Charlotte Artist Ali Steele Shares His Vibrant Journey

From music and entrepreneurship to community work, Steele embraces his multifaceted identity as a Black gay man in the South.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Ali Steele, a proud Charlottean, shares his artistic journey and experiences as a Black gay man in the South. From music and entrepreneurship to community work, Steele embraces his multifaceted identity and commitment to healing, love, and empowerment through various creative outlets.

Why it matters

Steele's story highlights the resilience and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community in the South, where individuals often face challenges but choose to stand in their strength and truth. His commitment to self-love, community, and using his talents to uplift others serves as an inspiring example.

The details

Steele, who was born and raised in Charlotte, has tried living in other cities but always finds himself drawn back to his hometown. As a Black gay man, he has faced bullying and discrimination but has chosen to fight rather than flee, standing up for himself and others in the LGBTQ+ community. Steele is a multifaceted individual - a nature lover, community health worker, and artist who expresses himself through music, entrepreneurship, and hosting events that promote holistic living and African spirituality.

  • Steele has been writing and performing music since the age of 18.
  • In 2018, Steele took a trip to Ghana to study the Akhan people and learn about hand-made crafting with African brass.
  • Steele currently works as a linkage to care coordinator at Quality Comprehensive Health Center, a role he finds very rewarding.

The players

Ali Steele

A proud Charlottean and creative artist who expresses himself through music, entrepreneurship, and community work.

Zed

Steele's fiancé, who is from Mississippi and working on his doctorate in the medical field as a mental health practitioner.

Steele's sister

A realtor in Charlotte who works to help people of color become homeowners.

Steele's father

Steele has seven other siblings, two boys and five girls, from his father.

Quality Comprehensive Health Center

The organization where Steele is employed as a linkage to care coordinator, assisting clients with their care and needs for housing, food, and medicine.

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What they’re saying

“You have to go the way your blood beats. If you don't live the only life you have, you won't live some other life, you won't live any life at all.”

— James Baldwin, Famed author and social justice warrior

“My mother is my biggest supporter and my best friend. I didn't really give my family a choice but to accept me. I just didn't take no for an answer.”

— Ali Steele (qnotescarolinas.com)

“With him I can always be myself and I'm accepted for all of that I am, good or bad. That's hard to come by in this lifetime.”

— Ali Steele (qnotescarolinas.com)

What’s next

Steele plans to continue his artistic and community-focused work, including potentially repeating a favorite hike to a waterfall near Nina Simone's house for Black History Month.

The takeaway

Steele's story exemplifies the power of self-love, authenticity, and using one's talents to uplift and empower others, even in the face of adversity. His multifaceted journey as a Black gay man in the South serves as an inspiration for embracing one's full identity and making a positive impact in the community.