Community Contributors (Choose One)

By Butch Thompson | February 1, 2023

An increasing focus is appearing regarding our aging LGBTQ+ elders and the need for more information. This survey is a bit different in that it is geared towards the...

By Butch Thompson | February 1, 2023

During this series of chats from the LGBTQ community, we’ve heard from local leaders and influencers who have left us feeling inspired. Today we interviewed KP Whaley. KP has...

By Butch Thompson | February 1, 2023

From Blue Ridge Pride- The proposed North Carolina “Parents’ Bill of Rights” only serves to further marginalize our LGBTQ+ youth. The introduction of SB49 yesterday would require forcibly outing...

By Butch Thompson | January 24, 2023

Our Thrive! series kicks off in February with a discussion about Nutrition. Join Generation Plus and Emily Carleo, the Director of Congregate Nutrition at the Council on Aging, for...

By Tina Madison White | December 31, 2022

Freedom for All Americans. Freedom for All Americans is the bipartisan campaign to secure full nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people nationwide. Our work brings together Republicans and Democrats, businesses large...

By Butch Thompson | December 30, 2022

Right now, I feel like a co-parent. Our child has grown older, wiser and is ready for their continued journey. I am nervous, anxious, and excited. My child is...

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!

By Tina Madison White | December 10, 2022

A recent survey of LGBTQ+ people revealed that 73% have been personally attacked and harassed online. This report offers a wealth of specific tactics and tools for staying safe.

By Rosie Bullock | December 5, 2022

LGBTQ+ Guide to Safer Sex Stay up to date on Vaccines hepatitis A hepatitis B HPV vaccine The HPV vaccine was previously only recommended for people assigned female at...

By Rosie Bullock | November 12, 2022

Healthcare Open Enrollment runs from Nov. 1-December 15th. Out2Enroll has provided a directory of free healthcare assisters to help ensure your plan covers lgbtq+ gender affirming care.   The...

By Butch Thompson | November 2, 2022

You are invited to participate in a research study about the impact of pets on older adults’ social networks and well-being. To be eligible to participate in this study,...

By Rosie Bullock | October 27, 2022

We wanted to give our community a welcoming space to post your writing/resources! We encourage many types of SFW posts- articles, opinions, resources, etc.

By Butch Thompson | October 13, 2022

Press release from Social Security Administration Social Security Announces 8.7 Percent Benefit Increase for 2023 Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will...

By Rosie Bullock | October 13, 2022

TIPS-MAPP Starting October 18th 6pm-9pm and will run on Tuesday nights for 10 weeks. Email fostercare@caring4children.org

By Rosie Bullock | October 13, 2022

What is a pronoun? Why does it matter? What if I make a mistake?

By Rosie Bullock | October 10, 2022

October is recognized as national LGBTQ+ History Month! To continue to fight for our future we must understand our past. Join us this month as we honor our history...

By Rosie Bullock | October 10, 2022

Marsha “Pay it No Mind” Johnson (1945-1992) was a Black trans woman who spearheaded activism that sparked a new phase of the LGBTQ+ movement in 1969. Join us as...

By Butch Thompson | September 21, 2022

Make sure your vote counts! Monday, October 3, 10 am

By Tina Madison White | September 14, 2022

Recent cyberbullying against local businesses and organizations forced us to reflect: Who and what do we stand for?

By Butch Thompson | August 19, 2022

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree 2022 is coming from our regional forest. Blue Ridge Pride was asked to help create ornaments for the tree promoting diversity and inclusion. Last...

By Butch Thompson | July 31, 2022

Join Generations on August 18th from 11:30-1:30 at Land of Sky Regional Council for a Lunch and Learn Experience. During this time, we will introduce our team, provide volunteer...

By Butch Thompson | July 25, 2022

Monkeypox is transmitted person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact, having contact with an infectious rash, through body fluids or through respiratory secretions. Such contact often occurs during prolonged,...

By Butch Thompson | July 25, 2022

Many 50+ adults struggle to access the affordable, quality health coverage and care they need. AARP and community collaborators in North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee invite you to join us...

By Butch Thompson | July 25, 2022

Third gender is a concept in which individuals are categorized, either by themselves or by society, as neither man nor woman. It is also a social category present in societies that recognize...

By Butch Thompson | July 20, 2022

Community Assessment for an Aging in Place Program – a new project being led by the Jewish Family Services of WNC Jewish Family Services of WNC is excited to...

By Butch Thompson | July 18, 2022

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in WNC. Be sure to stay aware of your own risk levels. If you are in need of a rapid at home Covid...

By Butch Thompson | July 16, 2022

The 24th International AIDS Conference- July 29 - August 2 For the first time, the world’s largest conference on HIV and AIDS will be hosted in person in Montreal,...

By Butch Thompson | July 15, 2022

Join editors Mary Ann Jacobs, Cherry Maynor Beasley, and Ulrike Wiethaus for a virtual conversation on their recently released book "Upon Her Shoulders: Southeastern Native Women Share Their Stories...

By Butch Thompson | July 12, 2022

Generation Plus, a program of Blue Ridge Pride, believes in sharing information with our regional community. Below are some updates on topics that affect our LGBTQ+ 55+ population. Livable...

By Butch Thompson | July 7, 2022

Monkeypox, is circulating throughout countries across the globe and has been identified in North Carolina, including WNC. It is essential that residents know the signs and symptoms of monkeypox...

By Butch Thompson | June 24, 2022

Are you interested in staying in your home & community as you age? Community Assessment for an Aging in Place Program – a new project being led by the...

By Butch Thompson | June 24, 2022

Announcing the June Gayby-Sitters Club meetup- Pride party edition! 🌈🎉 Y'all means all in this group.☺️ This is a free monthly meetup social group for Asheville queer, trans, gender non-confirming, and questioning...

By Butch Thompson | June 14, 2022

Every year during Pride month, we're inundated with rainbow-colored logos and flags displayed by corporations large and small. But what's behind the rainbows?

By Butch Thompson | June 14, 2022

Many of us know an elder and some of us are elders in the LGBTQ+ community. With aging comes some struggles. June 15th is a day to bring awareness,...

By Butch Thompson | May 27, 2022

Some people say older or elder. Some say senior. Active aging is the best term to describe the men in this article.

By Butch Thompson | May 13, 2022

On June 11, 2022 local LGBTQ organizations are joining together with the Asheville City Soccer Club for ‘‘. The event starts at Green Man Brewery (Dirty Jack’s) from 1PM-4PM...

By Butch Thompson | May 5, 2022

LGBTQ+ folx in Jackson County

By Butch Thompson | April 4, 2022

...improve physical function, increase balance...

By Butch Thompson | March 25, 2022

"Seeking artwork that expresses authentic, diverse view points from the LGBTQIA+..."

By Butch Thompson | February 23, 2022

It's time to shake off the winter and dance. Shake your groove thing, shimmy, move to the beat. Each Saturday Karen Chapman invites you to join her in a...

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...

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!

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...

By Butch Thompson | January 10, 2022

Recognizing the struggles all have endured for 2 years now and realizing the isolation for many we hope to bring some ideas, suggestions and support to the community. If...

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...

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.

By blueridgepride | November 23, 2021

Come to this fundraising event to support female-driven independent feature film "Whistle Down Wind."

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...

By Butch Thompson | October 8, 2021

This week Rainbow Inspiration spoke with Tim Lane about the LGBTQ+ community and long term care. Tim, a local nursing home administrator shared his experience with the LGBTQ+ community...

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 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...

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.

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...

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...

By | June 10, 2021

Give OUT Day is a month-long fundraising campaign beginning June 1 and culminating on June 30, the only national giving event for the LGBTQ+ community. Since 2013, Give OUT...

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.

By Butch Thompson | April 27, 2021

APRIL 27 All the Lonely People: Easing loneliness and isolation for those we serve and the people we love April 27th, 6:30 - 8:00 PM bit.ly/aarplonely0427 In this fascinating...

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 | January 12, 2021

Creating a sense of community, clearing up 2020 General Election confusion, protecting our mental health in the winter months, these are a few of the many topics covered with...