Several events are slated for National Coming Out Day weekend and scattered across the Carolinas. As community members head to Washington, D.C., for the National Equality March, those left at home will have lenty to keep them busy.
Asheville
On Saturday, take a hike up to the beautiful Appalachian Mountains for Asheville’s Blue Ridge Pride. Featuring local entertainers and dozens of vendors including non-profit groups and retailers, the all-day festival and after-parties are sure to be a delight. The festival is free, open to the public and runs from Noon to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.blueridgepride.com.
Charlotte
On Sunday, Oct. 11, local activists will take Uptown streets and make a visible stand for equality and awareness. If you can’t make it to the National Equality March, come out to Uptown and participate in the Out Parade. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pages/Charlotte-NC/Out-Parade/137107020066.
Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem’s local PFLAG chapter has two events scheduled this weekend. On Saturday, join them at a National Coming Out Day cookout at Bolton Park from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Sunday, join the organization and several faith leaders for the National Coming Out Day Interfaith Celebration, 6 p.m., at Green Street United Methodist Church, 639 S. Green St. For more, visit www.pflagwinstonsalem.org.
Off to D.C.
Some folks across the Carolinas have planned to carpool or chip in on tour buses in order to get to D.C.’s National Equality March. If you’ve missed other chances to hop on a bus thus far, it isn’t too late to sign up for one hosted by Chapel Hill’s Unitarian Universalist congregation. Email Frankie at CCCHUUevents@aol.com to sign up or get more information. The bus departs Sunday at 5:45 a.m. and costs $35 per seat.