Programs
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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By Butch Thompson | January 11, 2023
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,...
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By blueridgepride | January 8, 2023
Generation Plus works to leverage the power of the LGBTQ+55+ community through education, advocacy, service, and celebration.
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By Rosie Bullock | January 8, 2023
Generation Plus is excited to announce two new initiatives for our LGBTQ+ senior community. Through our surveys we identified some needs and wants for the Generation Plus program and...
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By Butch Thompson | January 5, 2023
An educational lunch and learn program for our Generation Plus LGBTQ+ senior community. This series showcases members of our community presenting information to better enjoy our lives as LGBTQ+...
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By Butch Thompson | January 5, 2023
A monthly meeting for our LGBTQ+ elders to socialize, educate and advocate. Great communication begins with connection.
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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...
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By Butch Thompson | December 23, 2022
Our wonderful volunteer Zack Schmitt spoke about the importance of Generation Plus and LGBTQ+ Elder care in our region. Zack has passion for this topic as his lesbian mothers...
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By Butch Thompson | December 22, 2022
Mars Hill, NC December 15, 2022 – Christmas came early this year for the Appalachian Ranger District on the Pisgah National Forest. The district is lucky to have...
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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!
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By Butch Thompson | December 12, 2022
This past Sunday Generation Plus held a Holiday Gathering for LGBTQ+ community at Mountain Care. With warm cider and hot cocoa we entertained guest and we had a sock...
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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.
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By blueridgepride | November 29, 2022
Let us know your preferences for future gatherings.
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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,...
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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By Butch Thompson | September 21, 2022
Make sure your vote counts! Monday, October 3, 10 am
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By Butch Thompson | September 19, 2022
The kick off to Blue Ridge Pride Festival week always starts with our senior prom. This year the Generation Plus committee choose the theme 'The Love Boat' and there...
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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 Tina Madison White | September 14, 2022
Recent cyberbullying against local businesses and organizations forced us to reflect: Who and what do we stand for?
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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By blueridgepride | July 1, 2022
We seek to make the Pride Portal a community-driven information resource. Here is how you can get involved.
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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...
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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,...
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By blueridgepride | May 23, 2022
Blue Ridge Pride encourages visitors to use the transportation options with the lowest carbon footprint.
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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...
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By blueridgepride | March 25, 2022
Overview of terms and conditions for performers at Blue Ridge Pride events.
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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.
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By blueridgepride | March 25, 2022
An Opportunity for Community Services, Advocates, Artists, and Businesses
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By Butch Thompson | March 25, 2022
"Seeking artwork that expresses authentic, diverse view points from the LGBTQIA+..."
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By blueridgepride | March 15, 2022
A virtual series of spotlights on our LGBTQ community leaders and influencers.
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By blueridgepride | January 30, 2022
How to get your post noticed where it needs to be noticed.
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By blueridgepride | January 24, 2022
We explain the rules of the road for submitting news, articles, events, and other content to the site.
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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...
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By Butch Thompson | December 10, 2021
If you missed it, our monthly Rainbow Inspiration brought another fresh, diverse and interesting story for our community. On December 1, World AIDS Day, we met Eric Holt. Eric...
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By Butch Thompson | November 26, 2021
Visibility is important as we grow our community, together. On Saturday, November 20 Blue Ridge Pride walked, drove, and floated in the annual Asheville Holiday Parade. There were cheers...
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By blueridgepride | November 23, 2021
Find out what you need to understand about powers of attorney at this free webinar.
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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...
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By blueridgepride | August 9, 2021
These are the instructions issued by Downtown After Five for their partner program.
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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...
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By blueridgepride | July 22, 2021
This is an occasionally updated count of festival exhibitors by category.
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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By Butch Thompson | December 17, 2020
We are proud to announce our involvement with Buncombe County's initiative Age-friendly Buncombe. Having a seat at the table helps to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is represented in planning...
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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....
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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...
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By blueridgepride | July 25, 2019
Blue Ridge Pride announces new partnership with Green Man Brewery to support its new Community Partner Fund.
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