Spring has officially arrived, and with the season comes fun events for folks of all ages. From Winston-Salem to Raleigh, there’s something for everyone regardless of identity or background. Qnotes has found four events happening across the state meant to bring LGBTQ+ identifying people and allies together for fun times and visibility. Here’s some fun you don’t want to miss out on:
Trans Day of Visibility Trans Expo — Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem is home to Dart Roots Tattoo Co. — a Trans-owned and operated tattoo parlor located on 1151 Canal Dr. The tattoo shop will be hosting an expo in partnership with inQlusion Inc. from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 31.
InQlusion Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation based in Forsyth County, North Carolina, and according to the organization’s website, their goal is to work on “uplifting low-to-moderate-income community members with a specific focus on [those] who are most impacted by structural oppression, such as our trans community members and LGBTQIA+ people of color.”
This expo aims to connect trans folks to trans and queer-owned businesses in the area, with around 15 vendors estimated to be participating in the event.
Pride Life Expo — Raleigh
Raleigh’s Harmony: NC LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Pride Life Expo on April 13 at the Raleigh Convention Center at 500 S. Salisbury St. in downtown. This is the second ever Pride Life Expo Harmony has hosted, and it’s expected to bring many queer-owned and ally-owned businesses and organizations together to connect with community members.
“Our family-friendly event is open to all ages, aiming to foster a welcoming environment for everyone,” the event’s web listing states. “whether you’re a member of the LGBT+ community or an ally, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Expo!”
The expo is free to attend, and folks who are interested can reserve a spot by going to Harmony’s website at https://www.pridelifeexpo.org/expo/.
CommUNITY Yard Sale — Charlotte
Twirl to the World Foundation is set to host its annual CommUNITY Yard Sale on April 13 at Bar Argon. Twirl to the World is an organization who works with other community partners to bring financial relief to LGBTQ+ folks across the Mecklenburg-Charlotte area. According to the organization’s website, Twirl to the World is “committed to filling the gaps through our direct-to-client Twirl Assistance Program (TAP) and charitable giving to our partner agencies.”
Donations for the yard sale are greatly encouraged, and spokespeople for Twirl to the World said all donations should be collected no later than April 12.
“Together, let’s turn clutter into compassion and make a meaningful difference in our community,” the Facebook event page says. “Spread the word, bring your friends and family, and let’s make this yard sale a success for our nonprofits.”
Fast & Loose: Femme/ Queer Intro to Comedy Workshop
Have you ever wanted to try stand up comedy? Have you been going to the open mics and looking for advice to get to the next level, or maybe just looking for other femme and queer friends interested in comedy?
Catawba Brewing South Slope will be hosting a one-day workshop called Fast & Loose: Femme/ Queer Intro to Comedy Workshop on Sunday April 14. The event is open to all femme and nonbinary-identifying people, as well as to every level of comic — from beginners to the most seasoned experts.
More information can be found on the event listing at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fast-loose-femme-queer-intro-to-comedy-workshop-tickets-854985704257.