LGBTQ+ youth vaping linked to bullying and oppression
A growing body of research suggests LGBTQ+ youth are not vaping at higher rates simply because of trends or individual choices – they are often coping with stress created by discrimination, rejection and social isolation. A new study published in the journal Prevention Science examined what researchers described as the “multi-level risk and protective factors”…
Hantavirus: should we be concerned?
A recent hantavirus outbreak linked to an expedition cruise ship has sparked a wave of headlines and social media anxiety. Since April, multiple passengers aboard the MV Hondius have become ill, and three deaths have been reported. Health officials across multiple countries have been tracing contacts and monitoring exposed travelers as investigators work to determine…
Charlotte Trans Health to host free symposium
Charlotte Trans Health will host its third annual Summer Health Education event next month, offering a free conference designed specifically for transgender and gender diverse adults seeking accessible and affirming healthcare information. Slated for Monday, June 8, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., T.H.E. Authentic Self Symposium will take place at The Forum at Hope…
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%…
Dudley’s Place drag brunch keeps giving back
Charlotte showed up again for Dudley’s Place on March 29, filling both events for the organization’s latest drag brunch at the NoDa restaurant The Degenerate. The 1970s-themed “Disco & Divas” event followed a pattern that has defined the series over the past two years: strong turnout, steady community support and funding that moves directly into…
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July in full color: events across the Carolinas
Summer is in full swing across the Carolinas, and July offers plenty of opportunities to celebrate, connect and explore. From Charlotte Black Pride programming and cultural festivals to drag performances, live theater, poetry, concerts, gaming nights and civic conversations, organizations throughout North and South Carolina are continuing the season with events for nearly every interest.…
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When community shows up: a look back at Pride Winston-Salem 2026
As the Pride Winston-Salem parade moved down Fourth Street on June 13, the strongest display wasn’t on the floats. It was happening along the sidewalks, where strangers made room for children to see, shared candy and cooling towels and cheered as friends and loved ones marched past. Those small acts of kindness created an atmosphere…
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The World Cup’s LGBTQ+ contradiction is on full display
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues across North America, the tournament is creating moments of LGBTQ+ visibility while highlighting a more complicated reality: the world’s biggest sporting event brings together countries with dramatically different records on LGBTQ+ rights. One of the most widely shared moments of the tournament came after Mexico’s recent World Cup…
