In a full-circle moment, North South Hospitality has taken over State of Beer.
It was on a long wooden table inside the OG State of Beer on Hillsborough Street that the North South Hospitality team sketched out most of the plans for their now-ubersuccessful concepts Gussie’s and Hippo Wine Bar. So when the Trophy Brewing team approached them about taking over the beloved bar, bottle shop and eatery, it was a no-brainer.
“When we were falling in love with Raleigh, State of Beer comes to mind as one of the places that helped with that,” reflects North South’s Katie O’Kane, noting the relationship they’ve built with the Trophy team over the years. “Choosing us as the right fit to usher State of Beer into the next phase is, honestly, the most flattering thing in the world.”
For more than a decade, SOB has been woven into the city’s F&B fabric. But while the Trophy crew admits their time on Hillsborough Street was ticking away, they didn’t want the concept to just disappear. “We’ve been big fans of the Gussie’s folks and the way they run their business for a while,” says Trophy co-owner Chris Powers.
As such, much of what locals love about SOB will remain intact. The name will live on, as will much of the staff—“The ‘Lady of the Ladle’ is still very much here,” assures O’Kane. The beer program and familiar fare will stay put as well—though North South isn’t ruling out thoughtful tweaks based on community feedback down the road.
One big upgrade is already on deck: a fleshed-out cocktail program aimed at bolstering evening business. O’Kane assures it won’t simply mirror Gussie’s menu, but there will be more spirits behind the bar.
“It’s so great to hear what people love about the place, and it echoes a lot of what we love about it,” maintains North South’s Vance Daniels. “We’re certainly not here to change that. It’s more to build upon the amazing things already here.”
For Daniels and O’Kane, that preservation is the responsibility that comes with inheriting a local institution. “[Raleigh’s] growth is coming with a lot of change, and I think that’s great,” says Daniels. “But having something that’s been here for 12 years now is important to the neighborhood’s identity—to Raleigh’s identity.”
Judging by the reaction to the announcement, it’s clear the local love for North South runs deep—and they’re eager to see how the Gussie’s gurus shepherd the iconic spot into its next era.
Raleigh’s next big bet: Plans in the works for living creative district Areté
What makes humanity human? For locals Diana Dotter and Steve Hepler, it’s the arts. But while Raleigh has become a powerhouse for tech, life sciences and business, there’s a growing sentiment that the city’s creative infrastructure hasn’t kept pace. It’s a gap the dynamic duo hopes to fill with Areté Creative District, a hub for Triangle artists to live, work and collaborate under one dome—while making the area a destination for digital media and entertainment.
Raleigh’s creative gap is nothing new. In April of last year, North Carolina Theatre—Raleigh’s largest professional live musical theater company for 40 years—shut down after declaring bankruptcy and failing to acquire state funding. To boot, many individuals and businesses have voiced struggles securing rehearsal space, artists of all mediums have a hard time finding community, and the city has seen a shrinkage in big-name festivals. Dotter and Hepler have witnessed those challenges firsthand and began envisioning Areté about a year ago to address them—and then some.
Norwich University of the Arts
The name (ah-reh-TAY)—which comes from an ancient Greek term meaning “the fullest expression of creative human potential”—mirrors the standard of the self-sustaining district, which would provide creative opportunities for cross-pollination, collaboration, education and employment across all arts sectors: film and television, theater, visual arts, digital media, design, music, dance and beyond.
“I think artists are incredibly important to humanity,” emphasizes Dotter, who spent 20 years in digital media and entertainment, producing feature films, short films, documentaries and content for corporations. “Artists are the beacon in chaos, the beacons in change. They are the people who hold the mirror up to society and say, ‘This is what’s happening,’ and ‘Is this who we want to be?’”
Not just a project, but a living, breathing ecosystem—and a prolific one at that—Areté’s campus would be divided into six zones: an AI and digital creative lab, a digital sound stage, a black box theater, indoor and outdoor performance venues, artist housing, and year-round festival grounds.
While there are comparable creative campuses across the globe, many offer only portions of what Areté includes, maintains Dotter. Read: It wouldn’t just fill Raleigh’s arts gap—it would be the first-of-its kind district in the country, serving the $1+ trillion U.S. creative economy and 8.5 million Americans employed in creative sectors.
One major differentiator: The district would boast the largest LED digital sound stage between Atlanta and DC—at 75-feet, enabling large-scale productions—opening up opportunities for film partnerships with big names like Amazon and Netflix.
With potential strategic partnerships spanning businesses, schools and other cultural institutions—including local theaters—Areté would also give the next generation of artists a landing spot coming out of college, as well as provide resources and locations for training.
“We have some great theaters doing their thing, but there’s no one place for them to land once they graduate, so they’re forced to go to LA, New York, Atlanta,” says Dotter. “And so we lose this creative brain power, that workforce, to other markets.”
Guangzhou Senke Electronics Co.
In addition to bolstering artistic contributions to the economy through direct employment in the arts, media tech and event production, Areté will serve the public via weekly programming in partnership with existing theaters, arts orgs and creatives like intimate black box productions, orchestral concerts, dance and comedy showcases, art installations, performances, and festivals—to name just a few activations—in the hopes of “attracting tourism, serving existing businesses and attracting new businesses to the region,” adds Dotter.
The district would also embrace AI as part of the creative future—rather than treating it as a threat—putting Raleigh at the forefront of the AI boom and giving artists already using the technology the opportunity to help shape the industry and create original work. “It’s here—it’s part of our future,” says Dotter.
The AI lab—along with sound stage rentals, rehearsal and performance space, education and certificate programs, artist housing, festivals, corporate partnerships and naming, and grants and philanthropy—will help generate revenue to fund arts operations.
As of now, Dotter and Hepler are still trying to find a site for the district, noting central locations like Downtown South and Dix Park as strong contenders—the latter given it’s already a campus with existing buildings that could be converted into artist housing, for instance, explains Hepler. Moving forward, the pair plans to host a stakeholder breakfast in the fall with civic, academia, private and philanthropic leaders, followed by a feasibility and impact study, and a public one-day creative economy conference where they’ll officially launch the narrative.
Like Research Triangle Park, Raleigh has the opportunity to be at the forefront of a visionary artistic movement with Areté’s game-changing one-of-a-kind campus—a move that would prove Oak City’s creative community is not just an amenity, but a foundation.
“This whole concept is really about human potential,” suggests Dotter. “The infrastructure that gets built now defines who leads the creative economy for the next 20 years.”
Update July 2, 2026: The Wilmington Street Station Parking Deck won’t be sold—for now.
The offer to purchase the popular Downtown parking deck has been withdrawn, so City Council will no longer consider the proposed sale. The move follows an outpouring of public concern from business owners, employees and Downtown visitors over the future of one of Raleigh’s busiest public parking decks.
In a statement, the City said: “We can confirm the offer to purchase the Wilmington Street garage was withdrawn. We recognize the offer created a lot of conversation in the community. We also recognize that this offer potentially provided opportunities to address the City’s stated goal to improve the financial stability of our parking program. As the City grows, we continue to look for efficiencies in our systems so that our residents’ tax dollars deliver the highest level of services for the City.”
What’s next remains to be seen. It’s unclear whether the city will continue looking for another buyer. In the meantime, it’s business as usual: The city-owned garage remains under city control, and the two-hour free parking program stays in place.
Stay tuned for updates.
ORIGINAL PUBLICATION:
A buyer has shown interest in purchasing the Wilmington Street deck—putting free DTR parking on the line.
Downtown parking is in jeopardy again. The City of Raleigh is seeking approval from Council to move forward on selling the Wilmington Street Station Parking Deck—a move that already has sparked concerns from DTR businesses and employees.
Not only is the deck used for patrons visiting surrounding spots like Marbles, Landmark and Centro, but it has the highest usage of all decks participating in the free two-hour parking program, and ~50% of Small Business parking permits are used there.
Downtown Raleigh Alliance President/CEO Bill King says it is likely the new undisclosed owners would make it a 24/7 paid deck, stressing the sale would have a negative effect on nearby businesses—and Downtown as a whole. “This would be a big blow to Downtown,” he emphasizes. “We can’t afford to have fewer people visiting this area.”
The Transportation Department originally intended to put out an RFI on the Wilmington Street deck in the spring to gauge interest in selling the facility, but during the preparation, the City received an offer to purchase the deck outright. Now foregoing the RFI and public input, the City is asking Council for approval at the July 7 meeting to start the statutory upset-bid process.
The move comes after a handful of City-proposed efforts to offset the projected $8 million FY27 budget shortfall in its parking fund. Changes increasing off- and on-street parking while keeping the first two hours free in select decks will be implemented as soon as Aug. 1.
While those increases were allegedly supposed to cover the budget shortfall, City of Raleigh Public Information Officer Julia Milstead says, “Even with proposed increases to hourly, daily and monthly rates as part of the City’s adopted FY27 budget, there still remains a gap in funding to support the ongoing maintenance and operational needs [of these structures],” pointing to the deck’s “tax burden” on residents.
“We want to serve every child, regardless of income, financial status or resources. We’re trying to be as accessible [as possible] so that every child who wants to come to Marbles can—so having that deck right across the street is hugely impactful for us.” —Jonathan Frederick, Marbles Kids Museum
Marbles Kids Museum CEO Jonathan Frederick, who opposes the sale, stresses the deck is a critical source of free, accessible parking—and selling it would cause potential long-term impacts on both Marbles and the vitality of Downtown.
“Everyone that operates something down here really, really appreciates having that deck nearby—and what the city has done with the two hours free,” he says, adding that over half of Marbles’ guests use the Wilmington Street deck. “Eliminating this option creates real barriers—especially for families traveling with young children—and cannot be replaced by parking blocks away or with routes through the bus station.” Not to mention, he adds, a paid deck may price families out, leading to a drop in visitation and a threat to Marbles’ business model.
DRA is calling on the City to at least finish the parking study before selling. “We encourage the City to take the time to fully understand the value of each deck,” stresses King, “and to do the ground work and get public opinion before making any decision.”
Emailing City Council can also make a difference. Voice your opinions via [email protected].
If there’s one thing the pandemic taught us, it’s how much Raleigh loves being outside. In an era of social isolation and shuttered spaces, parks, trails and greenways became more than amenities—they became lifelines: respites for calm, connection and movement during a time of uncertainty and seclusion. So it was little surprise that Raleigh voters approved a hefty $275 million Parks Bond referendum in 2022, funding 23 projects across the city.
“Post-pandemic, people had a renaissance—they discovered [or rediscovered] Raleigh’s parks and greenway systems,” reflects Stephen Bentley, director of the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, adding that regardless of the pandemic these projects are a priority for the community. “Parks were our front yard and backyard. … We’re pretty fortunate Raleigh put [the bond] on the ballot after the pandemic.”
With touching grass now part of our daily routines, Raleigh’s investment in parks reflects a broader commitment to access, equity and the outdoors. Now, those Bond plans are beginning to take shape, with $65 million already spent in the largest investment in public parks in NC history, and a host of groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings anticipated in the next couple of years.
“As we grow larger as a city, one of our goals is to bring neighbors and strangers together to build community, and these projects will certainly do that,” adds Bentley—as well as support Raleigh residents’ mental and physical health.
From reimagined neighborhood parks to expanded greenway connections and renovated community centers, these projects reflect a city investing not just in recreation, but in how people gather, move and live—meeting Raleighites where they are: outside. The result is a Raleigh that doesn’t just love the outdoors—it’s actively building a future around it.
For years, the pool at John Chavis Memorial Park was more than a place to cool off—it was a rare refuge in a then-segregated city, the only park in Raleigh where African Americans were allowed to swim. Now, years after its closure, water is finally returning to the historic site.
As part of Phase 2 of the Chavis Park Master Plan, the city is building a new all-ages aquatic center featuring children’s, competition and indoor therapy pools, alongside an outdoor lazy river and two-story waterslide. But for many residents, the project represents something bigger than amenities.
“The community has been hoping and fighting to get an aquatics facility back at this park,” says EVOKE associate principal and project architect Steven Haardt, “so this facility has a meaningful impact for them in terms of aquatics.”
EVOKE Studio Architecture
The design itself draws inspiration from the park’s iconic Carousel House, delivering an airy crown-like structure wrapping the aquatic center. Glass walls visually connect the co-located indoor and outdoor pools, creating an open, communal atmosphere, says project manager Vershaé Hite.
“[The design] is very much meant to create something that’s celebratory and that becomes a destination for not just the city of Raleigh, but for people throughout the region,” says Edwin Harris, EVOKE cofounder + principal design lead.
More than a new aquatic center, though, the project restores a gathering place generations of Raleigh families have long fought to reclaim—reviving a space that has carried deep cultural significance for decades.
With Raleigh’s only dedicated teen center, Tarboro isn’t just a neighborhood park—it’s a community gathering place generations of East Raleigh residents have grown up in. Now, a sweeping redesign aims to modernize the aging campus while preserving the energy and programs that have long made it a staple.
“This place is filled with good memories—the programs just need a better building to facilitate and expand the fun,” says HH Architecture partner/CEO Kristen Hess, whose Raleigh-based firm is leading the project.
Building off of the historic site’s roots while upping its standards of play is a new community center, outdoor amenities and recreational features—plus upgrades to the St. Monica Teen Center, which occupies a circa-1930s Catholic school.
“The teen center and community center work in tandem, and there are a lot of programs that reflect the energy the teens bring,” says project manager Kelly Walstrum. “That’s something we’re hoping to celebrate with the new building.”
With its prominent presence in the community and a BRT station planned for the southwest corner, the area surrounding Tarboro Road Park is poised to grow—positioning the park to evolve in tandem with the surrounding corridor.
Celebrating 50 years this year, Raleigh’s greenway is one of its greatest highlights and most-loved amenities—a ~115-mile network that sees hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
As part of the bond, “there was a high focus on neighborhood connectivity to our greenways,” says Bentley—as well as looking at future greenway opportunities. “I always hear from people that they want a more walkable and accessible parks system.”
Now adding another three miles to the already-expansive trail system, the Big Branch Greenway Connector will stretch from the Crabtree Creek Trail to Cedar Hills Park, closing a critical gap while linking neighborhoods to parks, schools, shops and future transit. Expected to benefit over 10,000 residents, the project also restores parts of Big Branch Creek and includes the highly anticipated Midtown Multimodal Bridge over the I-440 Beltline near North Hills.
Tucked into the woods surrounding Shelley Lake Park, Sertoma Arts Center has long functioned as more than an arts facility—it’s a creative refuge for generations of Raleigh artists, hobbyists and makers. And for many of the people who take classes here, it feels a little like a second home.
That sense of deep attachment is exactly why the city opted not to tear the building down. Instead, the longtime arts hub will be preserved, renovated and expanded—allowing the center to grow while maintaining the character locals love.
Known for programs spanning painting and drawing to metalworking, printmaking, sewing and its most popular, ceramics, the center has struggled to keep pace with demand in recent years.
To better accommodate demand while preserving its ’70s vibe, HH Architecture is knitting together the old and new portions of the building through an expansive lobby and angular roofline—creating a more welcoming new entrance designed to improve flow throughout.
A new addition on the main level will specifically support Sertoma’s booming ceramics program, while jewelry and fibers studios will be relocated to create more flexibility.
“We didn’t want to lose the character,” emphasizes Walstrum. Instead, the redesign aims to modernize the cherished arts hub while preserving the creative spirit that has made Sertoma a cornerstone of Raleigh’s arts scene.
Connecting landmarks like Chavis Park, Black Main Street, Pope House and the historic Fourth Ward, the South Park Heritage Trail is designed to do more than link prominent community spaces—it aims to tell the story of Raleigh’s African American history.
First envisioned around 2007 by the South Park and East Raleigh Neighborhood Association in collaboration with the NC State College of Design and its linguistic program, the heritage walk was created to honor more than a century of African American history, culture and contributions.
“It’s a long time coming,” says Design Workshop principal Emily McCoy, whose firm was selected for the project. “There’s a lot of excitement around it now that the money’s there.”
Snaking 3.5 miles through East Raleigh and DTR, the trail will upgrade existing sidewalks while integrating interpretive signage, wayfinding and public art—think plaques, decals, works by J. Stacy Utley and viewfinders which allow guests to visualize spaces that no longer exist.
McCoy says placekeeping remains central to the project: preserving the stories tied to these communities while helping future generations better understand the legacy they inherited.
East Raleigh’s South Park neighborhood remains one of the city’s most significant links to the past. Home to one of the state’s largest historic urban Black communities, the area is anchored by the John P. “Top” Greene African American Cultural Center—which preserves and celebrates the history of South Park and East Raleigh’s African American heritage.
Now, a major renovation and expansion aims to ensure those stories remain visible for generations to come. Plans call for a complete interior refresh, alongside expanded exhibits highlighting Raleigh’s Black history and culture. The addition of a collections room and state-of-the-art sound studio for recording oral histories and podcasts is also on deck. “That’s a really great feature for the city that we don’t currently have,” says Hess.
A new detached rear building connected by a covered walkway will add a community room, restrooms and catering/warming space while creating a welcoming front porch gathering space for visitors. Outside, works by local artist Dare Coulter will be integrated into a new central plaza.
Serving as the trailhead for the new South Park Heritage Trail, the cultural center further connects residents and visitors to the stories that shaped the neighborhood.
Long considered the beating heart of Raleigh’s Method community, the park is also one of the city’s oldest. Both the Berry O’Kelly/Harveleigh White Community Center and Pioneers Building are designated Raleigh Historic Landmarks and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The two remaining buildings from the former Berry O’Kelly trade school for African Americans carry deep historical significance: the nearly 100-year-old Pioneers Building once hosted shop classes, while the community center served as the school’s cafeteria and gymnasium.
In an effort to meet programming needs and better serve today’s residents, both buildings will see extensive interior renovations and upgrades. The Pioneers Building’s history room—like a museum exploring the school’s history and student body—will get completely new content from the City, including a new exhibit from artist Kulsum Tasnif. Meanwhile, the community center will receive upgraded athletic facilities, new multipurpose rooms, renovated bathrooms and a state-of-the-art weight-lifting room.
The broader site will also be reimagined, says Clark Nexsen principal/senior architect Jennifer Heintz, with a new central plaza anchoring the space alongside a splashpad and playground.
These improvements will help Method continue serving today’s community while creating a place that feels safe, welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Building on Dewitt Carolinas’ massive plans for The Exchange Raleigh—including a 4-acre greenspace with natural trails, water features, boutique retail and a year-round entertainment pavilion—an interim park is bringing new life to the site.
Set to launch around mid-June, the temporary outdoor activation—notably not part of the Parks Bond—will feature pickleball courts, a dog park, beer truck and garden, ice cream pop-up, movies, live tunes, and large stone seating installations designed to encourage gathering and lingering.
“We want the park to be a welcoming amenity for tenants, neighbors and visitors,” says Dewitt Property Development Manager Connor Saieed. “As we bring an exciting mix of events and new F&B vendors online in the next few months, we invite the community to come see what’s happening at The Exchange.”
Even before its official debut, the space has already hosted community events ranging from the 11th annual Touch-A-Truck—which drew ~3,000 attendees—to intimate yoga classes and pop-ups, serving an early glimpse at the development’s broader community-centered vision.
In a region where transgender rights remain under pressure, Raleigh continues carving out spaces for visibility, safety and belonging.
Every June, Raleigh turns up the volume and takes to the streets in full rainbow-colored force. It’s Pride Month—and in Oak City, it shows up loud.
No matter where you came from, how you identify or who you love, Raleigh Pride offers a chance to support the LGBTQ+ community and join the celebration—whether you’re there to educate yourself, rally behind a cause or just drop it low on the dance floor.
The monthlong fete spans a slew of diverse events across Raleigh—from drag performances and karaoke nights to runs, bar crawls, markets and, of course, Out! Raleigh Pride, now in its 14th year—hosted by myriad local businesses and organizations. Restaurants and bars get in on the action as well, with rainbow-colored dishes and drinks, locally made merch, and Pride-themed specials popping up across the city.
“In the last decade, the event has become an integral part of Raleigh’s Downtown culture, promoting diversity, awareness and a sense of belonging for the LGBTQIA+ community,” says Kori Hennessey, executive director of the LGBT Center of Raleigh. “Each year has been more successful than the last.”
This year also marks a major organizational shift, with Raleigh Pride folding into the LGBT Center after years of operating as separate nonprofits working in tandem.
More than just a fun celebration, Pride Month is also a way to give back—raising crucial funds for local nonprofits like the LGBT Center, Crape Myrtle Festival and the NC AIDS Alliance. Last year alone, tens of thousands of people—of all ages, races and genders—packed out Fayetteville Street for Out! Raleigh Pride.
But beneath the glitter, dance parties and rainbow cocktails is something deeper: ongoing conversations around identity, acceptance and visibility—especially as LGBTQ+ rights continue to face political and cultural scrutiny nationwide. Because nothing good comes from silence—and Raleigh has never been afraid of being loud and proud.
Living Out Loud
As political tensions rise around transgender rights, Raleigh’s LGBTQ+ community continues to fight for visibility, safety and belonging in the South.
HBO
“Being trans has been one of the great challenges of my life,” says Raleigh-raised Euphoria star, model and transgender rights activist Hunter Schafer. “It sucks I had to deal with it so young and I live in a world that’s constantly fighting me on it—and I’m still dealing with the ramifications today. But at the same time, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Hunter, who transitioned in high school while still living in North Carolina, is one of many people who has had to navigate gender identity in a world still grappling with understanding and acceptance of the queer community. And for many trans people, that tension has only intensified amid recent political battles and legislation targeting the community.
“When Hunter was transitioning in 2014, a large percentage of the population hardly knew anything about trans people or trans issues,” Hunter’s father, Mac Schafer, told Raleigh Magazine. “Real acceptance is seeing that trans people make the fabric of humanity better.”
But visibility hasn’t necessarily translated to acceptance. Today, more than 2.8 million Americans aged 13 and older identify as transgender, according to 2025 estimates—yet many basic transgender civil rights remain fiercely debated politically and culturally, even decades after watershed moments like Compton’s Cafeteria riot of 1966 and the Stonewall uprising of 1969.
The stakes are higher in the South, where LGBTQ+ rights battles have often played out more publicly—and more politically. “I hated North Carolina,” Hunter added in a candid October 2024 episode of Call Her Daddy. “Growing up there, being queer in the South—it’s not easy.”
According to LGBT Center of Raleigh Executive Director Kori Hennessey, some of the biggest barriers today include safe, affirming schooling for youths, health care, housing options, shelters and employment. It’s a vicious cycle: You lose your job solely based on discrimination, and you can no longer afford your home—let alone health care.
“I think we kind of live in a bubble,” adds Hennessey. “North Carolina is arguably a complicated place to live for being LGBTQ.”
For many North Carolinians, that tension isn’t hypothetical—it’s tied to a political history the state is still reckoning with. Case in point: the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act (aka HB2 or the “bathroom bill”), a highly controversial 2016 law that required people to use public restrooms that corresponded to the sex on their birth certificate.
Though it was repealed in 2017 and fully phased out by 2020, the state—and Raleigh—faced real consequences, drawing widespread backlash and losing economic investments, concerts and events, including the NBA All-Star game.
Hunter Schafer & family | AP Photo: Allen G. Breed
But debates surrounding transgender rights in North Carolina never fully went away. In March 2025, state Republicans introduced a similar bill to HB2 dubbed the Women’s Safety and Protection Act, which—in addition to requiring individuals to use public restrooms corresponding to their birth gender—would also restrict changing gender markers on licenses and birth certificates. As of press time, the bill has yet to move forward.
“There was a period of time when there was positive movement, education, learning, sensitivity and awareness in Raleigh,” says Mac, who served as the longtime pastor at Raleigh’s Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church—and is now based in Pennsylvania. “Sadly, in our present political environment, I feel we’re going backward.”
According to Hennessey, political and cultural pressures are already affecting how the LGBTQ+ community moves through daily life. While Raleigh generally feels more open and accepting than many parts of the state, they say, “folks still deal with certain levels of discrimination in the school system, working life, etc. Especially for trans folks, there definitely has been an uptick in people experiencing getting misgendered or having folks yell slurs at them. There are many who’ve been afraid to be out in public outside of the things they have to do.”
In turn, Hennessey says they’ve seen increased foot traffic at the LGBT Center, which recently moved to a new location Downtown—where it’s now able to bring its 20+ programs to the local LGBTQ+ community in a physical space for the first time since 2020.
“When a lot of things started coming down the pipeline and more public opinions were changing at a federal level, folks were just looking for a space to be able to process what was going on and not feel like they’re alone in this,” reflects Hennessey, noting people have even made the trek to the center from out of town just for that sense of community and belonging. “People have really appreciated having a space where they can metaphorically take the mask off and be themselves.”
Even amid the tensions, Raleigh has made visible strides. “I’ve now come to love [NC] because I can return there and know that I’m fierce and I don’t feel like a nuisance for existing,” said Hunter. That evolution is part of why many LGBTQ+ residents now see Raleigh as one of the more welcoming—and safer—places to be in the South, says Hennessey, though they hope the next few years bring a stronger collective push toward education and voter engagement.
“I appreciate that there’s representation within city departments and other spaces where people are able to have influence,” emphasizes Hennessey of Raleigh’s current state. “That’s a positive. And just the fact that we’re still able to do Pride… that gives me a little bit more hope.”
Stepping Up Support
Ways to show up for Raleigh’s LGBTQ+ community beyond Pride Month
Supporting Raleigh’s LGBTQ+ community doesn’t stop when Pride Month ends. “First and foremost, what needs to happen is just people coming together more,” says Hennessey. “There needs to be more organization and more solidarity among different parts of the community.”
They point to local orgs and businesses that regularly host events, fundraisers and volunteer opportunities that create safe spaces for people to be present, connect, learn—and grow. Even staying informed and having conversations about trans rights makes a difference. “We need as many people as we can to continue pushing for our rights and equity among us all,” adds Hennessey. “Listening to the needs of the community and showing up is more powerful than a lot of people recognize.”
