Experience the musical that redefined a generation. Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of RENT at Flat Rock Playhouse with a powerful new production opening July 24. Tickets: flatrockplayhouse.org #RENT #RentMusical #FlatRockPlayhouse #LiveTheatre #MusicalTheatre #Broadway #NCTheatre #ArtsAndCulture

Just because you post something doesn't mean people will see it. Algorithms and content moderation increasingly shape what LGBTQ+ creators, organizations and communities can share and who actually sees it. Read more: buff.ly/zXwz9XI #Qnotes #LGBTQ #SocialMedia #Algorithms #DigitalRights #TechNews

Nelson Mandela spent 67 years fighting for justice, equality and human dignity. Every July 18, people around the world honor that legacy by giving back through 67 minutes of community service. Read more: buff.ly/Hbu4Nct #Qnotes #NelsonMandela #MandelaDay #LGBTQRights #HumanRights #SouthAfrica

An Instagram post by author, actor and activist Jesse James Rose has become one of the internet's most talked-about reactions to the death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham. Read more: buff.ly/xzdFigN #Qnotes #LindseyGraham #JesseJamesRose #LGBTQ #SouthCarolina #Politics #LGBTQNews #TransRights

In this edition of Our People, Lorenzo Tucker reflects on his recovery journey, working in HIV care, finding hope after personal challenges and why he believes the LGBTQ+ community is strongest when it comes together. Read more: buff.ly/92Arwaa #Qnotes #OurPeople #LorenzoTucker #HIVAdvocacy

Thanks to a new Arts & Science Council grant, the Lotus Project is offering free theatre workshops for transgender and gender-diverse community members in partnership. Read more: buff.ly/k9gWQAj #Qnotes #TheLotusProject #Charlotte #CharlotteTheatre #LGBTQArts #CommunityTheatre

Benjamín Medrano Quezada, the first openly gay person elected mayor in Mexico, has died after a shooting in Guadalajara. He was 59. Read more: buff.ly/dpQqnNg #Qnotes #BenjaminMedrano #Mexico #LGBTQ #LGBTQPolitics #InternationalNews #QueerHistory #Representation #Politics #BreakingNews #Fresnillo

For Daniel Pentecost, success is measured by helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses. That mission earned CLT Geek the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce's 2026 LGBT+ Business of the Year award. Read more: buff.ly/JmGXaZd #Qnotes #CLTGeek #Charlotte #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur

Q-Hall, expected to open in Asheville later this year, will be North Carolina's first LGBTQ+ women's sports bar and the city's only self-identified lesbian bar. Read more: buff.ly/AePJdxy #Qnotes #Asheville #NorthCarolina #QHall #WomensSports #WomensSportsBar #LGBTQ #LesbianBar #QueerCommunity

The world lost a beloved actor today. Best known as Dr. Alan Grant in the "Jurassic Park" franchise, Sam Neill died Monday at age 78 after a career that spanned more than five decades. Read more: buff.ly/HveAE5U #Qnotes #SamNeill #JurassicPark #DrAlanGrant #LGBTQAlly

President Donald Trump has recommended that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appoint Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to serve the remainder of his Senate term. Read more: buff.ly/wHzqvu5 #Qnotes #SouthCarolina #LindseyGraham #Politics #NationalNews #Trump

Lindsey Graham, the longtime South Carolina senator and one of Donald Trump's closest political allies, has died at 71 following what his office described as a "brief and sudden illness." Read more: buff.ly/wWRmAWz #Qnotes #LindseyGraham #SouthCarolina #USSenate #Politics #LGBTQNews #NationalNews

In Poking the Squid: What We Can Learn from Animal Sex, author Perrin Roosevelt Ireland explores the remarkable diversity of animal reproduction, same-sex behavior, sex-changing species and the many ways nature defies simple assumptions. buff.ly/HqgiLC2 #Qnotes #BookReview #PokingTheSquid #Nature

'Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World' traces the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet's journey from a difficult childhood to becoming one of America's most beloved literary voices. Read our review: buff.ly/Hr48fV6 #Qnotes #MaryOliver #Documentary #Poetry #LesbianPoet #LGBTQArts #IndependentFilm

An estimated $80 trillion is expected to change hands over the next two decades. What could that mean for LGBTQ+ Americans? Read more: buff.ly/zo5GS9n #Qnotes #LGBTQ #GenerationalWealth #Inheritance #EstatePlanning #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #LGBTQFinance #PersonalFinance

July 14 marks International Nonbinary People's Day, a day dedicated to celebrating nonbinary people and raising awareness of gender diversity around the world. Read more: buff.ly/MfIxNYK #Qnotes #InternationalNonbinaryPeoplesDay #NonbinaryAwarenessWeek #Nonbinary #GenderDiverse #GenderIdentity

Across North Carolina and South Carolina, organizations are working every day to help LGBTQ+ youth build community, access affirming resources and connect with people who understand their experiences. Read the guide: buff.ly/AZzGMRA #Qnotes #LGBTQYouth #LGBTQSupport #NorthCarolina #SouthCarolina

The SC Arts Commission has delayed a vote on $3.7 million in grant awards after some commissioners raised concerns about funding organizations connected to the LGBTQ+ community, citing President Trump's EO 14168. buff.ly/LQOvF82 #Qnotes #SouthCarolina #SCArtsCommission #ArtsFunding #LGBTQ

Your artwork could become the next cover of Qnotes! Entries are free and open through July 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Visit buff.ly/1h8uTJO for the complete rules, eligibility requirements and submission guidelines. #Qnotes #LGBTQArtists #CharlotteArtists #Pride2026 #SupportLocalArtists #CharlotteNC

What happens when Bram Stoker's Dracula embraces camp, comedy and theatrical chaos? You get one seriously fun night at the theater. Read the full story: buff.ly/izAeD3I #Qnotes #OutOnStage #BlumenthalArts #DraculaComedy #DraculaAComedyOfTerrors #BoothPlayhouse #CharlotteTheatre #LiveTheatre

America's 250th birthday was meant to unite the country around its history and future. Read more: buff.ly/HEbh8X2 #Qnotes #America250 #Semiquincentennial #Trump #Politics #NationalNews #FourthOfJuly #USHistory #GreatAmericanStateFair #NewsAnalysis #CurrentEvents #LGBTQNews #America

For more than 30 years, Charlotte attorney Connie Vetter has helped LGBTQ+ people and families navigate some of life's most important legal milestones. Now, her work is being recognized nationally. Read the full story: buff.ly/HWdXOzJ #Qnotes #ConnieVetter #CharlotteNC #LGBTQ #LGBTQFamilies

Specialized crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth are set to return to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline after Congress directed the Trump administration to restore the program. Read the full story: buff.ly/z2w1rEU #Qnotes #988 #MentalHealth #LGBTQYouth #SuicidePrevention #TrevorProject

Three of Gov. Josh Stein's vetoes have been overridden by the North Carolina House, allowing new legislation to become law. Read the full story: buff.ly/4rujuAR #Qnotes #NorthCarolina #NCPolitics #JoshStein #GeneralAssembly #DEI #Education #PublicSchools #HigherEducation #Immigration #Politics

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states may continue counting absentee ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but arrive afterward, as long as state law allows. Read the full story: buff.ly/hLhMyJB #Qnotes #SupremeCourt #AbsenteeVoting #VotingRights #NorthCarolina #SouthCarolina

In Whistler, bestselling author Ann Patchett tells the story of a woman who unexpectedly reconnects with her beloved former stepfather decades after he disappeared from her life. Read more: buff.ly/qLeiIQf #Qnotes #OutInPrint #AnnPatchett #Whistler #BookReview #Fiction #Literature #Books #Reading

In this week's Out on Film, Gregg Shapiro reviews Maddie's Secret, the latest film written, directed by and starring John Early as a food media influencer hiding a serious eating disorder. Read the full review: buff.ly/TyeRkF6 #Qnotes #OutOnFilm #MaddiesSecret #JohnEarly #FilmReview #LGBTQCinema

Charlotte Black Pride is celebrating its 21st annual festival while navigating one of its most challenging years yet. Read the full story: buff.ly/iTbw9TF #Qnotes #CharlotteBlackPride #CharlotteNC #BlackPride #BlackLGBTQ #LGBTQ #Pride #Community #DEI #Nonprofit #MilesPerry #CharlotteEvents

An alleged assault at a Cary Pride event is fueling renewed conversations about how North Carolina's hate crime law protects LGBTQ+ people. Read more: buff.ly/4WpCKsh #Qnotes #CaryNC #NorthCarolina #LGBTQ #Pride #HateCrime #NorthCarolinaNews #LGBTQRights #PrideMonth #SaraBuxton #CommunitySafety

After more than 80 years, Myers Park Baptist Church has a new name. Read more: buff.ly/NwJzUcr #Qnotes #MyersPark #CharlotteNC #Faith #ProgressiveChristianity #LGBTQ #AffirmingChurch #Charlotte #Christianity #LGBTQFaith #InclusiveChurch #Community #NorthCarolina #FaithNews #Qnotes

This August, Charlotte community leaders are inviting LGBTQ+ people and allies to travel to Montgomery, Alabama, for Legacy to Liberation, a two-day leadership pilgrimage. Read more: buff.ly/fCqV3rw #Qnotes #LegacyToLiberation #Montgomery #CivilRights #LGBTQ #Leadership #Community #SocialJustice

Pride Winston-Salem was about more than a parade. It was neighbors making room for children to see, strangers sharing cooling towels on a hot day and friends cheering as loved ones marched through downtown. Read more: buff.ly/BT3BAXc #Qnotes #WinstonSalem #NorthCarolina #Pride2026 #LGBTQ

Looking for something to do this July? July is packed with LGBTQ+ events across the Carolinas. Read the July in Full Color roundup: buff.ly/R1tzUsd #Qnotes #JulyEvents #LGBTQEvents #Carolinas #CharlotteEvents #NorthCarolina #SouthCarolina #DragBrunch #ArtsAndCulture #SummerEvents #ThingsToDo

In the latest installment of Our People, Parrish reflects on leaving a conservative upbringing, embracing their nonbinary identity, and blending poetry with comedy and storytelling. Read the full interview: buff.ly/gSV7kjW #Qnotes #OurPeople #AdrianParrish #CharlotteNC #LGBTQ #Nonbinary #Poetry

Attorney General Jeff Jackson joined 25 other states and the District of Columbia in arguing that new federal guidance could make it harder for people with serious illnesses and disabilities to qualify for exemptions. Read more: buff.ly/zz6YrDj #Qnotes #NC #Medicaid #Healthcare #JeffJackson

The Digital Transgender Archive brings together more than 10,000 historical documents, photographs, newsletters and community records from archives around the world, making transgender history more accessible than ever. Read more: buff.ly/CuQwLjP #Qnotes #TransHistory #LGBTQHistory #Transgender

Pride isn't over in Spartanburg. After Upstate Pride moved its annual festival to Greenville, local advocates came together to form the Spartanburg Pride Coalition with one goal: bringing a Pride celebration back to Spartanburg. buff.ly/8AGMGdF #Qnotes #Spartanburg #SouthCarolina #UpstateSC #Pride

Cameron Pruette has been elected first vice chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party and said he plans to travel the state, support Democratic candidates and continue building relationships across North Carolina. Read more: buff.ly/WmwOTHp #Qnotes #CameronPruette #NorthCarolina #NCDemocrats

Today marks the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, the defining catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Stonewall reminds us that Pride is rooted in resistance and sustained by the ongoing pursuit of dignity, equality and justice. #Stonewall #Pride #LGBTQHistory #OnThisDay #Qnotes

Looking for an LGBTQ+-friendly destination beyond the usual travel hotspots? Milwaukee offers a mix of Midwestern hospitality, vibrant queer community, world-class museums and unforgettable local experiences. Read more: buff.ly/Qw8ofab #Qnotes #PrideJourneys #Milwaukee #Wisconsin #LGBTQTravel

If you're looking for your next great read, this post-Pride non-fiction roundup features memoirs, essays and biographies from some of today's most celebrated LGBTQ+ writers. Read the list: buff.ly/uCENQDA #Qnotes #LGBTQBooks #BookRecommendations #QueerBooks #Nonfiction #Memoir #SummerReading

More than 500 business and community leaders gathered in Charlotte on Tuesday as the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Friends in Diversity Pride Soirée. Read more: buff.ly/cbeWXZd #Qnotes #CarolinasLGBTChamber #CharlotteNC #Networking #Community

From Waynesville to Bakersville, communities in Western NC are coming together this weekend to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride with parades, festivals, live music and more. Read more: buff.ly/e1TE1Xg #Qnotes #WesternNorthCarolina #Waynesville #Bakersville #HaywoodCounty #PrideOnMain #MYPrideNC #PrideMonth

Looking for a Pride weekend getaway? Greenville's Upstate Pride and Columbia's SC Black Pride are closing out Pride Month with marches, live entertainment and celebrations across South Carolina. Read more: buff.ly/HBM8jVq #UpstatePride #SCBlackPride #PrideMonth #LGBTQ #Community

On this day in 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court changed LGBTQ+ history. In a landmark 5-4 decision, Obergefell v. Hodges established that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, making marriage equality the law nationwide. #OnThisDay #Obergefell #MarriageEquality #LGBTQHistory

Fayetteville PrideFest Weekend is back for two days of celebration, community and Pride. Read more: buff.ly/sRtkrtW #Qnotes #FayettevillePride #FayettevillePrideFest #FayettevilleNC #NorthCarolina #PrideMonth #LGBTQ #LGBTQEvents #Community #DragShow #SupportLocal #Pride2026 #ThingsToDo #NCEvents

Has Charlotte's skyline looked a little different this Pride Month? With Charlotte Pride still ahead in August, many are hopeful the city's skyline will once again shine in rainbow colors. Read the full story: buff.ly/8zKkHYt #Qnotes #CharlotteNC #PrideMonth #LGBTQ #CorporateSupport #Pride2026

RAIN's Pride in the Park is back returns to The Mint Museum on Randolph on June 27 for an evening of live music, local performers, food trucks, vendors and community connection. Read more: buff.ly/AYceLdl #Qnotes #RAINCharlotte #PrideInThePark #CharlotteNC #MintMuseum #LGBTQ #PrideMonth

Nancy Mace's political rise was fast. Her fall may have been even faster. Now, after a decisive loss in South Carolina's Republican gubernatorial primary, her political future is far less certain. Read the full column: buff.ly/aIR9wRn #Qnotes #NancyMace #SouthCarolina #LGBTQ #Politics #MAGA

The U.S. Department of Education has opened Title IX investigations into Buncombe County Schools and Cabarrus County Schools over policies involving trans students' access to restrooms. Read the full story: buff.ly/xpk6LM5 #Qnotes #NorthCarolina #TransgenderRights #LGBTQ #TitleIX #EducationNews