As Qnotes celebrates 40 years of news reporting, storytelling, advocacy and community, we’re shining a spotlight on the organizations that have been doing the work right alongside us: lifting, serving and showing up for Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community every single day.
These milestone anniversaries aren’t just numbers to applaud, they’re powerful testaments to endurance, impact and love in action. For decades, these organizations have been on the front lines, often without fanfare, providing critical services, creating safe spaces and standing in the gap where it matters most. From youth empowerment to HIV support and affirming healthcare, each one represents the heartbeat of the Queen City by meeting people where they are and helping them move forward with dignity, pride and purpose.
The White Party
Beginning as a backyard garden party in 1986, the Farewell to Summer Foundation’s White Party in Charlotte has grown into a premier annual fundraiser supporting local LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Focused on community connection, the event takes place in September and is famous for encouraging guests to wear white in a festive, end-of-summer celebration. Today, the celebration remains a major, long-standing and highly anticipated philanthropic gathering that continues to support the community and various non-profits like Rain, Twirl to the World and others. While the event is one of the longest running in the city, it is invitation-only and (as of this writing) there is no known internet presence, other than images shared by party-goers.
Time Out Youth
Celebrating 35 years of impact, Time Out Youth continues to serve as a vital resource and safe space for LGBTQ+ young people across the Charlotte region. Founded on April 8, 1991, the organization was created to uplift and affirm queer and trans youth, a mission that remains central today. “We are just so grateful and excited to continue to be here doing this work and to be a part of an organization with such a legacy,” said Elissa Miller, communications manager. She credits founder Tonda Taylor with establishing a foundation that still guides the organization’s purpose. “She really created this space to do the work that we’re doing today; to uplift queer and trans young people and to create a more affirming world for them,” Miller shared.
Over three and a half decades, Time Out Youth has grown into a trusted community cornerstone, providing programming, support and advocacy for youth navigating identity, belonging and self-expression.
As the organization marks this milestone, its focus remains firmly on the future and the young people it serves. Says Miller: “We’re just very excited to be able to celebrate and to continue planning for the future. As long as our young people need us, we’re going to be here.”
For more information, visit Time Out Youth at www.timeoutyouth.org and view their 35th anniversary CEO interview on YouTube.
RAIN, Inc.
For more than three decades, RAIN, Inc. has remained a steady and evolving force in Charlotte’s public health landscape. Under the leadership of President & CEO Chelsea Gulden, who has been with the organization since 2010, RAIN has grown significantly in both scope and impact. Gulden reflected on that evolution, sharing that the organization has “expanded to include prevention, and so many essential support services, like mental health, ACA insurance enrollment and services for the unhoused, where they can do laundry and take showers.” What began as a grassroots, faith-based response has transformed into a comprehensive model of care that continues to adapt in real time to the needs of the community. This year, RAIN will celebrate its 30th AIDS Walk, a milestone that speaks not only to longevity but to its ability to remain a guiding force. As Gulden put it, “we’ve had the foresight and understanding to make the changes to remain relevant and impactful for the people that we serve.”
At the same time, Gulden is clear-eyed about the ongoing challenges. “It’s a constant battle reminding people that HIV is not a problem that we have solved,” she said, pointing to the realities that still exist for many clients. “If they’re sleeping in the woods, they’re not keeping up with their meds…they don’t have transportation…they don’t have food.”
As RAIN approaches its 35th anniversary in 2027, the organization is focused on sustainability and innovation amid rising demand and shrinking federal resources. “We are holding on for the ride, and finding really new and innovative ways that we can do more with less,” Gulden explained.
The 29th annual AIDS Walk, coming up on May 30, was originally founded by RAIN 1997. It will serve as both celebration and reminder that the community is “still here, still gathered, still energized.” For more information, visit RAIN, Inc. at https://carolinarain.org/.
Charlotte Pride
With roots that can be traced back to small, underground events dating back to June 1981 at UNC Charlotte (which featured a softball tournament and roughly 100 attendees), Pride in Charlotte has a long history. Although they often faced potential backlash in the early years, it continued to grow from word-of-mouth beginnings to include more public picnics and events over the next two days.
The modern era started with the first annual Charlotte Pride Festival in 2001 and a parade introduced in 2013. Now, Pride is held in August and they typically draw over 200,000 visitors to Uptown Charlotte and they’re the largest LGBTQ+ celebration in the Carolinas. As they prepare for their 25th anniversary, Charlotte Pride will likely feature a massive festival, diverse performances and a vibrant, city-wide street parade showcasing community, acceptance and cultural pride.
For more details visit their website at https://charlottepride.org/.
Charlotte Black Pride
As Charlotte Black Pride celebrates their founding in 2005 and their first event in 2006, the organization continues to stand as a vital pillar for Black LGBTQ+ individuals across the Queen City. Charlotte Black Pride has grown into a trusted space for connection, advocacy and culturally responsive programming. “We’re proud to still be here doing this work,” said Board Chair Miles A. Perry. “This is about more than events. It’s about creating a space where Black LGBTQ+ people feel seen, supported and celebrated.” Over the years, the organization has expanded its reach through health initiatives, community partnerships and annual programming that centers joy while addressing disparities impacting the community.
Reflecting on the organization’s journey, Perry emphasized both resilience and responsibility. “There’s a legacy here,” he said. “We’re building on what others started, and we have to honor that by continuing to show up for our community.” That commitment shows up in Charlotte Black Pride’s focus on health equity, HIV awareness and safe spaces that affirm identity and belonging. Looking ahead, Perry shared a forward-focused vision: “We want to continue growing, reaching more people and making sure our community has access to the resources they need not just during Pride, but year-round.” As the organization celebrates this milestone, its mission remains clear. Uplift, empower and create lasting impact for Black LGBTQ+ individuals in Charlotte and beyond. For more information, visit Charlotte Black Pride at https://charlotteblackpride.org.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte
Founded in 2006 by John Quillin, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte (GMCC) was established to give voice to LGBTQ residents and encourage community through music. The chorus has performed for over 150,000 people, featuring in prominent performances like the Hornets’ Pride Night and conducting extensive community outreach. As of 2025, the organization is thriving with over 50 members, encouraging inclusion and creative expression.
You can find more information at https://www.gmccharlotte.org/.
Quality Comprehensive Health Center
Celebrating 20 years of service, Quality Comprehensive Health Center continues to expand its reach and impact across the region. CEO Dr. Ra’Shawn Flournoy shared that “20 years mean continuing to push the work that we have to do,” noting the organization is “just at the brink” of what’s possible. Plans to “expand and open up multiple locations,” launch a mobile clinic for rural communities, and use “energy-efficient vehicles to deliver prescriptions” reflect a forward-thinking approach to care. Their first fundraising gala at the Charlotte Museum of History marked a milestone moment.
“We didn’t reach our goal, quite,” Flournoy explained. “The biggest thing was actually just getting started.”
At the core of that work are the lives being transformed every day. “I’m really proud of when patients come in, and they get the change in the treatment they need,” said Flournoy, pointing to individuals who have moved from homelessness to stability through wraparound services.
“Nothing makes me happier than being able to get flagged down by one of our patients with a story like this,” including those overcoming domestic violence and substance abuse. As funding challenges persist, the organization has shifted its model to use pharmacy-driven revenue. Flournoy shared, the goal is “to expand our reach and be able to help folks that can’t pay,” ensuring continued access to critical, life-saving care. For more information, visit Quality Comprehensive Health Center at https://www.qchealth.org/.
Rosedale Health and Wellness
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Rosedale Health and Wellness reflects a journey rooted in resilience, continuity and community care. Founded in October 2006, the organization emerged when Dr. Cruikshank and Program Director Dale Pierce made a bold decision during a time of transition. “We just went out, found space, and picked up from where we left off,” Pierce offered, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring patients, especially those living with HIV, experienced no disruption in care.
“The staff was the same, the continuity of care was the same. We were just in a different building.” What began with a small team of four has grown significantly, now serving more than 5,000 patients through clinical services and nearly 2,000 through support programs. Over the years, Rosedale expanded its reach through clinical trials, Ryan White-funded services, and a holistic care model.
“Most of the HIV medications that have come on the market in the last 20 years have run through our clinical trials department,” Pierce noted, underscoring the organization’s impact beyond the local community.
For Pierce, the 20-year milestone is both meaningful and hard-earned. “It’s significant that any organization doing primarily HIV work can last 20 years but we haven’t just sustained, we’ve grown,” he said. That growth includes the launch of Dudley’s Place in 2020, a nonprofit extension providing critical support services, and a broader evolution into a safe, inclusive healthcare space. “We’re really taking care of the whole patient,” Pierce explained. “People want to know they have a safe space where their healthcare is not going to be judged.”
Looking ahead, Rosedale is focused on expanding mental health services, outreach and prevention efforts while staying grounded in its mission. “We always say we’re here to reduce the barriers to care,” he said. “And while there is still a need, we want to make sure we’re right here when people need it.” Reflecting on the future, Pierce added a powerful perspective: “I would love to be put out of business… but while there’s still a need, we’ll continue doing the work.”
For more information, visit Rosedale Health and Wellness at www.rosedalehealth.org.