October is more than just the gateway to fall — it’s LGBTQ History Month, a time to reflect on the pioneers, activists, and movements that have shaped the rights and visibility of LGBTQ people. From the early protests to the hard-won victories, it’s a reminder how far we’ve come and the work still left to do.
This year, LGBTQ History Month is even more special as we look
forward to celebrating a monumental milestone in 2025: Charlotte Pride’s 25th anniversary. This upcoming celebration not only honors our own journey but also the broader history of resilience, advocacy, and community that has brought us to where we are today.
Charlotte Pride has grown immensely since its first events in
2001, blossoming into the largest LGBTQ Pride event in the Carolinas. What started as a small gathering has now
expanded into a multi-day celebration with over 240,000 annual attendees during our Festival and Parade
weekend.
But our work is not confined to just one weekend. Charlotte Pride
has expanded to include a variety of year-round initiatives such as Reel Out Charlotte, the Queen City’s Annual LGBTQ Film Festival; the Charlotte Pride Job Fair, connecting our community with
affirming employers; our scholarship and internship program, which
empowers LGBTQ youth with academic and professional opportunities; and affinity programs that create spaces for celebration, visibility, and advocacy within specific communities.
As we reflect on these accomplishments, we are also setting our sights on an even brighter and more inclusive future.
That’s why we’re reaching out to you, our community, to be a part of this milestone.
We’re excited to announce that applications for our 2025 volunteer
team are officially open! Whether you’ve been part of Charlotte Pride for years or are looking to get involved for the first time, now is your chance to help make 2025 our most impactful
year yet. We have volunteer roles for every interest and skill set:
• Festival and Parade Team:
Be at the heart of one of the Southeast’s largest Pride events, assisting with logistics, setup, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
• Programs Team: Support our year-round initiatives like Reel Out Charlotte, nightlife events, and affinity group programs, ensuring that our work and impact extend beyond the
festival weekend.
• Communications Team: Use your skills in social media, graphic design, photography, and more to amplify our message and tell Charlotte Pride’s story throughout our 25th year.
Ready to make a difference? Visit charlottepride.org/volunteer to learn more and apply today! To kick things off, we’re hosting our Volunteer Kick-Off Party on October 15 at Sidelines Sports Bar and Billiards! Come out to enjoy food, drinks, and prizes, and connect with our incredible volunteers while learning how you can get involved.
But celebrating our history isn’t just about volunteering — it’s also about ensuring that our work is supported financially. That’s why we’re calling on our community to become a Friend of Pride by donating to Charlotte Pride between now and the end of the year.
Your contributions help keep our festival and parade free and accessible while expanding our reach through events like the job fair, the Reel Out Charlotte film festival, and our many
year-round programs that provide safe and affirming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community here in the Queen City.
To support us, visit charlottepride.org/ donate and help us continue to grow.
As we honor LGBTQ History Month, think about how you can be a part of the story we’re building together. Whether you choose to volunteer, donate, or spread the word, you’re helping to create a legacy that will be celebrated not just next year, but for
decades to come.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Let’s make our 25th anniversary one for the history books!
Liz Schob (she/her), serves as the Communication Manager for Charlotte Pride.