Hayco Pride

Haywood County Pride is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more inclusive and equitable Haywood County. Together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or socio-economic status. Explore our website to learn more about our programs, events, and how you can get involved in creating a more inclusive future for all.

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Haywood County Pride is a coalition of LGBTQIA+ individuals, allies, and supportive organizations united behind a shared vision of an inclusive and safe community for the people of Haywood County, NC.


The HayCo HOller

  • Unveiling Creativity: Our Latest Art Build Journey

    Unveiling Creativity: Our Latest Art Build Journey

    At HayCo Pride, creativity and community go hand in hand, and that was especially evident during our recent art build. With our much-anticipated October 5th event just around the corner, we gathered to bring a key aspect of the celebration to life: our signs. These aren’t just any signs—they’re vibrant expressions of the spirit and…

  • HayCo Pride: Returning to our Roots

    HayCo Pride: Returning to our Roots

    In this issue, we reflect on the importance of honoring LGBTQIA+ history and culture. Explore HayCo Pride’s emphasis on creating an inclusive and accessible community, breaking the barriers seen in larger pride events. You’re invited to our Queer Culture Celebration on October 5th, showcasing cultural activities and programs that honor the past and embrace the…

  • Get Involved as a Volunteer for Queer Culture Celebration at HART Theater!

    Get Involved as a Volunteer for Queer Culture Celebration at HART Theater!

    Calling all Volunteers! We need your help for the day-of event for our Queer Culture Celebration on October 5th, 2024, 10am to 5pm at HART Theater in Waynesville, NC. We need volunteers for: Pre-Event Set-Up Free Market Set-Up Traffic Control Breakdown and Cleanup Safety and Security First Aid Media Contacts Mural Set-Up Mural Management Social…

  • Contribute to Stonewall Legacy: Donate to Our Mutual Aid Fund Today!

    Contribute to Stonewall Legacy: Donate to Our Mutual Aid Fund Today!

    In honor of the 1969 Stonewall Riots that sparked the Pride marches we cherish today, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our Stonewall Mutual Aid Fund! We’re aiming to raise $1,969 to support community members in overcoming financial barriers to gender-affirming care and services. Here’s how you can help: Together, let’s continue the legacy…

  • Join HayCo Pride at the Art & Archive Build for Queer Culture Celebration

    Join HayCo Pride at the Art & Archive Build for Queer Culture Celebration

    When? September 7th, 2024 at 12PM Noon Where? Haywood County Library We’re getting ready for our Queer Culture Celebration and you can too by joining us at the Art & Archive Build! This gathering invites you to create collaborative art in preparation for our October 5th celebration and to contribute to a project specific to…

  • Share your Queer Appalachia

    Share your Queer Appalachia

    At HayCo Pride, we’re building a living, breathing archive that celebrates the vibrant experiences of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals with ties to Haywood County. Our Queer Archive Collective is a growing collection of oral histories, personal narratives, and artifacts that reflect our community’s unique and diverse stories. We believe every story matters, and we want to hear…

  • Rethinking July 4th

    Rethinking July 4th

    The celebration of America’s independence on July 4th involves complex historical truths often overlooked. European settlers’ violent takeover of land and economic factors of the American Revolution still impact marginalized communities today. Highlighting ongoing struggles for equality, this July 4th calls for critical reflection and commitment to justice and inclusivity for all.

  • ICYMI: Haywood County’s First Ever Pride Parade

    ICYMI: Haywood County’s First Ever Pride Parade

    Haywood County’s first-ever Pride Parade took place on Main Street this weekend, and HayCo Pride was thrilled to take part in this historic moment! We arrived early to check in, equipped with coloring pages, stickers, streamers, signs, and flags. Building on a legacy rich in Pride and solidarity in Haywood County history, the atmosphere was…

  • spotlight on: ashten mckinney

    spotlight on: ashten mckinney

    Spotlight on Ashten McKinney, a Transgender/Gender Queer artist and faith leader in Haywood County. Their work provides a beacon of hope for the LGBTQIA+ community, promoting inclusivity and compassion.

  • QUEER CULTURE REC: Y’all Means All

    QUEER CULTURE REC: Y’all Means All

    The emerging voices queering appalachia Looking for something to read this week? Here’s a #QueerCultureRec straight from these hollers we call home. Y’all Means All: The Emerging Voices Queering Appalachiaedited by Z. Zane McNeill ISBN: 9781629639147 Paperback: 256 pages Publisher: PM Press (2022) Y’all Means All: The Emerging Voices Queering Appalachia amplifies the quirks and…