AFFA is gearing up for a busy fall with opportunities to celebrate, learn, and take action. Join us at the 2025 Charleston Pride Parade on Saturday, October 11, as a walker or float rider—early registrants receive a free AFFA or AFFA Action shirt. From September 25–26, don’t miss the LGBTQ+ Health, Inclusion, and Advocacy Summit 2025, a virtual event featuring national leaders discussing trans health equity, family policy, mental health, and more. We’re also celebrating a Supreme Court win for a transgender student in South Carolina, allowing him to use the boys’ restroom while challenging the state’s discriminatory law. Community gatherings continue with KKBE’s interfaith Pride sukkah on October 8, welcoming all to learn, connect, and celebrate. Finally, researchers at the College of Charleston and Boise State are recruiting participants for focus groups on transgender and nonbinary health, offering a $50 gift card for participation and ensuring confidentiality.

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On August 12, 2025, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a transgender ninth-grader in Berkeley County, granting a preliminary injunction that allows him to use the restroom matching his gender identity while his case proceeds—a major victory for transgender students across South Carolina. The decision reaffirms that Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause protect trans students’ rights, strengthening the precedent set by the Gavin Grimm case. AFFA joined this lawsuit to stand with the student and his family, making clear that no child should have to fight for safety and dignity in school. While this win is worth celebrating, the fight continues—because every student deserves to show up, learn, and live free from fear or discrimination.

AFFA has had a busy summer—celebrating community, building history, and taking action. We’re closing out the season with Splash for Equality this Saturday, August 9 at Starlight Motor Inn, featuring DJ Trevor D, drag shows by Crystal Gem and Carmella Monet Monroe, and plenty of poolside fun. As we prepare to launch our new website, we’re also asking supporters to share memories, photos, and keepsakes to help document AFFA’s history. This month, we were honored to host author Nico Lang for a powerful conversation on trans youth, and we’ve joined a federal lawsuit challenging South Carolina’s discriminatory anti-trans school policy. Finally, we’re seeking new members for our Board of Directors—especially those with lived experience or skills in justice, organizing, or community leadership—to help shape AFFA’s next chapter.

In this edition: AFFA hosts a virtual Decompression Session on July 2 to support our community following devastating news from the U.S. Supreme Court and Columbia City Council. We break down the Skrmetti ruling and the repeal of Columbia’s conversion therapy ban, and we honor the resistance it will take to move forward. On a brighter note, we thank everyone who made Park Circle Pride 2025 a joyful success, and invite you to KKBE’s Pride Shabbat on June 27.

AFFA is gearing up for a jam-packed Park Circle Pride week – and we’d love for you to join us, whether you’re attending events or volunteering alongside our team! May is Mental Health Awareness Month, with several key LGBTQ+ visibility days ahead – a powerful reminder to care for ourselves and each other. We’re celebrating Levin L. in our Volunteer Spotlight, and registration is now open for QT Camp 2025 – the Southeast’s only LGBTQIA+ youth day camp. Come out, get involved, and help us build community all summer long!

In this edition of 5 Things You Should Know, we’re celebrating the vibrant strength of South Carolina’s lesbian community in honor of Lesbian Visibility Week, recapping the fun and connection from our “Out Together” mixer at Bar Polari, and highlighting one of our incredible volunteers, William B., for his dedicated allyship. We’re also getting ready for Park Circle Pride and other Pride events across the state – from Greenville to Columbia to Charleston. There’s a lot to look forward to, and we’re so grateful to be in community with you as we keep pushing for full acceptance and equality.

In this issue, we’re celebrating connection, courage, and collective action. Join us for Out Together at Bar Polari on April 26 for a low-key evening of community and cocktails (or mocktails!). We’re also honoring legislative allies Senator Tameika Isaac Devine and Representative Heather Bauer for their tireless advocacy at the State House. Volunteer Max S. shines in this week’s spotlight for her behind-the-scenes magic at our gala, and board member Colleen Condon shares insight on leadership and LGBTQ+ rights in a new interview. Finally, we need your help to stop H.3927, an anti-DEI bill moving through the SC Senate—take action today.

In this edition, we’re celebrating big changes and powerful community action. AFFA is moving into a new shared space with We Are Family and Charleston Pride, marking an exciting new chapter for collaboration and connection. We’re also spotlighting the incredible volunteers who make our work possible—watch our socials all month long for shout-outs. Across South Carolina, we're mobilizing with the Hands Off movement to defend our rights and services, and we’re honoring the impact of outgoing Executive Director Chase Glenn as we prepare for AFFA’s next phase. Finally, our Advocacy 201 workshop has been postponed—stay tuned for the new date!

The AFFA Gala is almost here – join us March 15 for a night of joy, justice, and celebration! In legislative news, community voices showed up strong to oppose both the total abortion ban (H.3457) and anti-DEI bill (H.3927), packing hearing rooms and flooding the State House with powerful testimony. Want to sharpen your advocacy skills? Register now for our Advocacy 201: Power Mapping training on April 5. And if you missed our recent virtual event with ACLU SC, Your Rights, Your Power, the full recording is now available to watch anytime.