Campaign for Southern Equality and Light the Way to Justice Events for “DOMA “and “Prop 8” cases

Monday – Wednesday: Light the Way to Justice vigils calling for full LGBT equality are happening in more than 170 towns across all 50 states to mark the start of oral arguments. Find a vigil in your town at this link. CSE is hosting an Asheville, N.C. vigil with local partners tomorrow. We’re also very proud to stand with groups all across the country who are hosting vigils, including WE DO teams in Winston-Salem and Wilson, N.C.; Greenville and Columbia, S.C.; and Gulfport, Miss. A shout out to our friends at Gender Benders, SC Equality, Greenville Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and Equality NC for coming together to host 10 vigils across the Carolinas this week.

Thursday: CSE’s fabulous volunteer Legal Team is hosting a Community Law Workshop at 6:30 p.m. EST to discuss what happened during oral arguments. We’ll be live streaming on our YouTube channel so you can join the conversation with your questions from anywhere in the country. Tune into this link at 6:30 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 28, or join us in person at First Congregational Church, 20 Oak Street, Asheville (click here for more information).

At 6:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, tune into ABC World News with Diane Sawyer to see an interview with Cameron and her moms, talking about her letters to the Supreme Court justices about marriage equality and life as a LGBT family in the South. We’re so inspired by Cameron, who’s next stop is the White House Easter Egg Roll! Here’s more of her story.

At 2:00 p.m. EST Tuesday, Jasmine Beach-Ferrara Executive Director, Campaign for Southern Equalitybe taking part in a Washington Post Google Hangout about the real life impact of the “DOMA “and “Prop 8” cases. You can watch at this link.

Buncombe County, NC Passes Domestic Partner Benefits

From: Campaign for Southern Equality

LGBT employees of Buncombe County, North Carolina will now be offered domestic partner benefits! These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, use of leave time, and all entitlements under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Buncombe County becomes the 4th county in N.C. to offer domestic partner benefits to LGBT couples, joining Durham, Mecklenburg and Orange counties.

This measure passed because of the leadership of County Commissioners who are committed to equality for all and because of strong community support. CSE was honored to work with the Buncombe County Commissioners in this process.

Through our Hometown Organizing project, we’ll continue to support folks pushing the ball forward on the local level across the South – by passing inclusive local policies, telling the stories of LGBT life in the South, and inspiring conversations about equality from the kitchen table to the public square.

Local progress in the South is one more piece in the puzzle as we strive to achieve full equality under the law. Next week, our nation’s highest court will hear two landmark cases – the “DOMA” and “Prop 8” cases – that are important pieces of this same puzzle. We hope you’ll attend a “Light the Way to Justice vigil” in your hometown as these cases are heard. Vigils are happening all across the country (check out this map) or you can plan one in your town.

Suzanne Westenhoefer returns to Charlotte

 

The Comedy Zone is bringing back this hilarious comic to the Queen City!

In March, The Comedy Zone will be bringing back the hilarious Suzanne Westenhoefer. Last year Suzanne performed at the Comedy Zone and even swung by The Center to speak with fans and hang out before the show. This should be a great evening with an incredible comic. For more information, visit cltcomedyzone.com.

 

Community Forum & Panel Discussion: Meaningful Involvement of Young Adults in Charlotte LGBT Organizations

Community Forum & Panel Discussion: Meaningful Involvement of Young Adults in Charlotte LGBT Organizations

 

Hosted by Campus Pride in partnership with the LGBT Community Center of Charlotte and Time Out Youth

This event takes place on February 12, 2013 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The forum will be held at The LGBT Community Center of Charlotte, 2508 N. Davidson St.

Many LGBT and ally leaders hold misperceptions about young adults in the LGBT community and lack meaningful ways to involve young adults within their LGBT organizations. Young adults have acute perception, unique insights and immense capabilities. For any organization, young adults are an investment that help build sustainability and vigor for the future. Saying that you want “young people” to come to your events or to volunteer is not meaningful outreach and involvement – nor is it enough. All organizations should have active young people who reflect the diverse community as part of the leadership, membership and decision-making processes. How, then, can LGBT organizations tap into young adult energy, passion, and commitment? How do young adults become involved in leadership positions, as active members and part of ongoing actions within an organization? Join Campus Pride and area Charlotte young adults for an interactive panel discussion on their experiences and perspectives on this issue. Learn how your LGBT and ally organization can more effectively outreach to young adult communities in the Charlotte area.

You can find more information about this event on Campus Pride’s webstie.