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It’s been offering same-sex benefits since it started its health coverage plan in the early 1990s and recently hired a Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, as well as doing multiple collaboration beers where some of the profit goes to LGBTQ+ organizations.
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New Belgium sits in between West Asheville and Downtown and is a great spot for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community that wants to grab a beer and hang out without having to worry about whether they’ll be safe or welcome. It hosts the Stonewall Sports League kickoff party and has a bunch of pool tables and corn-hole boards, as well as an outdoor patio which makes for a laid-back vibe and fun place to meet locals. Be ready to buck up $7 as O.Henry’s is a private club, but once you’ve paid, your membership is good for the entire year.īanks Ave is in the hip South Slope neighborhood and is a great spot for drag shows, dancing, and karaoke. There aren’t many places that specifically carve out space for the LGBTQ+ community in Asheville, but this is one of them. It has a couple of pool tables and often has drag shows and other live entertainment. It’s located downtown and is close enough to a few hotels that you can easily walk to and from it without having to get in the car. O.Henry’s is the oldest gay bar in North Carolina. Be on the lookout for the Drag Brunch events as tickets go quickly and proceeds benefit local LGBTQ+ youth groups. The rainbow sticker on the door is more than just lip service as the staff and space inside both talk the talk and walk the walk. It’s the place where you can see someone whose star is on the rise, and then in five or six years say, “I saw them play in Asheville.” The Avett Brothers and Sharon Jones both belted out sets here. Photo: Explore bands and artists frequent the Grey Eagle. Besides being a magnificent spot for finding a one-of-a-kind gift, Horse and Hero are also supporters of the #shopforequality day that supports LGBTQ+ rights. It’s located downtown and has a great selection of prints, cards, stickers, and more. There are several galleries and shops in Asheville that sell products made by local artists, and Horse and Hero is one of the coolest. The art scene in Asheville is one of the major attractions for both locals and tourists. It also frequently posts on social media photos of local LGBTQ+ weddings for which they provided the floral arrangements. You can feel good about purchasing a souvenir or gift as this business is one of several in Asheville that supports the Campaign for Southern Equality by donating some of its proceeds during the winter holidays. They lovingly filled the shop with uniquely arranged potted plants and terrariums. Visiting Flora is like stepping into an oasis of calm.