Local bar to host community leaders

CHARLOTTE — A local bar will host a special gathering next Wednesday to thank LGBT community organizations and leaders.

Hosted by The Bar at 316, the event is humorously themed with traditional super power characters and named “Gay Powers Activate.”

According to organizers, the event aims to honor local organizations and leaders and provide them and community members a chance to socialize, meet and greet outside of the busyness of “every day organizational responsibilities and schedules.”

“It was a collective idea,” said organizer Dan Mauney, known most for his roles in Takeover Friday events and Gay Bingo. “The owners at the Bar at 316 want to know who our leaders are face to face and on a first name basis. Many of the LGBTQ community leaders pass by them at the bar regularly and they just want to get to know them personally.”

The event will feature food and drinks, with homemade dishes and open conversation.

Mauney says it’s the first of several events the bar is planning “to connect our leaders together over the next months.”

Since their opening in December 2009, taking over the space occupied for 20 years by Liaisons, The Bar at 316 has dedicated itself to several community initiatives, including support for the Human Rights Campaign, Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, One Voice Chorus, Pride Charlotte and Campus Pride. The bar was recently a sponsor of Time Out Youth’s Platinum 20th anniversary celebrations.

“The Bar at 316 wants to be here for our community at large by hosting groups, fundraisers and even supporting financially causes important to our community,” Mauney said.