QnotesCarolinas

A hostile environment isn't just harmful to LGBTQ+ people. It can be bad for business, too.

A new LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index shows support for LGBTQ+ inclusion continues to decline in many states, including South Carolina, which ranked among the lowest in the nation. North Carolina ranked 27th.

Researchers found that many workers, especially younger generations, consider LGBTQ+ protections and inclusive workplace policies when deciding where to live and work. Businesses that fail to create welcoming environments risk losing talent, customers and economic opportunities.

The report argues that LGBTQ+ inclusion is more than a social issue. It's increasingly a business and economic development issue as well.

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A hostile LGBTQ+ environment is bad for business - QnotesCarolinas.com A new report finds the LGBTQ business climate continues to decline, creating challenges for employers seeking to attract and retain talent.

A legal challenge led by U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty resulted in the removal of Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center.

Beatty argued that the Kennedy Center board exceeded its authority when it voted to rename the institution in late 2025, contending that only Congress has the power to change the name of the federally chartered arts center.

A federal judge agreed, ruling that the Kennedy Center must retain its designation as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

Beatty, a longtime LGBTQ+ ally and member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, said the case was about preserving the rule of law and the institution's historic mission.

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Trump name removed from Kennedy Center after legal challenge A legal challenge led by Rep. Joyce Beatty resulted in Donald Trump's name being removed from the Kennedy Center and its official materials.

A new South Carolina law is changing how transgender students navigate college campuses.

The Carolina Student Physical Privacy Act requires students, faculty and staff at public schools and universities to use bathrooms based on s*x assigned at birth or seek out single-user facilities.

Advocates argue the law creates additional barriers for transgender students, while supporters say it is intended to protect privacy in shared spaces.

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Searching for a bathroom? - QnotesCarolinas.com South Carolina's transgender bathroom law is creating new challenges for college students seeking accessible restroom facilities on campus.

A small North Carolina town has officially rejected Pride Month.

Leaders in Ronda, a Wilkes County town of about 400 residents, unanimously approved a proclamation declaring June "Faith, Family and Freedom Month" in response to Gov. Josh Stein's recognition of Pride Month.

Supporters described the measure as a reflection of community values, while critics argued it uses faith as a political tool to marginalize LGBTQ+ people and erase their visibility.

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Ronda, North Carolina proclamation officially rejects Pride month - QnotesCarolinas.com Ronda town leaders approved a proclamation rejecting Pride Month and declaring June "Faith, Family and Freedom Month" instead.

Looking for a way to celebrate Juneteenth in the Charlotte region?

Communities across Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Gaston counties are hosting festivals, performances, educational programs, art events and community celebrations honoring Black freedom, history and culture.

Whether you're looking to learn, reflect, celebrate or connect with your community, there are plenty of opportunities to commemorate Juneteenth throughout the week.

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Juneteenth celebrations across the Charlotte region - QnotesCarolinas.com From festivals and performances to educational programs, here are Juneteenth celebrations happening across Charlotte and the surrounding region.

For Amanda Weatherspoon, self-love isn't a destination. It's a lifelong practice.

She serves as the first Black q***r minister at the Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte and is dedicated to creating spaces where people feel seen, valued and loved.

In our latest Our People profile, Weatherspoon discusses faith beyond Christianity, building community through One Voice Chorus, finding joy in everyday life and why loving yourself is a radical act.

"Love is a radical act. And loving yourself is revolutionary."

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Our People: Amanda Weatherspoon - QnotesCarolinas.com Meet Amanda Weatherspoon, a q***r minister whose work in Charlotte is centered on spirituality, community and radical self-love.

Who will be Charlotte's next mayor?

More than 110 people have applied to replace Mayor Vi Lyles, who will step down June 30 before the end of her fifth term.

The applicant pool includes familiar political figures such as former Mayor Jennifer Roberts, Mayor Pro Tem James Mitchell, state Sen. Caleb Theodros, former Mecklenburg County Commission Chair Harold Cogdell Jr., and longtime civic leader Mike Evans.

City Council is expected to interview eligible candidates before voting on an interim mayor June 22.

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Who will be Charlotte’s next mayor? - QnotesCarolinas.com More than 110 people applied to become Charlotte's interim mayor after Vi Lyles announced her resignation. Here's who could be selected.

Two of the nation's top election forecasters now rate former Gov. Roy Cooper as the favorite to win the seat, potentially making him the first Democrat to represent North Carolina in the U.S. Senate in more than a decade.

Analysts point to Cooper's statewide name recognition and Whatley's lower profile with voters as key factors behind the shift.

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North Carolina’s Senate race no longer a toss-up, top with Cooper in the lead - QnotesCarolinas.com New election forecasts move North Carolina's Senate race out of toss-up territory, citing Roy Cooper's lead over Republican Michael Whatley.