Charlotte Pride

BREAKING NEWS: Charlotte Pride Condemns Corporate and Institutional Retreat from Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Following a successful, vibrant annual Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade weekend, Charlotte Pride strongly supports the continuation of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, in light of disappointing recent decisions by corporations and academic institutions. Charlotte Pride is encouraged by the ongoing support of Business Resource Groups and Employee Resource Groups that have been longtime champions of its work and mission. We are disheartened that some corporations have chosen to roll back support of these groups and of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. We call on corporations, organizations, and institutions to strengthen their support for DEI programs and for employees, stakeholders, and customers who represent a variety of identities and perspectives. We recognize that DEI programs and resource groups are essential to create safe spaces in which people with shared identities, interests, or goals can come together to share challenges, discuss shared experiences, and support each other in both professional and personal development. And, we look forward to continuing to work with these groups who champion the LGBTQ+ community and help ensure that workplaces do not feel isolating or hostile. Charlotte Pride shares our community’s deep concern at the University of North Carolina (UNC) System Board of Governors’ decision to eliminate DEI programs across the university system. Academic institutions’ DEI programs have fostered years of progress toward a more inclusive and equitable environment for students, faculty, and staff. These impactful programs sent a clear message that diversity and inclusion were priorities within the UNC system, and the decision to eliminate them represents a setback not only for the people whom these programs served, but for the institution as a whole, with voices silenced and academic discourse and thought hampered. Charlotte Pride urges its corporate partners like Lowe's Home Improvement, a longtime supporter of Charlotte Pride – as well as the UNC System and other organizations – to recommit to DEI initiatives and resource groups. We remain hopeful that our corporate partners and other essential institutions within our state will reaffirm their commitment to every employee, student, and citizen – including minority and LGBTQ+ communities -- recognizing that these programs and people are essential for the long-term success and sustainability of their institutions. (CONTINUED IN COMMENTS)

✨ Help us make #CLTPride even better! 🌈 We want to hear from YOU! Take a moment to fill out our visitor's survey and let us know how we can make next year’s festival & parade even more amazing. Your feedback matters! Tap the link to share your thoughts: https://lnkd.in/dnsqCU39 🎉 #CLTPride #CLTPrideFeedback #BetterTogether #PrideSurvey #LGBTQ #CLTEvents #CharlotteNC"

Today, we honor Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. This day is a reminder of the impact HIV/AIDS has on our communities, especially in the South, and a call to action for awareness, education, and compassion. Let's work together to break the stigma, support those affected, and advocate for better access to healthcare and resources. #SouthernHIVAIDSAwarenessDay #CLTPride #EndHIVStigma #HIVAIDSawareness #CommunitySupport

Our hearts are overflowing after this weekend! 💖 240,000 of you beautiful souls came together for an epic celebration, making this year truly one for the books. So many unforgettable memories were made, and we’re already counting down to next year! We can't wait to do it all again! 🏳️🌈 #CLTPride #LGBTQ #Pride2024 #CharlotteNC #LoveIsLove #PrideInTheQueenCity #HappyPride

🌈 A huge thank you to all the amazing volunteers who make Charlotte Pride Weekend possible! Your hard work and dedication bring our community together in the most beautiful way. We couldn’t do it without you! 💖 🏳️🌈 #CLTPride #VolunteerAppreciation #PrideWeekend #Pride2024 #HappyPride

🌈 Bring the whole family to the Youth & Family Zone at #CLTPride on The Green on August 17 & 18! 🎉 Enjoy family-friendly entertainment, arts & crafts, community resources, a family care tent, and special entertainers. Presented by Krispy Kreme, with the Family Care Tent sponsored by Proctor & Gamble and support from the Gender Education Network. 💖🏳️🌈 A fun and safe space for all ages to connect and celebrate together! See you there! Visit https://buff.ly/2P6i6Ao for more info. #CLTPride #YouthAndFamilyZone #FamilyFun #Pride2024 #CharlotteNC #KrispyKreme #ProctorAndGamble #GenderEducationNetwork Please Note: The Youth & Family Zone is hosted on private property and is designed only for young people under the age of 21 and their family, parents, or legal guardians. The Youth & Family Zone is a tobacco, drug, and alcohol free zone, and any disruptive or harassing behavior is prohibited. Any visitor to the Youth & Family Zone may be asked to leave at any time at the sole discretion of Charlotte Pride.

⏰ There's still time to join the #CLTPride volunteer team! 🙌 Be part of the action and help make this year's festival unforgettable. 🌈 Sign up now to lend a hand and show your support! 💪✨ https://lnkd.in/eVA9XjFk #CLTPride #Volunteer #VolunteerWithPride #Pride2024 #LoveIsLove #CharlotteNC #HappyPride

Support Charlotte Pride and help us keep the festival free for everyone! 🌈✨ Donate today, and you’ll be entered to win 2 VIP tickets to Charlotte Pride! 🎟️ Every donation made by Thursday, August 15, makes a difference. Let’s celebrate together! 🎉 Give today at https://buff.ly/3cGuDXm #CLTPride #Pride2024 #PrideVIP #HappyPride #DonateNow

🎉 The Parade Stage on Sunday is where the celebration comes alive! 🌈 Join us on August 18 to catch the best views of the Charlotte Pride Parade, with hosts, performances, and all the excitement right at the heart of the action. Don’t miss the energy and joy as we march through Uptown Charlotte! 🎊 Let’s make history together! Visit https://buff.ly/3WxSkr6 for all the details. #CLTPride #ParadeStage #Pride2024 #PrideParade #HappyPride #CharlotteNC

🌈🙏 A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at the Charlotte Pride Interfaith Service at Sacred Souls United Church of Christ to kick off Pride Week! For all things Charlotte Pride, including our Pride Week Passport, visit charlottepride.org. ✨🎉 #CLTPride #PrideWeek #LGBTQ #Pride2024 #Interfaith #CommunityLove