5 Things to Know - 5/16/25
1. Park Circle Pride Events You Won’t Want to Miss
AFFA is proud to take part in Park Circle Pride again this year, and the full schedule has been announced! Take a peek at where you'll find us throughout the week:
Tuesday, June 3 | 6:30-9:00 p.m. – Festival Kick-Off Party at Dig In The Park hosted by Brooke Collins with special guests and DJ Trevor D.
Wednesday, June 4 | 8:00-9:30.pm. – Brewing On Books at Commonhouse Aleworks hosted by Itinerant Literate Books and AFFA. Listen to a panel discussion on the Real Rainbow Row, Charleston LGBTQ+ history, and more, including College of Charleston Art Exhibit.
Friday, June 6th | 8:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. – Pride on Ann - Hop over to Ann Street for more fun at Dudley’s and Music Farm's block party! More info and tickets available here.
Saturday, June 7 | 2:00-8:00 p.m. – Pride Block Party & Day Rave at Commonhouse Aleworks featuring LGBTQ+ orgs, vendors, a DJ, and more.
Sunday, June 8 | 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Feminist Magic Market at Itinerant Literate Books with 60+ vendors and food trucks.
These are just the events where AFFA will have a presence (and you have a chance to volunteer!) — but we hope to see you out and about all week long!
2. Volunteer with AFFA at Park Circle Pride
Speaking of volunteering, we need your help to make this Pride season a success! AFFA is seeking volunteers to help table, greet, and connect with community members during Park Circle Pride events. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or brand new to the scene, we'd love to have you join us. Sign up to volunteer here!
3. May is Mental Health Awareness Month – and More
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time to acknowledge the importance of caring for our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health is especially vital in LGBTQ+ communities, where discrimination and stigma can take a significant toll. This month also holds several key dates for LGBTQ+ visibility and advocacy:
Saturday, May 17 – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia: A global day to stand against discrimination and support inclusive societies.
Monday, May 19 – Agender Pride Day and National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: Honoring agender folks and raising awareness around HIV/AIDS in API communities.
Thursday, May 22 – Harvey Milk Day: Celebrating the legacy of one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S.
Saturday, May 24 – Pansexual & Panromantic Awareness Day: A time to uplift pan identities and encourage greater understanding.
4. Volunteer Spotlight: Levin L.
This month we’re shining a light on Levin L., who has been volunteering with AFFA since the beginning of the year. Levin brings warmth, energy, and dedication to every event he attends. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outside, reading in his hammock, attending farmers markets, and nurturing his many plants and cats. Thank you, Levin, for all that you do!
5. QT Camp 2025 is Open for Registration!
QT Summer Camps are back! The Southeast’s only LGBTQIA+ day camp is happening again in Charleston, SC. With four sessions to choose from (June 9-13, June 16-20, July 7-11, July 14-18), campers ages 6–18 can enjoy affirming, community-driven programming Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Camp is FREE or sliding scale. Learn more and sign up at https://qtcamp.org.
Want to help us keep it going? Donate now.
