Volunteer guide: 10 ways to support Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community

Presented by Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region ReStores. Become a volunteer at Julia’s, a nonprofit used bookstore and coffee shop in the Wendover ReStore (it’s magical).

North Carolina is below average for LGBTQ+ equality, a recent Out Leadership report shows.

North Carolina scored 55.48 out of 100 in Out Leadership’s State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index for 2022. 

Why it matters: Rights for LGBTQ+ individuals are less likely to be protected in states with lower scores.

How it works: Out Leadership calculates scores based on 20 markers assessing LGBTQ+ people’s lived experiences across 5 broader categories— Legal and Nondiscrimination Protections, Youth and Family Support, Political & Religious Attitudes, Health Access and Safety, Work Environment and Employment.

Here are 10 ways you can support your LGBTQ+ neighbors in Charlotte during Pride month and beyond.

1. Volunteer at the Charlotte Pride festival and parade

It’s been more than two years since Charlotte Pride’s last in-person festival and parade, and it’s coming back Aug. 20-21 in Uptown.

• They need at least 300 volunteers Aug. 19-21 to help prepare for and take down everything after the festival Charlotte Pride spokesperson Matt Comer tells Axios.
• You can volunteer as an individual or in a group to help with operational support, sales, bartending, parade staging and more.
• Volunteer here.

2. Support Charlotte Pride beyond the parade

Meet up with the Charlotte Pride Programs Team on June 29 at 6:30pm to help plan events for all of their Charlotte Pride programs as they advocate for underserved and underrepresented LGBTQ+ communities.

• Details: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in the fellowship hall at 6:30 pm.
• RSVP here.

3. Gooooooals for change

Longtime Charlotte soccer supporters’ group, QC Royals is raising money for Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ youth through their QC Prideraiser. 

• Pledge a donation for each goal scored by Charlotte FC in June. The funds will be donated to Time Out Youth Center, which supports LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-20. 
• Pledge your donation here.
• Contact the Royals on Twitter or at [email protected] for additional details about other community opportunities.  

4. Speaking of Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ youth

In-person volunteering are still suspended due to the pandemic, but Time Out Youth Center continues to support and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth ages 11-20.

• If you’re interested in volunteering remotely, email [email protected].

5. End HIV stigma

RAIN’s mission is to help people with HIV and those at risk to live healthy, stigma-free lives. Volunteer for their Gay Bingo Charlotte fundraiser on Nov. 19. They need volunteers to serve as table ushers, help with raffle sales, set up and take down the space.

• Details: Charlotte Convention Center at 5-10pm.
• Learn more here.

6. Level the playing field

Stonewall Sports is an inclusive league for LGBTQ+ people and allies. They intend to provide a safe space for everyone to enjoy the game, and all of their positions are held by volunteers.

• Yes, but: If sports aren’t your thing, you can still get involved in the community by volunteering with them for various initiatives, like supporting Charlotte’s neighbors in transition.
• Follow them on social media to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities, which spokesperson, Michael Fleming said are slated to return this fall.

7. Be an ally

Support PFLAG, a national advocacy group for the LGBTQ+ community. The Charlotte chapter was founded in 1987.

• They need volunteers for event planning, fundraising, supporting families, tabling community events and more.
• Volunteer here.

8. Sing a song

You don’t have to actually sing, but you can support those who do. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte and One Voice Chorus use the power of music to create a safe space for their LGBTQ+ members.

• One Voice will perform at Charlotte Ballet on June 24-25 at 8pm.
• They’re hosting their version of the 1970s game show “Match Game,”— the One Voice version will include a drag show.
• Tickets start at $30.

9. Fuel economic empowerment

Support the Carolinas LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.

• The organization is largely volunteer-based, and they’re looking for volunteers to help organize networking events and more.
• Learn more here.

10. Donate

If you can’t donate your time, you can still open your heart and your wallet.

• Donate to Charlotte Pride here.
• Donate to Time Out Youth Center here.
• Donate to RAIN here.
• Donate to Stonewall Sports here.
• Donate to PFLAG here.
• Donate to Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte here.
• Donate to One Voice here.