Sexuality Equity Center, Lowcountry In Transition, Palmetto Community Care, and We Are Family will present the Charleston LGBTQ+ Mayoral Forum. The forum will be free and open to the public, and held on Tuesday, October 17th, 2023, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at Union Station (652A King Street).
This groundbreaking forum will be attended by all six candidates vying for the position of Mayor of Charleston, providing a unique opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to engage directly with the individuals who may soon lead the city.
The event will be moderated by WCBD news anchor Carolyn Murray. The candidates will tackle topics related to LGBTQ+ rights, including the city's growth and development, healthcare, housing, employment, and public safety.
“The Charleston LGBTQ+ Mayoral Forum is an event of profound significance, offering a platform for all six mayoral candidates in Charleston to connect directly with LGBTQ+ constituents and allies,” said Chase Glenn, Executive Director of the Alliance For Full Acceptance and AFFA Action. “The evening promises to be a remarkable display of civic engagement and an opportunity for candidates to affirm their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality.”
“This forum will bring a diverse perspective about change to policymakers when representation is at the forefront of all decisions,” said Regina Duggins, Founder of Charleston Black Pride. “Representation has to matter to all elected officials in order to properly service their constituents in an equitable manner.”
“At a time when the LGBTQ+ community faces increasing adversity in equal protections, this forum is an important step in informing the community on the candidates committed to their protection,” said Loraine Cook-Holcombe, CEO of Charleston Pride. “It provides the candidates an opportunity to hear the concerns of their constituents directly, while promoting visibility of Charleston's LGBTQ+ citizens.”
“This event will be a wonderful opportunity to empower our diverse LGBTQ+ students to gain the knowledge needed to become advocates for their campus community and learn more about the important policies and people that may directly impact their lives,” said Naomi Simmons, Director of the College of Charleston Gender & Sexuality Equity Center.
“It's important that our leaders understand and address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals – particularly those of us who are transgender,” said the leadership of Lowcountry In Transition. “We look forward to hearing the candidates speak to some of the issues that are most important to us.”
“We believe no one living with HIV should go without quality healthcare, stable housing, and emotional support,” said Brad Childs, CEO of Palmetto Community Care. “It is important that policymakers understand how the lack of HIV education and the stigma still greatly impact our southern LGBTQI+ communities. We are steadfast with those we serve.”
“This forum underscores a critical opportunity for mayoral candidates to articulate a vision for intentionally engaging with topics most pressing and salient within Charleston’s LGBTQ+ community and its intersections,” said Domenico Ruggerio, the Executive Director of We Are Family– the LGBTQ+ youth serving nonprofit. “Engaging with all candidates at this event can help us ensure our public servants are aligned to their words and actions.”
This event is free and open to all. Registration online is preferred where attendees can submit their candidate questions for consideration.
