5 Things to Know - 10/1/26
1. Walk With AFFA at Charleston Pride
Join AFFA as we take to the streets for the 17th Annual Charleston Pride Parade and Festival!
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, we'll be walking and riding through historic Downtown Charleston—and we want you with us. Whether you walk alongside our group or ride on our float, everyone who registers gets a free AFFA shirt.
Parade kicks off at 9:00 AM at Wragg Square
Festival tabling from 12:00–5:00 PM at Building 64
Want to help at our festival table? Fill out our volunteer form.
Want to walk or ride with our float? Register here.
2. A Place of Our Own – Call for Submissions
We're excited to share an opportunity from Charleston-based photographer Victor Garcia. Victor is creating A Place of Our Own, an ongoing documentary portrait series celebrating queer families and households across the South—the homes, rituals, and everyday lives they build together.
If you or someone in your network is interested in participating, you can review the project and apply directly. No private information is collected through AFFA—all submissions go straight to Victor.
Interested in participating? Fill out an interest form here.
3. Participate in SUD Treatment Research with USC CARES Center
The USC CARES Center is seeking participants for a research study aimed at improving access to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment—with particular attention to LGBTQ+ communities.
Who they're looking for:
People 18+ in recovery who completed formal SUD treatment at least 6 months ago
Providers involved in SUD care (addiction specialists, mental health professionals, peer support specialists, etc.)
Participation includes interviews and focus groups, and compensation is provided.
Express participant interest here, or participant interest here.
4. YWCA Greater Charleston: Building Bridges Workshop
Join YWCA Greater Charleston for Building Bridges, a one-day workshop designed to help participants identify and work through stereotypes, heal from internalized oppression, and reclaim pride in their background—while building bridges with others.
This full day workshop, led by certified facilitators, consists of an introduction to a series of incremental, experiential activities that help participants to:
Celebrate their similarities and differences
Recognize the misinformation they have learned about various groups, including their own
Identify and begin to heal from internalized oppression
Claim pride in group identity
Understand the personal impact of discrimination and mistreatment through the telling of stories
Learn hands-on tools for dealing effectively with prejudicial jokes, remarks, and slurs
October 9, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
Register for this event here.
5. Check Out AFFA's Community Calendar
Our community calendar is packed this month—from Charleston Pride celebrations to Halloween events across the State. Stay connected with everything happening in our community.
Check out our community calendar here.
