Asheville Acceptance: The North Carolina Community Comes Out to Support Gay Pride by Sheri B Doyle

Asheville, N.C., is a bohemian city. There is definitely something there for everyone, whether it is shopping, hiking or water activities on the river. There is art, culture, history and great architecture. All of this was the draw for my weekend in the Smokey Mountains. What I discovered after my visit was that the best feature of Asheville is their sense of community and acceptance.

Without knowing it I had scheduled my trip for the weekend of the Gay Pride Parade. There were rainbow flags tucked into store decorations, knitted light-post covers in rainbow themes and an electricity in the air not typical for a normal Saturday. It was quickly obvious this community was honored and excited the Gay Pride Parade was taking place that day.

Standing in Pack Square watching people of all ages, races, religions and genders, I was moved by the beautiful outpouring of love from the community. Older adults wore shirts offering free mom and dad hugs, churches set up stands welcoming the LGBTQ community into their congregations, while local businesses offered deals and support. It was an amazing outpouring of love and acceptance in a country that has struggled these past two years to deal with diversity.

I can only hope everyone left feeling the love and support all of us in attendance were offering.

Photo (main): RomanticAsheville.com