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.

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.

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:

Resources:

• Download the Presentation Slides

• Resources Mentioned

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:

• Summary of Key Takeaways

• Handouts

• Slideshow Presentation

• Phil Ford’s Testimony at the State House (Trigger Warning: mention of self-harm)