LGBTQ Businesses & Organizations in North Carolina
Explore LGBTQ businesses and organizations in North Carolina serving your community. Find law firms, medical practices, restaurants, retail stores, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and community services owned by or dedicated to serving the LGBTQ community. Connect with establishments that understand your cultural values and provide services in your language.
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Based in Mount Holly, NC, the Pauli Murray LGBTQ+ Bar Association represents a vital community of legal professionals committed to supporting LGBTQ+ equality and fostering meaningful connections among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, sexual and gender diverse, and allied attorneys. As a non-profit membership organization, the association establishes and nurtures a supportive network where legal professionals can meet, build fellowship, and advance their careers in an atmosphere of equality and diversity. The organization recognizes the importance of positive role models and provides opportunities for professional growth and mutual support within the LGBTQ+ legal community. The Pauli Murray LGBTQ+ Bar Association demonstrates its commitment through various initiatives, including the Lavender Law Scholarship program that supports law students attending the National LGBTQ Bar Association's Lavender Law Conference, and the annual Pride Celebration that brings the community together. These programs reflect the organization's dedication to promoting diversity in the legal profession and supporting the next generation of LGBTQ+ attorneys. Members and supporters in Mount Holly, NC and beyond contribute to the organization's mission through membership, volunteering, merchandise purchases, and donations that fund scholarships, events, and general operations. The association serves as a resource for research, discussion, and exchange of information on legal issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities, making it an essential organization for legal professionals seeking community, professional advancement, and meaningful advocacy work.
Since its founding in 1979, Equality North Carolina has served as the oldest statewide organization in the country dedicated to securing rights and protections for the LGBTQ community. Based in Durham, NC, the organization is rooted in a powerful history of activism and community-centered work that emerged during the AIDS crisis and evolved through decades of dedicated organizing. Equality North Carolina is committed to ensuring that every North Carolinian sees themselves reflected in the movement for equality and justice, working to create a safer, more equitable world for all marginalized people. The organization's vision centers on building a thriving, liberated North Carolina where a powerful LGBTQ+ community is united in service of racial and social justice. At its core, Equality North Carolina uplifts the stories and experiences of queer and trans North Carolinians while recognizing that all oppression is interconnected. The organization operates from the belief that none of us are free until all of us are free, honoring and building power on the margins until the margins become the center. Serving the Durham community and beyond, Equality North Carolina brings together activists, organizers, and community leaders who understand that real change requires unity, strategic action, and a commitment to both long-term transformation and immediate progress. Through its work, the organization demonstrates that collective power and shared vision can reshape the landscape for LGBTQ rights and create meaningful, lasting change across North Carolina.
North Star LGBTQ+ Community Center represents over a decade of dedicated service to the LGBTQ community in Winston-Salem, NC, born from a 2012 community needs assessment that revealed overwhelming support for a dedicated LGBTQ center in the Triad area. Founded by Board Chair Teresa Carter following extensive research into successful models in Raleigh and Charlotte, North Star has grown into a vibrant hub celebrating identity and creating meaningful change. The center's journey reflects deep community roots—from its early home on Brookstown Avenue to its current downtown Winston-Salem location at 930 Burke Street—demonstrating consistent commitment to serving those who need it most. North Star's inclusive approach embraces intersecting identities and welcomes everyone seeking belonging, support, or connection. The organization's values are evident in every aspect of its work: from the Kevin Jennings Memorial Library established through private donations, to annual signature events like In Good Company that recognize local business allies, to monthly initiatives such as Give Out Days and Cocktails for a Cause. With a passionate board of directors, dedicated volunteers, and engaged staff, North Star creates safe spaces where LGBTQIA individuals can find community, access resources, and participate in advocacy efforts. Operating Friday through Sunday with extended hours, the center offers a warm, open atmosphere where visitors consistently report feeling welcomed and valued. North Star's mission—to foster community across intersecting identities through advocacy, compassion, education, and service—guides everything the organization does, making it an essential pillar of the Winston-Salem LGBTQ community.
Founded in 2008 as the Frank Harr Foundation in honor of a lifelong advocate for cultural diversity and social justice, the LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast has evolved into a vital community resource serving Wilmington, NC and southeastern North Carolina. The organization was established by Ken Cox in memory of Frank Harr, his partner of 32 years, to continue Frank's passionate work addressing violence, social justice, and human rights education. In 2021, the Foundation rebranded as the LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast to increase visibility and accessibility for those seeking support. Today, the Center's mission centers on serving LGBTQ elders, youth, and everyone in between through advocacy, education, and community building. The organization responds to calls from lonely LGBTQ elders seeking connection, welcomes parents desperate to find safe spaces where their children can experience love and acceptance, and hosts volunteers and facilitators who create welcoming environments across Wilmington. With deep roots in the Cape Fear community, the Center remains committed to the values Frank Harr embodied: compassion, humanitarian service, and unwavering commitment to equality for all people. The Center operates as a Centerlink member, connecting with an international network of LGBTQ organizations dedicated to strengthening communities and supporting local LGBTQ centers nationwide.
Founded on a commitment to service, empowerment, and advocacy, the LGBT Center of Raleigh has been making a meaningful difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals for 16 years. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, this grassroots nonprofit envisions an inclusive world where LGBTQ+ people are thriving, equal, and valued members of society. The Center's mission centers on serving the diverse needs of queer, trans, questioning, and allied communities, recognizing that authentic support requires deep understanding and genuine connection. What sets the LGBT Center of Raleigh apart is their unwavering dedication to building welcoming spaces during unprecedented times, when such sanctuaries are more critical than ever. As the organization continues to grow and expand its reach within Raleigh, they remain focused on the core values that have sustained their work: authentic service, community empowerment, and fearless advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and dignity. The Center's recent expansion and relocation to a new community space downtown reflects their commitment to deepening their impact and accessibility. By combining professional support services with genuine community care, the LGBT Center of Raleigh stands as a beacon of hope and practical assistance for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking affirmation, resources, and belonging.
Founded in 2010 by Dr. William Long, a compassionate family physician in Conover, North Carolina, OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley emerged from a deep commitment to serve young people struggling with their identity in isolation. Dr. Long witnessed firsthand the silent suffering of LGBTQ youth in his medical practice—young people facing rejection, bullying, and trauma with nowhere safe to turn. Determined to create change in Hickory and the surrounding Catawba Valley, he collaborated with community members, health professionals, and dedicated allies to establish the only organization of its kind in the region. Today, OUTright Youth serves as a beacon of hope and belonging for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth, as well as their allies. The organization's mission centers on creating safer schools and communities while providing an unconditional, affirming space where young people can gather, make authentic friendships, and receive support from those who truly understand their journey. What distinguishes OUTright Youth is its unwavering belief that every LGBTQ young person can embrace their authentic self, define their own future, and positively impact the world. The organization actively works to dismantle racism and systemic oppression within its programs and throughout the community. Led by a passionate team of staff, board members, student interns, and volunteers, OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley continues the legacy of Dr. Long's vision—transforming lives and building resilience one young person at a time.
Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Center embodies a vision of community unity where everyone is accepted and valued for who they are. The organization courageously works to advance LGBTQ persons and issues by uniting neighbors, strengthening relationships, and fostering a greater understanding across all residents of the Greensboro community. What sets Guilford Green Foundation apart is its holistic commitment to the intrinsic dignity and rights of every individual, recognizing that safety, health, respect, and inclusion matter at every stage of life. From supporting young people questioning their identity to ensuring elderly community members have access to services that recognize their partners and relationships, the foundation's work spans the full spectrum of LGBTQ experiences. The organization serves as a bridge between those seeking support and the resources that can help them thrive, while simultaneously building the capacity of nonprofit organizations working toward shared goals of equality and inclusion. Through strategic partnerships, community programming, and philanthropic support, Guilford Green Foundation cultivates a thriving Guilford County region where LGBTQ individuals feel genuinely welcomed and supported. The foundation's mission reflects a belief that community strength grows when all voices are heard, all identities are respected, and all people have access to the services and connections they need to flourish.
Time Out Youth represents a beacon of belonging for LGBTQ youth in Charlotte, North Carolina, operating from a foundational belief that every young person deserves to experience community acceptance and authentic self-expression. The organization's mission centers on supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth by fostering unconditional acceptance and creating safe spaces where self-expression thrives through leadership development, community support, and advocacy. At Time Out Youth's Charlotte location, youth at all stages of their coming-out journey—whether fully out, partially out, or not out at all—find a place where they are welcomed without expectation to be anyone except who they truly are. The center's vision extends beyond individual support to inspire inclusive communities where all youth are equally empowered to reach their potential. Time Out Youth distinguishes itself by recognizing that young people's journeys are unique and deserve respect; the organization fully honors each individual's timeline and choices regarding disclosure and identity. In 2024, Time Out Youth welcomed 236 new youth into their programs while providing nearly $48,000 in direct financial assistance to vulnerable community members. The organization actively engages in systems change work, consulting with schools on policy development and supporting student-led Gay-Straight Alliances. Serving the Charlotte, NC community through drop-in programming, special events, and volunteer opportunities, Time Out Youth embodies a commitment to radical acceptance and youth empowerment that transforms lives and strengthens the entire community.
Blue Ridge Pride Center emerged from a community vision in 2009 when local leaders recognized the need for a grassroots organization dedicated to serving the diverse LGBTQ communities of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, North Carolina. What began with their first Pride Festival in 2009, which drew approximately 2,000 people to Martin Luther King Jr. Park on a rainy day, has grown into a thriving nonprofit with significant community impact and organizational capacity. The organization is rooted in frameworks of Queer Liberation and Queer Joy—dismantling oppressive systems while celebrating the authentic experiences and collective care that define vibrant community life. Blue Ridge Pride has intentionally expanded since 2018 to serve a broader geographical scope and diverse population, growing their 2023 Pride Festival to 14,000 attendees while building partnerships with corporations, churches, hospitals, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and government officials. In 2024, the organization significantly expanded its Board of Directors and hired dedicated full-time and part-time staff to increase impact and internal capacity. The center envisions a vibrant, inclusive community where all LGBTQIA2S individuals in western North Carolina experience belonging and live with dignity, equity, hope, and joy. By fostering an informed, engaged, and supportive community through intersectional belonging and liberation work, Blue Ridge Pride Center continues building the connective tissue that enables this diverse and far-flung community to thrive together.
Founded in 2011 from a church basement in the mountains of North Carolina, the Campaign for Southern Equality has grown into a vital advocacy organization serving LGBTQ+ communities throughout the South from their Asheville, NC base. The organization was born from a recognition that more than one third of all LGBTQ+ Americans live in the South, yet face significant legal barriers, political attacks, and systemic inequities in health care and economic opportunity. The Campaign for Southern Equality's mission centers on building a South where zip code does not determine rights, where LGBTQ+ people can be authentically themselves and love freely, and where access to affirming healthcare, education, and services is guaranteed. Their work is rooted in empathy and equity, guided by a commitment to understand and support the courageous LGBTQ+ Southerners already doing heroic organizing work in their hometowns. The organization played a pivotal role in marriage equality efforts across the South, including the WE DO Campaign that mobilized over 200 LGBTQ+ couples to request marriage licenses in their communities, and participated in landmark litigation striking down marriage bans and adoption restrictions. Today, the Campaign for Southern Equality continues this legacy of bold action and community-centered support, recognizing that the South is changing through the courage of LGBTQ+ people themselves. Their vision remains steadfast: a South where all LGBTQ+ people can thrive with dignity, safety, and full equality in every sphere of life.
Based in Mount Holly, NC, the Pauli Murray LGBTQ+ Bar Association represents a vital community of legal professionals committed to supporting LGBTQ+ equality and fostering meaningful connections among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, sexual and gender diverse, and allied attorneys. As a non-profit membership organization, the association establishes and nurtures a supportive network where legal professionals can meet, build fellowship, and advance their careers in an atmosphere of equality and diversity. The organization recognizes the importance of positive role models and provides opportunities for professional growth and mutual support within the LGBTQ+ legal community. The Pauli Murray LGBTQ+ Bar Association demonstrates its commitment through various initiatives, including the Lavender Law Scholarship program that supports law students attending the National LGBTQ Bar Association's Lavender Law Conference, and the annual Pride Celebration that brings the community together. These programs reflect the organization's dedication to promoting diversity in the legal profession and supporting the next generation of LGBTQ+ attorneys. Members and supporters in Mount Holly, NC and beyond contribute to the organization's mission through membership, volunteering, merchandise purchases, and donations that fund scholarships, events, and general operations. The association serves as a resource for research, discussion, and exchange of information on legal issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities, making it an essential organization for legal professionals seeking community, professional advancement, and meaningful advocacy work.
Since its founding in 1979, Equality North Carolina has served as the oldest statewide organization in the country dedicated to securing rights and protections for the LGBTQ community. Based in Durham, NC, the organization is rooted in a powerful history of activism and community-centered work that emerged during the AIDS crisis and evolved through decades of dedicated organizing. Equality North Carolina is committed to ensuring that every North Carolinian sees themselves reflected in the movement for equality and justice, working to create a safer, more equitable world for all marginalized people. The organization's vision centers on building a thriving, liberated North Carolina where a powerful LGBTQ+ community is united in service of racial and social justice. At its core, Equality North Carolina uplifts the stories and experiences of queer and trans North Carolinians while recognizing that all oppression is interconnected. The organization operates from the belief that none of us are free until all of us are free, honoring and building power on the margins until the margins become the center. Serving the Durham community and beyond, Equality North Carolina brings together activists, organizers, and community leaders who understand that real change requires unity, strategic action, and a commitment to both long-term transformation and immediate progress. Through its work, the organization demonstrates that collective power and shared vision can reshape the landscape for LGBTQ rights and create meaningful, lasting change across North Carolina.
North Star LGBTQ+ Community Center represents over a decade of dedicated service to the LGBTQ community in Winston-Salem, NC, born from a 2012 community needs assessment that revealed overwhelming support for a dedicated LGBTQ center in the Triad area. Founded by Board Chair Teresa Carter following extensive research into successful models in Raleigh and Charlotte, North Star has grown into a vibrant hub celebrating identity and creating meaningful change. The center's journey reflects deep community roots—from its early home on Brookstown Avenue to its current downtown Winston-Salem location at 930 Burke Street—demonstrating consistent commitment to serving those who need it most. North Star's inclusive approach embraces intersecting identities and welcomes everyone seeking belonging, support, or connection. The organization's values are evident in every aspect of its work: from the Kevin Jennings Memorial Library established through private donations, to annual signature events like In Good Company that recognize local business allies, to monthly initiatives such as Give Out Days and Cocktails for a Cause. With a passionate board of directors, dedicated volunteers, and engaged staff, North Star creates safe spaces where LGBTQIA individuals can find community, access resources, and participate in advocacy efforts. Operating Friday through Sunday with extended hours, the center offers a warm, open atmosphere where visitors consistently report feeling welcomed and valued. North Star's mission—to foster community across intersecting identities through advocacy, compassion, education, and service—guides everything the organization does, making it an essential pillar of the Winston-Salem LGBTQ community.
Winston-Salem,
NC
Bodie Island Lighthouse marks the northern Outer Banks near Nags Head, part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, where North Carolina's barrier islands stretch between the Atlantic and the road coastal sounds.