Tag Archives: lgbt

i didn't end up on the wrong side of the tracks or anything (which i usually do in my personal life anytime i explore some place new), but i did leave the comfort of the touristy, main streets of downtown asheville and ended up on a smaller, alley-ish-like street behind all the typical places. but i was so in that kind of mood today.

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If you are LGBT and/or an ally in Asheville, you are never alone. A local saying goes that, “if you throw a rock in Asheville, you’ll hit a (insert non-normative label here)”. One Google search for LGBT Asheville shows that the stereotype holds true: Asheville is one queer city! Statewide and nationwide groups like Equality NC, HRC, and other well-known LGBT advocates find local chapters to be loud, proud, and diligent. On Facebook and other social networking sites there are several pages for local business listed in the Carolina Purple Pages. There is even an extensive “Gay and Lesbian Travel Guide” section on one of Asheville’s most popular tourist websites. But aside from the internet presence of queer folks in Asheville, there is also a wealth of local organizations here for support. Networks, support groups, and volunteer opportunities vary in scope and cover different niches within the community. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list; it is simply an overview of LGBT Asheville. The best way to get involved is to try one or several of these groups and see which ones best fit your wants and needs. Youth OUTright provides a support system for 14-23-year-olds who might not otherwise have …

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Join UNC-Asheville’s student LGBT group Alliance for one of the university’s craziest annual events. Dancing, drinks and snacks, a photo booth, and a drag show packed into one evening? It must be Drag Ball 2013! The event is first a competition for amateur drag talent of all sorts. The most popular type of drag is female or male impersonation, but there are no limits in drag performance. You might see a man dressed as a woman; a woman dressed as a man dressed as a woman; a student dressed as a teacher; or a person dressed as a pig. It is all about expression and performance. A winner will be chosen based on factors such as outfit, charisma, and the audience’s enjoyment. Alliance has also reeled in local professionals from Club Hairspray, which calls itself “Asheville’s Most Diverse Nightclub”. Queens and kings from the club, including Mr. Brian Sparx, Mr. Jackson K. Starr, Ms. Serena Nox, and Ms. Coco Capone, will all make appearances. Drag Ball will be held on March 28th in the Highsmith University Union from 21.00 to 01.00. (01.00 is the scheduled ending time, but don’t be surprised if someone decides to throw an after party!) Drag Ball …

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