LGBTQ Non-Profit Organizations in South Carolina

Since 1995, We Are Family has been a beacon of hope and acceptance for LGBTQ young people across South Carolina, born from the profound love of founder Tom Myers for his gay son. What began as a grassroots effort to provide constructive information through direct mail and community education has evolved into a thriving sanctuary serving the North Charleston area and beyond. The organization's journey reflects a deep commitment to creating affirming spaces where young people feel genuinely understood, celebrated, and empowered—a mission rooted in the belief that every LGBTQ youth deserves to experience joy, safety, and belonging. We Are Family operates from five core values: Imagination as creative resistance, Celebration of diverse identities and expressions, Self-Determination that honors community autonomy, Intersectional Justice through solidarity and equity work, and Education that honors our ancestors while building toward collective liberation. The organization's community impact extends far beyond traditional programming; it creates what participants describe as a sanctuary and anchor—a place where young people can be authentically themselves without fear. Through peer support groups, leadership retreats like SC BLOOM, mental health services, and community organizing, We Are Family cultivates what they call "Southern Queer Magic." The organization's deep roots in North Charleston and statewide presence reflect nearly three decades of dedicated service to youth who have historically been marginalized or unsupported. Today, We Are Family continues Tom Myers' legacy by lifting voices, shifting culture, and building a collective space of care, refuge, and friendship where LGBTQ young people and their allies can imagine and create a more just world.

Since its founding in 1973, PFLAG has grown into a transformative grassroots movement uniting LGBTQ people with families, friends, and allies who believe in the power of love and acceptance. The Spartanburg, SC chapter embodies this commitment by fostering a community where diversity is genuinely celebrated and all people are respected for their authentic selves. PFLAG Spartanburg's vision reflects a simple but profound belief: that families standing together with LGBTQ loved ones create powerful change in hearts and minds. Operating as part of a national network spanning all 50 states with over 400 chapters and 200,000 supporters, the Spartanburg organization brings this expansive movement directly into the local community. The chapter welcomes individuals from all backgrounds—whether you're a parent, sibling, friend, or LGBTQ person yourself—to join in monthly support meetings and become part of a caring, just, and affirming community. PFLAG Spartanburg demonstrates that acceptance isn't just a personal value but a community responsibility, one conversation, one family, and one ally at a time. By creating spaces for honest dialogue and mutual understanding, the organization helps transform communities from within. In Spartanburg, SC, PFLAG stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity, reminding families and allies that their love and advocacy matter, and that together, we can build a world where every LGBTQ person is truly safe, celebrated, and empowered.

PFLAG Greenville, SC was founded on a powerful foundation of maternal love and courage. The chapter's origins trace back to 1992, when two Greenville mothers discovered they shared a profound common experience: each was parenting a gay child. In an era when discussing LGBTQ+ issues was not yet mainstream, these mothers demonstrated remarkable bravery by holding their first PFLAG meeting and going public with their support and advocacy. This act of visibility during a time of significant social stigma laid the groundwork for a thriving community organization that continues to make a difference today. The mission of PFLAG Greenville centers on building a united foundation of loving families, LGBTQ+ individuals, and allies who support one another unconditionally. The organization is committed to ongoing education—both internal and community-wide—with the ultimate goal of creating a world where all hearts and minds respect, value, and affirm LGBTQ+ people. By fostering meaningful connections among families and allies in the Greenville area, PFLAG Greenville continues the legacy of those pioneering mothers by advocating for acceptance, understanding, and celebration of LGBTQ+ identities. The chapter welcomes families, loved ones, and allies who share the vision of a more inclusive and affirming community.