to maintain their marketing profile and materials. Create New Profile BRPC Logos / Artwork
| Online 1:1 Logo Upload | Click Name for Detail | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Friday Health Plans | Friday Health Plans is purpose-built specifically for people and who buy their own health insurance. The company focuses on overall simplicity to offer affordable health plans with benefits that help members stay healthy and cover them if they get sick or hurt. Operational efficiency, top-notch customer service, and smart technology are core to Friday’s consumer-centric approach. The company is headquartered in Denver, with its core operations and customer service centers in Alamosa and Pueblo, Colorado. | ||
 | Ally | Doing it Right is the core of who we are. | ||
 | SanStone Health & Rehabilitation | Careers with Purpose, Compassionate Care for All | ||
| Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty | A boutique real estate company born and built in the heart of Asheville, NC. Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty offers impeccable service while upholding our commitment of compassion and inclusiveness to our community and the environment. Mosaic's intimate size and deep local roots offer the ideal mix of knowledge and personalized service that consistently places us among the top firms for sales per agent in the area. Our team of amazing full time agents is singularly equipped to meet your needs, desires and criteria as you enter this exciting journey into a new home. We're very proud to have Anthony Guthmiller represent us at Blue Ridge Pride. | |||
 | Givens Communities | Inclusion is a part of daily life for residents and team members at Givens Communities, as nationally recognized by SAGE USA, an advocacy group for elders who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Givens Communities, a leader in quality of life with four distinct senior living communities, outreach ministries and partnerships that support older adults and their families, is proud to be a sponsor this year. | ||
 | Envision Eyecare | Envisioning Inclusion! We are a local, independent practice that thrives to be connected to our community. We're committed to elevating your care and experience with us. Our unique eyewear collections are consciously hand-selected making sure to fit any style. We are a safe space for all members of the LGBTQ+ community! | ||
 | Asheville FM | Nonprofit, Volunteer, Community Programmed Radio! We keep Asheville thriving by producing diverse and eclectic programming that inspires our listeners to build connections across our communities and to discover new music and ideas. | ||
| Virtelle Hospitality | rlintin@virtelle.com | |||
 | Blue Ridge Public Radio | |||
| Matone Counseling and Testing | Matone Counseling and Testing enables great clinicians to provide diverse services to our entire community. We're excited and honored to sponsor Blue Ridge Pride this year! | |||
| University of North Carolina Asheville | ||||
| Western North Carolina Community Health Services | WNCCHS is a community health center dedicated to providing affordable and quality healthcare to all Western North Carolinians. We specialize in LGBTQ+ and trans-affirming healthcare, and we offer primary care, dental, vision, and behavioral health as well as an on-site pharmacy. | |||
 | Fosnight Center for Sexual Health | Our mission at the Fosnight Center is to restore the fullness and richness of life through accessible, whole-person, integrative treatment and education for sexual healing and wellness. At the Fosnight Center, we recognize the pieces and put them together to create an individualized treatment plan through a multi-disciplinary team approach. You will have the opportunity to be evaluated by our medical providers, pelvic health physical therapist, and sex therapist in order to look at the whole picture of your sexual health concern. We believe that sexual health matters for everyone and that you have the sexual right to restore your mind, empower your body, and optimize your pleasure. | ||
 | The Matt & Molly Team | The Matt & Molly Team is FULL of pride for our amazing Asheville community and the great work we do together to promote equity, inclusion and growth. With our roots in goodness, kindness and joy, we stand strong both AS members of and FOR members of the LGBTQAI+ community in Asheville and around the world. | ||
 | Mind Your Business, Inc. | sales@mybinc.com | ||
 | Asheville Drag Brunch | Asheville Drag Brunch is designed to showcase local and guest professional drag queens, promote local restaurant and bar businesses, and support local non-profit organizations. All profits from our shows go to local charities. So c'mon lazy pants, DRAG yourself to brunch! At family-friendly Asheville Drag Brunch a diverse all-star cast of professional drag queens reign supreme, performing to raise money for local charities. Laugh, interact, and belt out your favorite upbeat tunes all while enjoying brunch-- and helping others! Birthday? Bachelorette? Divorce? Celebrate your BIG DAY with us. http://www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com/ | ||
 | Tabatha Hamlin State Farm | All Neighbors Welcome! | ||
 | Patton Avenue Pet Company | We are a different breed of pet supply store- with 3 Asheville locations to help you give your pets the best care possible! We carry a curated selection of the healthiest foods and best quality pet products we can find. Our staff is knowledgeable and happy to help you select the products you need to keep your pets healthy and happy! Check out the new self-service dog washing stations at our South Asheville location! | ||
 | Avita Pharmacy | Avita is a national pharmacy services organization with deep expertise in HIV, PrEP, STI, LGBTQ+, and gender-affirming care. Patients who receive their pharmacy care from Avita are respected as individuals. We understand and know how to address the needs of communities who are often disproportionately affected by complex health conditions. Motivated by the concept of exceptional service and the delivery of compassionate care, we help unlock the full potential of health for all. | ||
 | Asheville FM | We keep Asheville thriving by producing diverse and eclectic programming that inspires our listeners to build connections across our communities and to discover new music and ideas. Find your radio voice! Volunteer to join our community station staff or support our programs through a tax-deductible business sponsorship or individual donation! | ||
 | Aeroflow Healthcare | At Aeroflow, we celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive space for our LGBTQ community, customers, and coworkers. We will continue listening, learning, and acting to reflect our stakeholders' unique experiences and perspectives. We are grateful to join in the Blue Ridge Pride Festival as we work together to embody our inclusive community. 3165 sweeten creek road asheville North Carolina 28803 | ||
 | Deltec Homes | Deltec Homes is a local family-owned prefab manufacturer who has been building homes around the world for over 50 years. We are known for our high performance homes built sustainably. They include hurricane resistant homes that have survived some of the most catastrophic hurricanes on record as well as homes that have achieved some of the highest levels of sustainability including being awarded the DOE's stringent Zero Energy Ready Home Innovation Award multiple times. We are very proud of our achievements as a responsible business entity, being the first prefab manufacturer in the nation to achieve B Corp status as well as our continuing and active work in diversity and inclusion. 69 Bingham Road Asheville North Carolina 28806 | ||
| Online 1:1 Logo Upload | Click Name for Detail |
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | July 16, 2021
Strength in Pride / Business Alliance Order Form Welcome! Thank you for all that you do to support our community. How it works: Select from one of four collection...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | July 10, 2021
Crowd Manager certification is an online training that focuses on fire safety and emergencies. We are required by North Carolina to have a certain number of crowd managers at...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | June 28, 2021
Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce Announces Partnership with Blue Ridge Pride As They Continue Their Regional Expansion to include Western North Carolina
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | June 8, 2021
Campaign for Southern Equality launches it updated guide to over 400 Trans-Affirming medical and legal service providers in the South.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | April 23, 2021
Mountain Xpress interviews Amanda Wray about the project's adjustments to COVID and its expansion into Spanish-language interviews.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | March 19, 2021
2020 In 2020, Blue Ridge Pride reduced fundraising efforts, encouraging our sponsors to lend their support to organizations most affected by COVID. Our board also elected to draw down...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | March 1, 2021
Exhibitors are vital to our festival. We address a few common misconceptions and offer a few tips for getting the most out of the day.
By blueridgepride | January 19, 2021
In 2020, Blue Ridge Pride reduced fundraising efforts, encouraging our sponsors to lend their support to organizations most affected by COVID and to those supporting COVID relief. Our board...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 15, 2021
A collaboration between Western Carolina University, the University of North Carolina Asheville and the Blue Ridge Pride Center will gather oral histories, archival materials and photos for an ongoing...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | December 4, 2020
COVID may be s nightmare, but we have never had so many tools for surviving and finding joy at a distance.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | October 14, 2020
The October 7th Generation Plus Live virtual segment allowed us to share some important information and links regarding voting and what are we voting for in this election. While...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | October 6, 2020
Generation Plus has announced upcoming topics for its monthly series of virtual events that address issues and topics of current interest to an aging population.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | September 18, 2020
Our September 16 Generation Plus Virtual Meetup focused on voting essentials. Absentee voters will love the new tracking tool.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | May 25, 2020
BRPC has cancelled all previously scheduled events. It's immediate focus is supporting critical community needs. It is exploring alternative event formats.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | May 11, 2020
This week, Blue Ridge Pride issued $2,000 in additional grants to community partners who are on the front lines addressing the impact of COVID-19 on the local LGBTQ Community....
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | May 5, 2020
In 2019. the Partner Funds first year, Blue Ridge Pride awarded over $7,000 in grants to 20 local organizations that support our community.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | May 5, 2020
Thanks to your generosity, we have raised over $6,000 for emergency relief for the members of our community in Western North Carolina.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | March 9, 2020
Blue Ridge Pride launches a virtual LGBTQ Center to serve western North Carolina and nearby communities in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 22, 2020
In its first year, the Blue Ridge Pride Community Partner Fund awarded $7,500 in grants to twenty organizations in western North Carolina.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | January 1, 2020
In 2019, Blue Ridge Pride established the Blue Ridge Pride Community Partner Fund. The fund's purpose is to support the many groups, organizations and projects that seek to uplift western...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | December 16, 2019
In 2019, Blue Ridge Pride made three important policy decisions. It established the Blue Ridge Pride Community Partner Fund. The purpose of the fund is to support the many...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | November 1, 2019
Selected News Articles and Media Coverage Concerning Blue Ridge Pride
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | October 25, 2019
This year, Blue Ridge Pride launched a new events program, the Movie and Mixer Series. The series featured four films and attracted over 400 theatre-goers. It raised more than...
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | July 25, 2019
Blue Ridge Pride announces new partnership with Green Man Brewery to support its new Community Partner Fund.
Topical Links
By blueridgepride | February 28, 2019
Reporter Lilly Knoepp speaks with Invisible Histories Project founder Josh Burford and UNC Asheville Professor Amanda Wray about archiving the untold stories of queer history in the South.
Topical Links