It takes a special kind of individual to accomplish greatness or have a major impact on those in the world around us. Not everyone can do it. For some, it comes later in life after spending years collecting knowledge and gaining experience from life lived.
For a select few, awareness can come at an earlier age, oftentimes bringing along with it a fresh, different perspective.
What is young and what is old? Sometimes it’s difficult to tell. Some individuals well into their senior years are extremely active and feel and contribute in ways a much younger individual might. Then there’s the young in years but “old in soul” crowd that have a certain spark many of their peers never will.
We make no judgment regarding any individual’s years. But we have collected a handful of LGBTQ+ community members who call Charlotte home and have reached out to grab the brass ring in their young adult years. If you haven’t heard of these individuals before, it’s time.
Lolita Chanel
Charlotte’s own Lolita Chanel, 30, is making waves. This vibrant drag queen from the Latinx community has captured hearts not only with her dazzling performances but also through fierce advocacy.
Inspired by Lolita’s father and loving mother, Lolita created a space where they can live out their dreams and where other young adult drag queens can feel safe and celebrated. “If you are not happy with who you are, you are responsible for becoming who you want to be and for your own happiness,” Lolita states passionately.
A 2024 National MX Pride contestant and proud mother of three in the House of Chanel, Lolita is dedicated to empowering young people and advocating for immigrants. “I’m doing a fundraiser for the Carolina Migrant Network to provide legal services for those in need,” Lolita says.
Lolita’s brave journey embodies the spirit of the community. It is bold, passionate and relentlessly supportive. Lolita reminds us that everyone, regardless of age, can create change. As we celebrate Pride this month, we acknowledge Lolita who stands as a trailblazer for progress, unity and unwavering commitment to helping others. – Wendy Lyons
Oso Chanel
These days drag queens can be seen performing during evening events and at brunches all over Charlotte. However, as Jamie Crespo, also known as Oso Chanel, 35, can tell you, there is a lot more going on than just the queens who embody that particular style of entertainment.
Crespo, the face behind the figure, has performed as one of the area’s most celebrated drag kings, donning the title of Mr. Charlotte Pride and being a constant figure at Union County Pride over the years. Throughout their career, Crespo has also been an advocate for more diversity in those spaces, attempting to, alongside their drag sister Lolita Chanel, expand on representation, especially for Latin artists. Their company, LOC Productions, was made with that purpose in mind.
With the current state of affairs in 2025, the two have invested their art in working with the Carolina Migrant Network (CMN), a non-profit in Charlotte, by being advocates for the organization as well as translating between Spanish and English, helping connect CMN with other English-limited organizations, and raising funds so that CMN can still continue their work in the Queen City’s marginalized communities.
If you would like to help, Crespo, as Oso, joins in on the Crown Kings of Charlotte events every second Wednesday. Together with fellow kings Liam Laughin and Will Charmer, Oso and crew plan to bring cheer to audiences while also raising money for CMN in Summer 2025. – Jonathan Golian
Brianna Daniels
One part of an event is staging the setting of a place people will come to. The other equally important part is setting the scene, making them move in a way that not only brings the crowds out, but moves them outside and in. Brianna Daniels, aka Black As The Cosmos, 37, knows quite a bit about that second part, weaving together musical sets day and night through many of Charlotte’s venues as one of the city’s up-and-coming DJs.
What may be even more magical than Daniels’ sets is how she got her start. One day, a best friend in Durham, a fellow DJ known as Gemini, saw that future for Daniels in a dream.
“She woke up from a dream and said, You need to be a DJ,” Daniels recalls. “And so I said, ‘Okay, girl,’ and learned the software, and then selected songs that I liked, and then the first set that I played was Black August in the Park at Pinhook, [which was] a party that’s dedicated to celebrating Black femmes and trans folks.”
From Petra’s Bar to Lorem Ipsum and Camp North End, you can catch her mixing the sound waves all summer long. – Jonathan Golian
Travis Friot
Travis Friot, 33, is uniquely passionate and dedicated to making a difference in the LGBTQ community, especially for older adults. His work focuses on providing personalized support and resources. “A lot of my impact comes from working one-on-one with individuals,” he explains. “In one instance, I worked in assisted living with a transgender resident who lacked resources and family support. I set up clothing donations and created a safe space for her to explore her identity.”
Travis emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive environments for seniors. “I want people to feel comfortable expressing themselves without judgment. It’s essential to educate one’s self about our culture when working with the community,” he states. He founded the LGBTQ+ Care Partners group on Facebook, which provides a safe space for caregivers of LGBTQ+ older adults to connect and share experiences. “It’s about creating inclusive spaces and embracing diversity,” he adds.
Travis believes that both young and older LGBTQ individuals play critical roles in advocacy. “We need new perspectives to secure our rights, but also the wisdom from those who have fought for us in the past.” His commitment to belonging, value and connection reflects his dedication to our senior LGBTQ community’s well-being and legacy. – Wendy Lyons
Lakhiyia Hicks
Lakhiyia Hicks, 36, is the founder of HOMEplxce Retreat Center, a space dedicated to helping others with active healing and well-being. As the owner and CEO of HOMEplxce Consulting & Retreats, Lakhiyia creates environments for individuals on their healing journeys, both locally and abroad. Additionally, she is a spoken word artist and author, utilizing her talents to inspire and empower others.
“I spent 12 years in LA before moving to Charlotte to continue my work in public health,” she explains. “My mission is to create spaces where people can rest and rejuvenate. It’s essential for those experiencing trauma, like veterans with PTSD.” Her extensive travels have taken her across the United States to South Africa, Jamaica and Brazil, where she emphasizes the importance of community health.
Hicks believes in the power of young LGBTQ individuals to drive change. “We exist at the intersection of multiple identities, celebrating liberation and authenticity every day,” she says. It’s about creating spaces for everyone to be free to be who they are.
With an impressive vision to expand outreach and partnerships in community health, she is committed to healing and connection, ensuring that no one feels alone on their journey. – Wendy Lyons
Gereme McConneaughy
Also known as Gerem3, this 37-year-old is making waves as a vibrant multi-talented performing artist. Recently, he released his debut EP, “G:3,” a collection of three original songs that showcases his vibrant energy as a composer and singer. “G:3” is available on all music streaming platforms.
Reflecting on his journey, Gerem3 shares, “I never dreamed the day would come I would be interviewed by Qnotes. A long time ago, I would sit outside club Scorpios, reading every new edition, so I’m very honored.”
One of his proudest accomplishments was performing at Center Stage with Charlotte Black Pride last year. It was a huge milestone on his performing journey. “The reception I received was incredible, and I’m hopeful to perform again this year.”
As he continues to dazzle and inspire others through his music and dance, Gereme3 emphasizes the importance of inspiring others. “I really want to bring back the love of music and songwriting. Believing in yourself is key.” As a rising notable performer, Gerem3 looks toward the future and aims to take the music industry by storm via expanding his reach and impact within the LGBTQ community and beyond. – Wendy Lyons
Abby Mederos
One of the best ways to get a feel of any community is to be in the thick of it, interacting and getting acquainted at the ground level. Abby Mederos, 25, is the director of operations at the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CLGBTCC). And being in the thick of it is something Mederos seems to understand and thrive in.
Hailing from Eastern North Carolina, Mederos went to college at UNC Charlotte, graduating with a degree in anthropology and psychology in 2022. Shortly thereafter, while at one of CLGBTCC’s Pride in Business expos, Mederos’ met Chad Turner, the organization’s CEO. From going on to volunteer afterwards and seeing what CLGBTCC did for the community, a professional match was made and Mederos has been with the chamber since, counting three years this coming October.
In 2025, with Pride season here and plans to visit multiple events professionally and personally, Mederos seems more determined than ever to be a connector in the city’s social ecosystem. “Community is what makes us strong, and we need now more than ever to be a community where we stand beside each other, no matter where you come from, no matter what you do. – Jonathan Golian
Rayvon Moore
At just 32, Chaplin Rayvon Moore aims to “make a difference by breaking down barriers regarding the view of the LGBTQ community.” However, he engages with other vulnerable populations as well, like the residents he supports daily at a senior living facility where he works. Moore, who also serves as chaplain for Charlotte Black Pride, is a spiritual care specialist and faith advocate who feels strongly about the importance of Pride season. “It’s very important and it’s needed, because it displays the resilience in our community, especially considering the current political environment and the stigma being displayed.” When it’s time to recharge and gain the strength necessary to continue breaking down barriers while providing spiritual support, Moore finds pleasure in going to karaoke bars, though he said in a joyful chuckle, “I don’t sing, but I really enjoy going.” – L’Monique King
Miles Perry
For Miles Perry, 27, one visit to Charlotte sealed the deal on moving to The Queen City. Drawn into the fabric of Charlotte LGBTQ advocacy by a rousing Charlotte Black Pride festival, Perry (CBP youth liaison) became and still is the organization’s youngest member. Perry aims to reify the voices of the LGBT community members while nurturing intergenerational bonds. Leaning on elders is something he’s no stranger to, whether for support, advice or the laughs he knows he can always count on with his “pretty comedic” father. Says Perry about the upcoming Charlotte Pride season he is excitedly working towards: “It’s a mission of seeing Charlotte Black Pride becoming a destination Black Pride, in the same sense that folks go to DC or Atlanta and know where their events are every year.” As a youth advocate, Perry is here to remind us, “Right now it may feel like the road is long and feels almost too far to travel, but every step lays a brick for someone else, making the journey easier [for those to follow].” – L’Monique King
Cameron Pruette
“We made quilts that were displayed on May 17 for the kickoff of World Pride on the National Mall,” announces Cameron Pruette, executive director of Charlotte’s Freedom Center for Social Justice (FCSJ). Pruette, 35, a native North Carolinian, was proudly speaking of the center’s participation in the ACLU’s (American Civil Liberties Union) 2025 “Freedom to Be” initiative.
Pruette says he looks forward to attending Pride events in some of the more rural areas of North Carolina like Sylva and Huntersville. Pride in life, love and celebration is important to this individual who works tirelessly to bring together individuals of different talents including faith leaders, LGBTQ organizations, political leaders, immigrant rights groups and racial justice advocates. – L’Monique King
Alex Baerwald Simard
Part of curating events for any scene is the hope that a given space reflects the desired presentation. Alexx Baerwald Simard, 35, is just such a dedicated individual. Through her relatively recent slew of event series in Charlotte, she has aimed to create more welcoming and inclusive spaces for both the greater LGBTQ+ community and the lesbian/sapphic crowd that has seen those friendly zones diminish.
“It feels like it’s finally catching on, like stars aligning. It feels like what I’m sort of meant to be doing at this point,” Simard told Qnotes.
From Ultraviolet to the Queer Icon Dance Party and The Big Gay Picnic, Simard’s got love and creative energy to spare, and everyone is invited to be a part of the good times. – Jonathan Golian
