Trans stories sought
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Alliance for Full Acceptance (AFFA), in conjunction with We Are Family, SC Equality Trans Action, Charleston Area Transgender Support, and People Against Rape are joining together to create a campaign that showcases the stories of transgender community members and their allies.
“What’s Your Story?” gives participants the opportunity to share messages that include ones about hopes and dreams, obstacles overcome and more through television, radio and online platforms.
The initiative is the byproduct of a meeting among the aforementioned organizations, as well as the Trans Love Fund, Girls Rock Charleston and the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, with input from the North Charleston and Charleston police departments. Their aim is to develop messaging that would diffuse the fear mongering and tell the truth about gender identity, they said. They expressed that in the wake of recent developments occurring across the U.S. with regard to anti-LGBT discrimination legislation, the need to educate the public is essential.
Participants will be able to tell their stories about day-to-day life living as a transgender person, as well as speaking out against unfounded and irrational fears used by legislators who promote bills that restrict or remove rights of transgender individuals.
Email info@affa-sc.org to learn more.
Written stories should be one page in length. A photograph or headshot of the submitter is requested as well. Contact the organizers for story tips or how to get started. Story submissions should be sent to charlestontransgender@gmail.com.
In other news, AFFA is currently searching for individuals to serve on its board of directors. Community leaders who are creative, passionate and strong are encouraged to apply.
Candidates must be willing to devote time and energy to growing the organization in its mission to further the achievement of equality and acceptance among the LGBT community. Those with financial experience, communications and marketing background, donor development and/or previous board experience are especially needed. Applications are available at bit.ly/1X7s5S6.
The organization will welcome Mayor John Tecklenburg to its April 19 meeting which will be held at 5:45 p.m. at the Doubletree by Hilton, 181 Church St. The community is welcome to attend the reception and to hear what Tecklenburg has to say about his first months of being mayor.
info: affa-sc.org.
Guild slates luncheon
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — The Coastal Business Guild will hold its Lunch & Learn event on May 4, 12:30 p.m., at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 101 Fantasy Harbour Blvd.
Jeff Ayers, board chair for SC Equality will be the guest speaker who will focus on the 2016 South Carolina legislative update that includes 11 anti-LGBT bills.
Lunch includes choice of deli sandwich (smoked turkey with provolone cheese on a kaiser roll, ham and swiss cheese on a kaiser roll or chicken caesar in a spinach wrap), chips, freshly-baked cookie and a beverage.
The event is free for Coastal Business Guild members. A $5 minimum contribution to Takeover Grand Strand will be accepted for non-members.
Reservations are required by April 26 and are available online at bit.ly/2383Pme.
In other news, Takeover Grand Strand will celebrate the sunset on Tax Day 2016 on April 18, 5:30 p.m., at The Anchor Café, 8121 Amalfi Pl.
The guild and Takeover have also announced that their 2016 Coastal Business Guild Expo will be held on Aug. 20, 4-7 p.m., at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, 8121 Amalfi Pl.
Featured will be exhibits from gay-owned, gay-managed or gay-friendly business.
The event is free and will have a cash bar available for attendees.
Following the expo will be the Takeover Grand Strand Gala at 7 p.m., featuring dinner, musical entertainment by Too Much Sylvia, dancing and more.
Advance tickets are required and will be available for purchase soon online.
info: takeovergrandstrand.com.
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Share your news with us
Does your organization or special interest group have events or great information to share with our readers? If so, be sure to send in your information to specialassignments@goqnotes-launch2.newspackstaging.com. In the upcoming months, we’ll feature one of you in our news notes section in each issue. Are you a part of a Meetup, Yahoo or Google group and do you do something that’s really newsworthy? Do you provide a service for the community or hold fundraisers for worthy causes? Do you educate the public about LGBT issues or concerns? Of course, this is only a sampling of things we are interested in. It’s the aim of these pieces to inform, enlighten and educate our readers about what we’re doing here in the Carolinas to champion LGBT rights, as well as offer resources for those who may be interested in what your group is doing.