Presented by Youth OUTright with REYSE Collaboratory! For Youth 11-18

From trans clownfish to gay penguins, nature is undeniably queer. But "queer" isn't just about gender and sexual identity—it's a lens for seeing the world differently, one that embraces fluidity, resistance, and radical imagination. In this program, we will use art and nature activities to explore Queer Ecologies and Black Ecologies, two ways of knowing that challenge what's considered "natural" and help us reimagine our relationships with the land and our more-than-human kin (other animals, plants, fungi, water, etc.). You don't need to be a "nature person" or an "artist" to join. This is a space to feel, question, imagine, create, and relate.

Register here!

MY (Mitchell and Yancey Counties) Pride NC is hosting MY Pride Fest 2025: Holler Back Stronger! DJ, performances, community crafts, the Pride Fest raffle, local nonprofits and vendors! Support and get involved:

Donate items to the raffle

Sign up to vend

Apply to perform, demonstrate, or host a group activity

Sign up to volunteer

Buy a raffle ticket

We honor the queer people who have always and continue to live throughout these beautiful mountain hollers as important, contributing members of their community! We will build back stronger creating a place where all can be their authentic selves and work together by rejecting manufactured divisions created for political gain.

Featuring Cuban coffee from Haywood Famous; books from Lit Local; local artists The Rayven's Nest, Narcan Cowboy, Queer Creations Co., The Wormhole, and more; and live music from Bryce Watson and Frances Eliza!

Author Jacob Engelsman shares his new book Lactation for the Rest of Us, a guide for transmasculine parents, transfeminine parents, non-binary parents, queer parents, adoptive parents, and others who are often left out of conversations about chestfeeding.

Covering the induction of lactation, difficulties one may encounter with chestfeeding, expert advice, and first-person testimonials, Lactation for the Rest of Us is the book the queer parenting community has been waiting for. At a time when the US government is rolling back trans health in devastating ways, this book offers queer and trans people access to leading-edge information about bodily autonomy!

Jacob Engelsman is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, infant care specialist, speaker, and writer. His writing has appeared in Trans Bodies, Trans Selves; Clinical Lactation; and Everyday Birth Magazine. Jacob has spoken for The National Midwifery Institute, the United States Lactation Consultant Association, and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses on topics including lactation support and supporting gender and sexual diversity in healthcare. jacobengelsmanibclc.com

Join Youth OUTright for a celebration of the Queerness in revolution. This is a Black-centered* event for Queer folks of all generations. All people are welcome, including families and friends.

Some food will be provided, but there will also be a potluck, so please feel free to bring something to share (include an ingredient list if you are able to do so)!

*Black-centered means non-Black folks can join us but must be accompanied by a Black person. This is how we ensure the space isn't white-dominant and remains accessible to Black folks.

This event will not be at Youth OUTright's typical location. Location details and accessibility information will be sent out to folks who have registered to attend prior to the event. This is a drop-in style event, so feel free to come and go anytime between 1-4pm.

Register here!

Fierce Flix is a non-profit social justice project that provides mentorship, film and media education, and leadership development to trans, non-binary, queer, and femme youth in Western North Carolina.

Our goals are to interrupt a system of patriarchal gender inequality and support a youth led movement for social change through film.

This year, Fierce Flix’s summer camp is June 23-27, 2025.

Interested in attending? Fierce Flix registration is full this year, but you can join the waitlist here!
Interested in volunteering? Apply here!

Step into the spotlight at Q-Hall’s Sapphic Songbook Queer-aoke Contest—a Pride-season celebration of queer joy, powerhouse performances, and unapologetic Big Dyke Energy. Whether you’re taking the mic or cheering from the crowd, this is your night to show up, sing out, and support a space built by and for Asheville’s queer community.

Co-Hosted by KJ Beanspice at Asheville Sports Club, the night features:

🎤 12 contestant spots – one performance each, audience votes decide the winner

💸 $100 cash prize + costume awards

🎶 Open karaoke immediately after the contest

🎭 Costumes encouraged

🌈 Free to attend – all are welcome!

💟 This event is a fundraiser for Q-Hall’s future brick-and-mortar space—Asheville’s first women’s sports bar and LGBTQ+ community hub.

$10 entry fee for contestants. Pre-registration required.

🎟️ RSVP or sign up to compete: https://forms.gle/1JQJeSkU6YZVNhmk7

Let’s make it loud, make it proud, and build something together.

Embracing diversity and excellence, our burlesque festival in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC, celebrates the best of the best in burlesque entertainment. We curate inclusive shows, offering a blend of vibrant performances amid a backdrop of fantastic food, outdoor adventures, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. We go the extra mile to ensure our performers feel cherished, recognizing their dedication with generous perks that reflect our appreciation for their artistry. Hailed the “BHOF of the south” we’re committed to bringing our audiences an unforgettable experience and can guarantee it’s one of the best shows money can buy!

Calling all queer and trans nature lovers! 🌿

Looking for a fun, welcoming way to enjoy the outdoors and meet new friends? HayCo Pride recently launched HayQueer Hikes, a hiking group just for queer and trans folks (and our friends) who want to get outside, connect, and explore the beautiful mountains we call home.

HayQueer Hikes are beginner-friendly, rated easy to moderate, and located within an hour of Haywood County. We hike together on the last Sunday morning of each month, weather permitting. Got a favorite local trail? We’d love your suggestions!

On Sunday, June 29, we’ll be doing a moderate-rated loop trail along a creek. The loop is just over five miles with minimal elevation gain.

⏰ Meet at 9:00 AM (location shared upon registration)
We'll plan to meet at a location with cell phone service to carpool and convoy to the trailhead. 
Wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and a snack—we'll stop along the way to picnic!
Feel free to bring your pup—as long as they’re leashed.
Kids are always welcome too!

Want to join us? Sign up here to get the trail details and updates on future hikes. 
Questions? Reach out at info@haycopride.com.

Can’t wait to hit the trail with you! 🏞