HRC North Carolina marks 30 years with statewide focus at 2026 dinner

Annual gala in Charlotte to honor rural LGBTQ+ leaders amid tight political races in the state

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:51am

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HRC North Carolina is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a statewide focus at its annual dinner on March 21, 2026 in Charlotte. The event will honor leaders from rural and smaller communities across the state, reflecting a recognition that visibility and infrastructure for LGBTQ+ advocacy are unevenly distributed. With competitive federal and state-level races on the horizon, organizers say the dinner will bring together a diverse array of voices to celebrate the past and chart the path forward.

Why it matters

North Carolina is expected to be a political battleground in 2026, with tight races at the federal and state levels. HRC North Carolina's annual dinner serves as a barometer for the state's political and cultural landscape, bringing together longtime advocates, emerging leaders, and a range of perspectives from across the state. By highlighting the work of rural and smaller-community LGBTQ+ leaders, the event aims to elevate voices and experiences that are often overlooked, underscoring the importance of local-level advocacy and representation.

The details

The 30th anniversary dinner, themed "30 Years Fit for a Queen," will feature a mix of celebration and strategic focus. In addition to performances by the One Voice Chorus and comedian Dana Goldberg, the program will honor two award recipients: Asheboro Latinxs Services (ALS), a rural-based organization serving Latinx and LGBTQ+ residents, and MacGregor VanBeurden, founding president of the LGBTQ+ Democrats of Catawba County. Organizers say the goal is to spotlight leaders beyond the state's largest cities, "not just Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Durham people, but folks from across the state who are taking the fight to where our people are."

  • HRC North Carolina's annual dinner will be held on March 21, 2026.
  • The organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

The players

HRC North Carolina

A state chapter of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the United States.

Cameron Pruette

A national Board of Governors member and leader with HRC North Carolina.

Sarah Castleman

The steering committee chair and co-chair of the 2026 HRC North Carolina dinner.

Brian Femminella

A steering committee member and co-chair of the 2026 HRC North Carolina dinner.

Asheboro Latinxs Services (ALS)

A rural-based organization serving Latinx and LGBTQ+ residents, as well as people living with HIV/AIDS, in Asheboro, North Carolina.

MacGregor VanBeurden

The founding president of the LGBTQ+ Democrats of Catawba County.

JD Mazuera Arias

A Charlotte City Councilmember representing District 5, one of the city's most diverse communities.

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What they’re saying

“North Carolina is going to be at the center of the political universe this year. What happens in North Carolina will affect each of us living here, but it will also affect the country and the world.”

— Cameron Pruette, National Board of Governors member and leader with HRC North Carolina (qnotescarolinas.com)

“Our 30th anniversary is coming up on March 21. We're super excited to celebrate. Thirty years of HRC's impact in North Carolina is huge.”

— Sarah Castleman, Steering committee chair and co-chair of the 2026 HRC North Carolina dinner (qnotescarolinas.com)

“The biggest change is making it more focused on everybody across the state, not just Charlotte or Raleigh. We're focusing on people who are on the ground doing the work that are often overlooked.”

— Brian Femminella, Steering committee member and co-chair of the 2026 HRC North Carolina dinner (qnotescarolinas.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This 30th anniversary dinner highlights HRC North Carolina's efforts to amplify the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ leaders across the state, from rural communities to urban centers. By honoring grassroots advocates and emerging political figures, the event underscores the importance of local-level representation and activism, especially as North Carolina braces for a pivotal election cycle.