25 in ‘25: who’s who in Charlotte’s Black LGBTQ+ community

Lamar Atkins
Independent Charlotte artist Lamar Atkins wrapped up 2024 with the release “Moonseeker I,” the first album in a trilogy, and then brought a visual representation of the work to the Blumenthal’s Stage Door Theater.

Lamar was originally scouted at age 17 by Arista Records. When the agent attached to him was fired by the label, Lamar was unfortunately dropped, finding himself back with another major love; ballet dancing. This talent brought Lamar to New York City as part of a company, where he was rediscovered by a Roc Nation A&R agent while singing karaoke in Hell’s Kitchen. After signing a distribution deal with the label,  the artist moved back into music, releasing their first single, “Moonlight” in 2021.

“Moonseeker I” infuses R&B, pop and dance influences together.

For the year to come, much like his music’s freeform tidings represent, 2025 is about truth. “I really would like to make myself only live authentically through my truth whenever it comes to my music,” Lamar stated, “or what I want to do with my life, or where I want to go, versus allowing other circumstance or other people to kind of dim that trajectory.” – Jonathan Golian

Travis Barnes 

Travis Barnes, a gay man from Lancaster, SC, is a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+  community. From his days in the military to his groundbreaking advocacy, Travis has continually shattered stigmas and built connections that unite and educate. He has a vibrant spirit that exudes confidence, pride and resilience.

Travis saw a divide between the LGBTQ+ community and mainstream society, and he set out to bridge that gap. “I wanted to show people not just tolerance but wholehearted acceptance,” he explains. His vision evolved into empowering others, teaching them to reclaim their voices, and challenging stigmas with courage and authenticity.

One of Travis’ most impactful initiatives was “Graphic Garment’s Fresh2Death,” a fashion ballroom event held at the Mint Museum. “Over 1,800 people came together to celebrate our culture on a massive scale,” he recalls. The event not only showcased the beauty of ballroom culture but also educated attendees, many of whom were experiencing LGBTQ+ spaces for the first time.

Barnes is active in advocacy, teaching, mentoring and providing community service via Mimosa Way, LLC, a business he co-founded with his husband. During spare time, the two enjoy unwinding and finding peace and joy with their beloved dog Myra. – Wendy Lyons

Erica Chanel

For one of the reigning Queens of Charlotte, Erica Chanel, the year 2024 was a blast. While performing with her drag group, Vanity House, Chanel was elevated to Miss Charlotte Pride during last year’s Pride festival after performing a piece from “Harriet Tubman: The Musical.” 

Chanel was also picked to open for Chappell Roan for a second tour and became part of the new Scorpio location’s house cast. Amid all the glitz and glamour, Chanel shared some inner reflections about the year with her followers on Instagram. 

“As this year comes to an end,” Chanel wrote, “I’m just reflecting over all the amazing, and not so amazing things that have happened to me. This year made me want to give it all up, but I knew I had to fight even harder in those moments. I’ve gained the love of my true self. The man behind all the makeup, wigs, and costumes you see on the stage. I told myself to love Emory, and become confident in, but most importantly out of drag.
I’m thankful for all my friends who helped me make it through even when I wanted to give up. I’m so excited to see what this new year has in store for me.” – Jonathan Golian

Ra’Shawn D. Flournoy

A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Flournoy has called Charlotte home since 2012. Currently he serves as the executive director of Quality Comprehensive Health Center; the first vice president of the NAACP Charlotte Mecklenburg Branch and the minister of the Rebirth Cathedral of Praise.

Here’s how his journey from Spartanburg to Charlotte came about:

“I used to work at a mega church and when I came out about my sexuality, I lost my job. I ended up starting an affirming Church in Greenville, South Carolina.

“I always wanted to come to Charlotte, but I was just scared to do it. Finally I had a job opportunity with Quality, where I work now. I worked with them until 2017 and decided to move into the community healthcare field.”

Although not exactly happy with the company he landed with, Flournoy says he roughed it out, built up his savings and created a credit repair company and a marketing firm. Once that became solvent he invested his money in various business opportunities and property.

While he has enjoyed success in many areas during his life journey so far, he also faced challenges: the loss of his mother to cancer, the end of a long-term relationship and the deterioration of a ministry he had begun locally.

Along the way he returned to Quality Healthcare, as deputy director and then later assuming the position of Executive Director; and he has restarted his Sunday services with Rebirth, which is located at 2229 Village Lake Drive in East Charlotte.

Of particular note, it’s important to mention that Quality received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award under his tutelage (from Vice President Kamala Harris!) and Flournoy is a recent recipient of the Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award and the NAACP Presidential Award. – David Aaron Moore

Shann D Roc Fulton

Little actions can compound in big ways. Back in 2013, after two years of navigating their new home in Charlotte, Savannah-born Shann Fulton (they/he) went looking for ways to connect further with the community. His search brought him to Charlotte Black Pride, where their journey with the organization started by simply volunteering.

It wasn’t long before Fulton ended up becoming the assistant volunteer coordinator. “I was excited about [that],” Fulton recalled. “Because I like getting other people excited about volunteering as well. In 2018, Fulton took on the reins as board chair, and has since done their best to bring success to the organization, as well as a strong diversity among CBP’s leadership, incorporating community members young & old, transgender & nonbinary identifying, and even people in the faith community.

He’s hopeful and motivated about what lies ahead in 2025.

“My hope is that we could all come together and get through this year [and] the next three years, continuing to do the things that we’ve been doing,” Fulton expressed. “We can’t allow the current administration to discourage us from our work. I want people to know there is an organization they can reach out to” – Jonathan Golian

Gladece Knights

How do you find the ability to feel comfortable in your own skin? Gladece Knights, a Brooklyn native and transplant from DC has thought a lot about this. Coming from the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era, she knew how important having that type of self-love is.

 In 2015, together with her partner, Darlyn Gordon, and with support & sponsorship from the Human Rights Coalition, they put together their first Holiday Wish Gala.
In the heart of DC, the gala achieved Knights’ wildest dreams. 

Now, 10 years after that inaugural milestone and five years from the first official gala Knights and Gordon threw in Charlotte along with the creation of their 501 c3 non-profit, the Holiday Wish Foundation (HWF), the two continue to find ways to elevate the queer community.
Knights’ work in the community through HWF has allowed her to give members of Charlotte’s community grants, allowing them to pursue opportunities what they otherwise might not have means to chase. 

Her motto for the organization and those they are able to provide grants for? “We see your work and your work is valued, and we want to continue to support them …those are the three tenets of the Holiday Wish Foundation. It is supporting, acknowledging and giving value back to our community, LGBTQ, plus our allies.” – Jonathan Golian

LaWana Mayfield

Born in Ruston, Louisiana, Mayfield has long been active in Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community. A resident of Charlotte since 1988, she has been with her partner for 18 years. The two were married in September 2016, one month after their ten year anniversary.

First elected to the Charlotte City Council as a representative for District 3 in 2011. She remained in that position until 2019, serving four terms. Later that same year, she lost her District 3 seat, much to the disappointment of many in the LGBTQ+ community but was elected again in ’22 as an at-large representative.

Mayfield was part of the city council decision when controversy arose surrounding securing the safety and rights of trans individuals to use the appropriate restroom that they identified with. When a City policy was attempted to be passed that left that issue out, she stood up for the trans community and voted no.

“It didn’t feel right to pass a sort of partial [policy] and leave the trans community out of it. Some of my colleagues at the last minute tried to take out the protections for our trans brothers and sisters and I just didn’t feel that was right.”

These days Mayfiels remains as committed as ever. “The big thing I’m working on right now is in partnership with the LGBT Mecklenburg County Democrats, which I’m an active member of, and helping Huntersville pass a fully inclusive non-discrimination ordinance.” Additionally, Mayfield remains very active with the local Black Political Caucus. – David Aaron Moore

Ray McKinnon

Ray McKinnon  is a transformative figure in Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community, serving as the Executive Director of PFLAG Charlotte and the Pastor at Sacred Souls Community Church, currently on sabbatical. A father of four, McKinnon’s journey towards advocacy and acceptance was inspired by a close friend who bravely embraced her identity. “She opened my eyes,” he recalled. This ignited a passion for equity and justice that has defined his life’s work.

Ray has a deep-rooted belief in the power of faith and draws upon the teachings of Micah 6:8, emphasizing the importance of justice, mercy, and humility. His commitment to LGBTQ+ rights is unwavering, recognizing that true advocacy requires consistency in fighting against all forms of discrimination. Ray’s work at Sacred Souls focuses on challenging traditional theologies that perpetuate exclusion and instead fosters a welcoming environment for all, particularly for marginalized groups within the church.

One of his significant initiatives is the “Empowering Diverse Voices” program. “I seek to ensure that everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.”

Despite the challenges of navigating societal biases, Ray remains steadfast in his mission. “I’ve always been a person who has wanted to fight for equity and justice for all people; injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

In his personal life, Ray enjoys spending time with his sons and engaging in outdoor activities and finding joy in nature and community.  – Wendy Lyons

Melissa “Mel” Morris

In the vibrant landscape of Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community, Melissa Morris stands out as a passionate community advocate, entrepreneur, author and current Chair of the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. She has dedicated her life to championing human rights and inclusivity.

Over 25 years ago, she immersed herself in various LGBTQ+ organizations, focusing on HIV and AIDS services in New York. After relocating to Philadelphia, Melissa played a pivotal role in the ACLU of Pennsylvania’s campaign for marriage equality. Today, her work continues in the Greater Charlotte area and beyond.

Melissa’s advocacy reached a critical juncture during the tumultuous era of HB2, North Carolina’s controversial “bathroom bill.” As a board member of the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce and through her leadership, the Chamber crafted an open letter denouncing HB2, emphasizing the economic and social necessity of equality. 

Amid her activism, Melissa finds joy in singing and has taken up voice lessons to enrich her passion for music. In addition, she mentors and coaches individuals via her company, “This Is What’s Next” and her book, “Learn, Love, Live, You!: Reclaiming Your Energies to Get Unstuck.” – Wendy Lyons

Quandrico “Quan” Rutledge-Wade

Quandrico “Quan” Rutledge-Wade stands as a powerful figure in the Black LGBTQ+ community, exemplifying the spirit of mentorship and advocacy. As an ordained minister and a dedicated Board Member for Charlotte Black Pride over the past 13 years.

Quan’s journey began when he felt the sting of exclusion as an openly gay Black man at a local event over 20 years ago near Uptown Charlotte. He admitted, “There were not a lot of people that looked like me and I didn’t feel welcomed.” 

Recognizing the lack of visibility for people of color, his passion led him to volunteer in 2005, where he helped lay the groundwork for what would become Charlotte Black Pride (CBP).

Over the years, Quan witnessed CBP grow from a small gathering to a monumental event, celebrating its 20th anniversary in June 2025. His commitment to safe spaces for Black LGBTQ+ individuals has uplifted voices and provided a platform for young people to thrive. “When I was 25, I didn’t have any direction” he said. 

Quan understands the unique challenges faced by young Black gay men, having navigated similar struggles himself, and strives to be the mentor he once needed. “It’s about seeing other people happy and making sure there are safe spaces for people like me.” – Wendy Lyons

Heidi Hemphill Samples

A native of Toledo, Ohio and a boomerang NC resident, Heidi Hemphill Samples made her way to North Carolina via greater Ohio, Iowa and various Tarheel state locations before permanently taking up residence in Mooresville in 2018 with her husband at the time.

The mother of four adult children, (two boys and two girls), Samples lost her husband during the pandemic in September of 2020. Of her long-term marriage to her late husband she says this:

“We were happy. He was a great man and I miss him even now. I married my best friend. But I don’t think I really came to terms with my true self until after he passed away and I went to counseling.”

Samples is noteworthy for her role as an administrator for the Facebook Social Media group Lesbian Friends of Charlotte. She also maintains another FB group called Charlotte Grown and Sexy Sapphics, which will host a storytelling event for Women’s History month March 1.

“I like the word Sapphic because it’s more encompassing of all women, loving women and people who may present as bi or pan. I’ve had people come to me and say, I want to be a part of the group, or I’m husband to be part of the group because I’m by and I’m married to a man. And I’m like, yes this is a group for you. Come meet people, and make friends.”

Also active with a relatively new organization called Umbrella Inc in Cornelius, she’s excited about the development. “It’s kind of like a Time Out Youth for children ages 13 to 20 in the Lake Norman area. We had an open house recently and it was so wonderful.” – David Aaron Moore

Richard Stevens

Above all the things that Charlotte is known for, one of the most common is banking. In fact, it is the second-largest center of commerce after New York City.  Richard Stevens is a part of that industry at Truist Bank. 

Since the start of 2021 to the end of 2024, Stevens has helped connect the dots at Truist Bank as the lead in their Pride Business Relationship Group department, guiding internally as well as making connections with organizations like PFLAG and Timeout Youth. 

In 2025, together with his partner Nick Randon, Stevens will be extending his energies to the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, where they will help build bridges between LGBTQ professionals and corporate spaces.

“We are an underestimated force. We are professionals. We are just as capable as anybody else, [and] because we’ve had to fight all of our lives, there is a resilience that’s definitely there, so within the community in 2025, I’m seeking to inspire other leaders within the professional space to speak up more about how [and] why we should have a seat at the table.” – Jonathan Golian

Nate Turner

A former teacher in the Iredell County School system, Nate Turner met his husband Chad while playing on the Charlotte Royals Rugby team. They have been together for 15 years.

Previously focusing on culinary arts and hospitality classes, Turner has since parlayed his skills and talent in to catering and events management.

“I do all types of events, from catering and event set up to structural event management. I enjoy the behind the scenes set up and event management from start to finish.”

Originally from Maryland, Turner has called Charlotte home since 2006. 

In addition, he is the vice chair of the Carolinas LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. What  keeps him motivated? “Making sure that members in our community, whether it be business or any entrepreneurial ventures, are able to get the knowledge and have the opportunities to advance [themselves], their careers, their businesses and the pursuit of  a better life in our community.” – David Aaron Moore