Supporting our own
Supporting LGBTQ+ owned and LGBTQ+ affirming businesses is more than a consumer choice; it is a practical way to encourage economic opportunity, strengthen local communities and reward companies that embrace equality. LGBTQ+ owned businesses create jobs, provide essential services and contribute to local economies. Research published by the Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research…
New HRC data: LGBTQ+ people are choosing visibility ahead of 2026 midterms
Even as more than half of LGBTQ+ adults (56 percent) say the current political…
SC Equality hosts black tie casino night
It’s time to get your queer James Bond on! South Carolina Equality, the Palmetto…
Local LGBTQ+ Media Giving Day rallies support for independent queer journalism
National headlines may capture the biggest stories affecting LGBTQ+ people, but much of LGBTQ+…
Voting rights advocates organize volunteers to track potential intimidation at the polls
As Donald Trump refuses to rule out taking extreme action in the midterm elections,…
‘The Q’ explores who tells our stories for LGBTQ+ History Month
When we talk about LGBTQ+ history, it’s easy to think about the names, protests,…
health
The Midterms: Voting in the Carolinas
The midterm elections are now just weeks away and LGBTQ+ organizations have chosen their political endorsements. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) PAC and Equality North Carolina Action Fund PAC (ENC) are supporting politicians that challenge MAGA Republicans and advocate for LGBTQ+ equality. NORTH CAROLINA On September 16, HRC PAC endorsed Democratic candidate Roy Cooper for…
arts & culture
October unmasked: Events across Charlotte
October brings a little bit of everything to Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ History Month and National Coming Out Day arrive alongside a packed calendar of drag performances, community gatherings, live entertainment and opportunities to connect. And, of course, October means Halloween. As the month goes on, costumes, horror and plenty of camp take over the…
politics
The road to political empowerment
With elections nearing, many Americans have concerns that go deeper than a candidate to vote for. Many worry they may not have the opportunity to vote at all — while others are concerned with all the recent hurdles proposed that would make voting a challenge. In this current administration, discrimination aimed at LGBTQ+ community members…
politics
The battle for your health and wellness
Amid a sea of economic, political and cultural uncertainty impacting our country resulting from mismanagement and manipulation by the current federal administration, the American healthcare system is on the verge of implosion. As of September 2026, nearly 20 million Americans are covered by the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid Expansion plan. Let’s begin our exploration into…
Join the Qnotes Press Club
As Qnotes enters its 40th year, we are inviting readers to help carry this work forward. Qnotes is the only LGBTQ+ newsroom serving the Carolinas, and our reporting remains independent and community-centered because of reader support.
Joining or renewing the Qnotes Press Club helps sustain local LGBTQ+ journalism, amplify community voices, and preserve stories that might otherwise go untold.
A $40 gift in honor of 40 years is a simple way to support the next chapter of Qnotes. Monthly and annual options are also available.
Join the Press Club today and invest in the future of trusted, local LGBTQ+ journalism.
more news
‘TRANSform the Vote’ to help LGBTQ+ voters with ID needs
SC Arts Commission says ‘no funding’ to LGBTQ+ arts organizations
Serbia appoints world’s first lesbian with the title of president
Leader of Catholic LGBTQ+ organization retires
Election officials in NC promoted conspiracy theories about the 2020 outcome and the Jan. 6 riot
Qnotes Democracy: Your rights are on the docket (or Justice wears a robe, not a cape)
North Carolina celebrates Dolly Parton and her love of literacy with ‘9 to 5’ day
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