Statesville Pride Alliance: Building Community and Safe Spaces
Statesville Pride Alliance is a nonprofit organization of LGBTQ+ members and allies with the goal of education, advocating and supporting mental health within Statesville, NC. Founded three years ago, Statesville Pride Alliance welcomes all, promoting acceptance and understanding.
Este-eve Mountainsmith, secretary, and Jeanne Gaither, a founder and events chair person, spoke about the founding of Statesville Pride Alliance and what the nonprofit organization looks to hold in the future. Gaither shares how she was a member of P Flag, and wanted to start up a Pride festival in Statesville. “Three members left P Flag and we all sat around a kitchen table, started planning what we wanted and started recruiting,” said Gaither.
Statesville Pride Alliance holds community events and fundraisers to bring members of Statesville and Iredell County out to enjoy and spread awareness. “We try to put on a variety of events,” said Gaither. “We want people to come together and have fun.”
Mountainsmith shares how she has been living in Statesville for three years and has found a community within Statesville. Describing how she was shocked but welcomed, she includes how she became a secretary for Statesville Pride Alliance. “I am in a very small minority of people because I want to be in the meetings and to be involved,” said Mountainsmith. This year, Mountainsmith is in charge of the Statesville Pride parade and other events hosted by Statesville Pride Alliance.
Statesville Pride Alliance is holding future events that are open to the public to have fun, mingle with the community and learn more about Statesville Pride Alliance. Check out Statesville Pride Alliance on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with events and donate.
Upcoming Events
5th Annual Statesville Pride Festival and Parade
Saturday, Sept. 26
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Downtown Statesville
Halloween Costume Party with Rocky Horror Picture Show
Saturday, Oct. 24
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Watering Hole, Statesville
Friendsgiving
Thursday, Nov. 12
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Mosaic Church, Statesville
Winter Ball
Saturday, Dec. 5
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
The Essence on Broad Street
Christmas Party
Thursday, Dec. 175:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Village Inn Pizza, Taylorsville Highway
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