Finding pieces of the puzzle

Do you feel like you don’t know enough about LGBTQ history? If so, you are not alone. Access to the rich and complex history of the lives of LGBTQ people is mostly absent from our shared history in the United States, and it remains missing from our textbooks and archives.  If you are asking yourself,…

Asexual people report declining acceptance in new survey

Asexual people are experiencing sharper declines in acceptance, visibility, and openness than LGBTQ+ adults overall, according to a new analysis from the Human Rights Campaign. The analysis, released April 3, 2026, examines responses from asexual participants in the organization’s 2025 Annual LGBTQ+ Community Survey, a large-scale survey of LGBTQ+ adults. The findings show that 50.9%…

Qnotes to host 40th anniversary celebration

For 40 years, Qnotes has documented the lives, challenges and celebrations of LGBTQ+ communities across Charlotte and the Carolinas. On Sunday, April 26, that work comes full circle as we host our 40th Anniversary Celebration from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Scorpio, located at 225 Fairwood Avenue in Charlotte. The event will bring together…

HRC North Carolina marks 30 years with statewide focus at 2026 dinner

For three decades, HRC North Carolina’s annual dinner has functioned as more than a formal gala. It has served as a barometer for where the state stands politically and culturally and as a gathering point for those navigating that terrain. On March 21, the organization will mark its 30th anniversary at The Westin in Charlotte.…

The evolution of lesbian spaces in Charlotte

Charlotte has a rich history of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs. Places such as Oleens and Scorpio allowed drag queens and LGBTQ+ individuals to ignore societal troubles and enjoy themselves. But for queer women, there is little space for community. Today, there are about eight gay bars in Charlotte. Most of these locations serve a male…

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