Charlotte
It’s pool time!
LAKE NORMAN — The Charlotte Business Guild will hold its annual lake party on July 18 at the home of John and Vincent. Armin’s Catering is sponsoring the event.
Cost is free for members (a perk of membership). Guest fee is $10 each, which includes food and non-alcoholic beverages. This is a bring your own booze and towel fun-filled happening. Reservations are not required.
For more information or directions to the host house call 704-565-5075, email businessguild@yahoo.com or visit www.charlottebusinessguild.org.
Come to the altar
CHARLOTTE — The St. Ignatius Day Mass will be held on July 29 at 7 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 507 S. Tryon St.
This annual service is open to the LGBT community, its families and friends, regardless of faith or religious tradition.
A social follows in the parish hall. Light refreshments will be served.
This mass is an outreach of the Diocesan Ministry for Gay & Lesbian Catholics. St. Ignatius Loyola was the founder of the Jesuit order. He was born in Spain and served as a soldier after a stint as a page. Unfortunately, he suffered a military accident. During his recovery he studied the lives of saints and turned his service to the Catholic church. He lived a humble lifestyle and died at 65.
For more information, email devinsleigh@aol.com.
Make a difference
CHARLOTTE — Want to show your support for Equality NC? Then volunteer for a couple of hours to staff a booth at Charlotte Black Gay Pride (CBGP) and/or Pride Charlotte and spread the word about LGBT advocacy.
At CBGP work from noon to 5 p.m. at the Expo. Sign up at eqfed.org/ct/vpwkMf510Yz9. At Pride Charlotte, work from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sign up at eqfed.org/ct/51wkMf510Yzo.
For more information, email ENC’s Rebecca Mann at enc@equalitync.org.
Triangle
It’s kind of a drag . . .
DURHAM — Join the Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina for a fun-filled evening of Drag Bingo on July 31 at the Durham Armory, 220 Foster St. “Will & Grace” and “Sordid Lives” actor Leslie Jordan will be the featured special guest. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m.
Mary K. Mart and her Bingo Verifying Divas (DVDs) will be on hand in full regalia to check those winning cards.
All of the proceeds go to benefit AAS-C. The event is sponsored by Barbara Boney Caters.
Hot dogs, munchies, sweets and a great show all benefit those living with HIV/AIDS in the Triangle.
This popular event is expected to sell out early, so get a spot today. Tickets are $17 in advance or at the door. To reserve seats, call 919-934-2437, ext. 21.
Advance tickets may be purchased in Raleigh at Passage Consignment Shoppe (1924 Wake Forest Rd.), Quail Ridge Books (3522 Wade Ave.) and White Rabbit Books (309 W. Martin St.); in Durham at Regulator Bookshop (720 9th St.); and Chapel Hill at Cameron’s (University Mall) and Cherry Pie (1819 Fordham Blvd.).
For more information, sponsorships or to volunteer, visit www.dragbingo.com.
CMF to feature Jordan
RALEIGH — The Crape Myrtle Festival 2009 will be held on Aug. 1 at All Saint’s Chapel, 110 S. East St. from 7-11 p.m. Featured guest will be comedian Leslie Jordan.
Proceeds from the event go to benefit organizations who serve those with HIV/AIDS, as well as raising monies for outreach and education in the area.
Tickets are now available online for $35. Cost at the door is $45.
For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, visit www.crapemyrtlefest.org.
Western
Pride revitalized
ASHEVILLE — The newly formed, all-volunteer organization Blue Ridge Pride, formed in spring 2009, will hold a Pride festival Oct. 10 at Martin Luther King Park. The weekend event will feature a day-long outdoor festival including mainstage music and entertainers, community talents, educational workshops, regional vendors and participation from statewide and local LGBTQ and non-profit organizations.
After several years of under-attended Pride Fests, founder Amy Huntsman saw the need for a revitalized Pride festival in Asheville.
The festival still needs volunteers in many areas, ranging from committee chairs to volunteers to work the day of the event.
For volunteer opportunities and more information, email brpvolunteers@yahoo.com or visit www.blueridgepride.com.
Statewide
Family gathering upcoming
TYBEE ISLAND, GA — The MEGA Family Vacation, the largest gathering of LGBT families in the south, will be held from July 24-26.
This is a place for children of LGBT parents to meet one another, as well as their respective moms and dads. MEGA provides a safe and fun space for LGBT couples, parents, their children, and our friends and family to gather on a beautiful beach destination.
Registration is due by July 17 at 5 p.m. Call 404-808-3350 to secure a spot.
Activities include a welcome hospitality social, group dinners, pajama party story time with ice cream, kickoff pool party, sandcastle contest, kids and adult programming, family dance and silent auction, cookout and more.
MEGA is nonpartisan, statewide (Georgia) organization dedicated to providing support, education and advocacy work on behalf of LGBT families.
For a full explanation of the event, accommodations, costs and other information,
visit www.megafamilyproject.org/involved/familyweekend.
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