Upcoming Events
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Lesbian Night at Bar Polari
AFFA is bringing Lesbian Night back to Bar Polari with a Pink Pony Club - inspired vibe, a Red Wine Supernova drink special, and an unapologetically sapphic dance floor. Join us for giveaways and a chance to win two AFFA Gala tickets, plus a midnight toast celebrating lesbian joy and community.
Charleston City Council Meet and Greet
Join AFFA & AFFA Action for an intimate evening of conversation, connection, and community with Charleston City Council members. You'll also have the exclusive opportunity to introduce yourself to the organizations' new Executive Director and learn more about the vision ahead.
Enjoy complimentary wine, light ambient music, and a relaxed fireside-chat style panel, followed by plenty of time to mingle.
This free event is intentionally capped to create a more meaningful experience.
We’re also looking for volunteer support at this event.
Interested? Sign up here.
How to: Understand Legislative Session – Virtual Workshop
Join our sibling organization, AFFA Action, for a virtual workshop that breaks down how the South Carolina Legislature works and what to expect in the fast-moving legislative session ahead. Learn key terms, track and influence bills, and understand how state legislation directly and indirectly impacts LGBTQ+ South Carolinians.
Queer History South 2026 - Virtual Conference
Queer History South is a regional network and conference dedicated to preserving, researching, and teaching LGBTQ+ history, with a focus on Southern experiences. At the fully virtual 2026 QHS Conference, this panel will spotlight South Carolina leaders and institutions working to preserve, elevate, and sustain LGBTQIA+ history through archives, education, and community-based memory work.
Advocacy 201: Power Mapping – In-Person & Livestreamed Workshop
Our sibling organization, AFFA Action, presents Advocacy 201: Power Mapping, a hybrid workshop that builds practical skills for understanding and influencing decision-making in South Carolina. Participants will learn the fundamentals of advocacy and practice power mapping to identify key decision-makers, understand influence, and plan more effective, strategic action.
2026 Spring Gala
Join AFFA for the 2026 Gala — an inspiring evening celebrating progress, community, and equality for LGBTQ+ South Carolinians.
Reserve your table and be part of the movement.
Taylor Mac's Holiday Sauce
On Tuesday, December 9, the incomparable Taylor Mac brings Holiday Sauce to the Gaillard, a joyful, irreverent, heart-filled celebration of queer community, chosen family, and holiday chaos in all its glittering glory. Expect an 8-piece band, a cast of dazzling performers, and the kind of spectacular drag-infused holiday extravaganza only Taylor Mac can deliver.
Learn more about the show here: https://gaillardcenter.org/events/taylor-macs-holiday-sauce/
As a special offer just for our organization, you can purchase $10 orchestra seats using the code AFFA10. This pricing is part of the Gaillard’s Black Friday promotions, but we’re being given first access, with the code activating now! Please note that no retroactive discounts are available.
We’re beyond thrilled to be able to share this with you. So slip into something fabulous, grab your friends, and join us for an unforgettable night at the Gaillard!
AND join us for the Sauce After Dark Dance Party | 9:30pm – 11:00pm
After the show, meet us in the Spiegeltent for Sauce After Dark — a house-music-driven dance party where the holiday spirit gets wild.
Curated by Charleston’s own Loose Ends Entertainment, with DJs Duwayne Motley & Baustin.
Drinks will be available for purchase at the bar within the Spiegeltent.
This is a $17.55 add-on ticket. Dance Party tickets do not include a ticket to Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce. Limited availability.
Charlotte Hornets Pride Night
AFFA is heading to the Spectrum Center for Charlotte Hornets Pride Night, and we’re fired up to be part of this incredible evening of visibility, celebration, and community. On this special night, the Hornets take on the Denver Nuggets while honoring LGBTQIA+ fans, allies, and organizations that help make Buzz City a place where everyone can show up as their full self. It’s a perfect blend of basketball, pride, and unmistakable Charlotte energy.
When you purchase discounted tickets through our dedicated link, a portion of your ticket directly supports AFFA’s work for equality and acceptance, and the first 200 purchasers get exclusive lower-bowl access to watch pregame warmups and connect with the Pride community. Kids can also take a post-game free throw on the court, making it a memorable night for families and fans of all ages.
Join us in the stands to show your colors, rally your people, and celebrate what it means to build inclusive community both on and off the court.
Purchase your tickets here!
Cycle For Good: Broadway Rave
Join AFFA at Cycle for Good: Broadway Rave on November 16 at Commonhouse Aleworks in Park Circle. Enjoy rhythm-based cycling, a Broadway-themed dance party, and community fun—all while supporting equality and connection in Charleston.
Rockabillaque Charleston
AFFA will be tabling at Rockabillaque Charleston on November 8, the South’s biggest rockabilly and Americana festival. Stop by our booth in Park Circle to learn more about LGBTQ+ equality, grab some merch, and join a celebration of community and self-expression.
Charleston Pride Festival
After the parade, keep the celebration going at the Charleston Pride Festival! AFFA will be at The Refinery all afternoon with resources, community vibes, and ways to get involved in our work. Whether you're looking to learn more about what we do, snag some AFFA swag, or just connect with affirming folks, our booth is the place to be. Stop by and say hi—we’d love to see you there!
Charleston Pride Parade
AFFA is proud to march in the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade! Join us as we bring joy, color, and purpose to historic King Street. The parade begins at 9 a.m. at the corner of Anne and King and heads south through downtown. We'll have a fabulous float, and volunteers will walk alongside us handing out goodies to paradegoers. The first 30 volunteers to sign up will receive a free AFFA t-shirt to wear during the march—so don’t wait! Come show your pride and stand up for equality with us.
Splash For Equality
Join AFFA for a bold, bright, and joy-filled summer celebration at the iconic Starlight Motor Inn! This one-of-a-kind pool party is your chance to cool off, connect, and support LGBTQ+ equality in style. Whether you're floating in the pool, vibing to the DJ, or sipping on a cool drink, it's the perfect way to celebrate community and resistance during the heat of Pride season.
We'll have AFFA-branded color-changing cups, a free drink for the first 50 guests, and delicious bites available for purchase from a local food truck. Expect a laid-back afternoon full of great music, good people, and unexpected moments of joy – all in support of AFFA’s mission to achieve and defend equality for all.
This is a fundraising event with a suggested ticket donation of $12–$15, which helps cover your first drink and supports our ongoing advocacy. Bring your swimsuit, your friends, and your pride – we'll bring the party.
RSVP coming soon – stay tuned!
American Teenager Reading, Q&A, and Book Signing
Join us for an evening with journalist and author Nico Lang (they/them), celebrating their groundbreaking book American Teenager — a powerful portrait of seven trans youth and their families living in states like Florida, Texas, and Alabama. Through intimate storytelling and sharp reporting, Nico captures what it means to grow up trans in a time of heightened political and cultural scrutiny. The event will feature a reading, a moderated Q&A with Tayler Simon of Liberation is Lit and Baker Rogers of Queer Haven Books, and a book signing. Organized in partnership with local organizations, this gathering will also highlight community resources for LGBTQ+ youth and allies.
Partner with Pride & Allies | Magic: The Gathering Charity Tournament
Join Zenergy Gamers on Friday, June 27 for the Partner with Pride & Allies, a Magic: The Gathering Commander Charity Tournament, a celebration of identity, unity, and community gaming! Sign-ups start at 6:30 PM and the first round kicks off at 7:00 PM. A $10+ donation gets you in, with 100% of net proceeds benefiting AFFA. Expect casual Commander pods (3–4 players), reshuffled each round, with a special Pride twist: all Commanders gain the Partner ability—build with two legendary creatures, no proxies allowed. Come play, support equality, and let your deck get as wild as your pride!
Tanger Pride
The community is invited to the fourth annual Pride Celebration at Tanger Outlets Charleston, benefitting We Are Family and Alliance For Full Acceptance (AFFA), on Saturday, June 14 from noon – 3 p.m. The free event will feature music, refreshments, raffles, prizes and more as Charleston’s preferred shopping destination celebrates love and equality for all families. This year, a limited-edition t-shirt and tote bag featuring the winning art from our Pride Youth Art Contest will be available for purchase with 100% of sales donated to the event beneficiaries.
Feminist Magic Market at Itinerant Literate Books
Wrap up your Pride week with some feminist magic! This beloved market features 60+ vendors, food trucks, and local makers in a celebration of creativity and community. AFFA will be on-site with resources, gear, and a whole lot of Pride spirit.
Pride Block Party & Day Rave at Commonhouse Aleworks
This flagship Park Circle Pride event is not to be missed! Join AFFA and dozens of LGBTQ+ organizations and vendors for a joyful, high-energy celebration with music, community, and dancing in the sunshine. Stop by our table to grab some swag, sign up to volunteer, or just share the love.
Pride on Ann at Dudley’s and Music Farm
Keep the party going on Ann Street! AFFA will be hopping between Dudley’s and Music Farm for a block party full of dancing, performances, and Pride magic. We’ll be there until around 10:30 p.m., so come say hello before you hit the dance floor.
Brewing On Books
Dive into Charleston’s LGBTQ+ past and present with AFFA and Itinerant Literate Books for an evening of powerful storytelling. Hosted at Commonhouse, this conversation will feature Harlan Greene, Lynn Dugan, and Brooke Collins, spotlighting untold stories and community resilience. Stop by our table to learn how AFFA is carrying that legacy forward today.
Get your FREE tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brewing-on-books-queer-history-panel-tickets-1360862439189
Pride Happy Hour and Pool Party
Make a splash with AFFA at our Pride Happy Hour & Pool Party at the retro-chic Starlight Motor Inn! Cool off in the pool, enjoy vibrant tunes, and connect with community as we celebrate Pride in style. Whether you're diving in or just soaking up the vibes poolside, this all-ages event is the perfect way to kick off your evening.
Drinks available for purchase. Swimwear encouraged but not required!
$20 For Pool Access – All Ages
Festival Kick-Off Party at Dig In The Park
AFFA is thrilled to join the official Park Circle Pride Kick-Off Party, hosted by the fabulous Brooke Collins with DJ Trevor D spinning all evening long. Come celebrate the start of Pride week with music, community, and high energy in the heart of Park Circle. We’ll be there to connect, dance, and get the celebration started right.
Pride Flag Raising
With Mayor Burgess, Palmetto Peace Choir, and Charleston Pride’s “Pride Proclamation for the City of North Charleston”
Free + family-friendly – join us in kicking off Pride with purpose!
PARK CIRCLE PRIDE
Join us June 3rd through 8th, 2025 for the 5th Annual Park Circle Pride in the Park Circle
neighborhood of North Charleston, SC as we celebrate Pride! An inclusive event
celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
The festival will be a week of events at various locations around the area including bars, restaurants, breweries, and more. Park Circle Pride features the largest schedule and the most diverse of a Pride Festival in the South.
This annual event features an eclectic schedule of events including drag brunches, trivia, dancing, workshops, an art walk, a poetry stage, restaurant specials, panels, karaoke, trivia, a vendor market a youth fest, a cabaret show, bingo, dance parties, drag storytime, a pride service and more.
Park Circle Pride is a benefit for We Are Family and AFFA
The week-long event is produced by Vive Le Rock Productions in partnership with the Park Circle Business Collective.
Out Together - Bar Polari Mixer
AFFA hosted a warm and welcoming community mixer at Bar Polari on April 26, bringing together LGBTQ+ folks and allies for an evening of connection and celebration. With pride flags waving and bracelets at the welcome table, guests were greeted with a free drink ticket and the signature AFFA-gato Martini, specially crafted for the occasion. A portion of the drink proceeds supported AFFA’s mission, making this casual night out both fun and impactful.
2025 Spring Gala
On March 15th, 2025, over 300 guests gathered in celebration and solidarity at the AFFA Gala – our largest and most impactful event to date. With attendees filling the venue with joy, generosity, and purpose, the evening highlighted the power of community and the urgency of our mission: to achieve and defend full acceptance for all LGBTQ+ people.
Guests enjoyed a vibrant evening featuring both live and silent auctions, moving remarks from AFFA leadership, and the warmth of coming together with like-minded advocates and allies. The night’s success was made possible by the dedication of staff and volunteers who ensured a seamless experience from check-in to check-out. Whether it was bidding on auction items or raising a glass in support, everyone played a part in making the Gala an inspiring milestone in our ongoing fight for equality.
Power in Action Roundtable
This free virtual event, hosted in collaboration with the ACLU of South Carolina, brought together advocates and community members for an engaging, action-oriented discussion. The session featured presentations on transgender rights under executive orders, how to advocate for yourself, and understanding your rights. Participants also had the opportunity to share their experiences and strategize in small groups. It was a meaningful space for learning, organizing, and building power together.
Watch the live recording here:
Advocacy 101
This foundational advocacy training brought together community members from across South Carolina for a half-day, hybrid session focused on building confidence and clarity in the political process. Participants learned how legislation moves through the Statehouse, how to engage effectively with lawmakers, and why personal storytelling matters in advocacy.
Led by AFFA Action’s Phil Ford and Emily Mayer of Ford & Ford Group, the session offered a deep dive into South Carolina’s legislative landscape, strategies for community organizing, and real-world examples of successful resistance—including Phil’s own testimony at the Statehouse. (Trigger warning: Mention of self-harm.)
Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your skills, this training helped attendees feel more empowered to take action, speak out, and show up.
Below, you’ll find follow-up materials from the session:
Phil Ford’s Testimony at the State House (Trigger Warning: mention of self-harm)