Social Groups and Organizations

OIA is happy to provide space free of charge for your group or organization listing on these pages. If you would like to list your group or organization, please send information by the 10th of the month to: editor@outinasheville.com. OIA reserves to right to refuse to run any listing it deems inappropriate and to edit for length.

SUPPORT/SOCIAL GROUPS

North Carolina

ALPs
Lesbian social group. For more info, call Nita at (828) 606-5364 or email to: alps_wnc@hotmail.com. Website: www.alpsofasheville.org

Amputee Support Group, WNC. Meets 2nd Thursday of each month starting May 2008, 6-7 pm at CarePartners Orthotics and Prosthetics, 639 Biltmore Ave, Asheville. Sponsored by CarePartners and facilitated by Jay Buchner (amputee). For more information, contact CarePartners at 828-254-3392 or Jay Buchner at 828-452-9475 or by email: amputeejay@yahoo.com

ASHEVILLE BRIDGE- Meets weekly, every other Monday evening or every other Sunday afternoon. Serious but social; moderate skills appreciated. Sign up and play whenever you like. No partner needed. Class forming for earnest beginners also. email to jafrle@yahoo.com

ASHEVILLE GAY MEN’S BOOK CLUB
For more info, email: ashevillebookclub@yahoo.com or call (828) 280-0497.

ASHEVILLE GAY MEN’S SUPPER CLUB
Call Thomas at (828) 337-03185 or email: cedarwinds@yahoo.com

ASHEVILLE VEGETARIANS
Vegan potluck 2nd Sunday each month at Earthfare. For more info call Mark, (828) 665-9279.

ASHEVILLE LAMBDA GROUP OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Meets each Friday night, 8 p.m. and Monday night, 7 p.m., at All Souls Cathedral. Call (828) 650-6677.

ASHEVILLE LAMBDA AL ANON
Every Friday, All Souls Cathedral, 8 p.m. Call: (828) 650-6677.

BOONE LGBT PARENTING GROUP FORMING
A group of LGBT folks with kids are going to meet at the Valle Crucis Park on Saturday, September 2nd at 10:30 for lunch, play, and conversation. For More info, email Kathy at staleykl1971@yahoo.com

BOONE FRIDAY WOMEN’S CHAT GROUP
Meets Friday nights, 7-8:30 p.m. at High Country United Church of Christ Meeting Room, 315 State Farm Rd., Boone, NC. Women only. Call (828) 898-4201 or (954) 261-7969.

BOWLING LEAGUE. A new gay bowling league is starting in Asheville. For information, contact Robert Jennings at 828-450-9832, and he will set up a date for a meeting to see how many people are interested in joining.  

CANTARIA
WNC Gay men’s choral group. Call (828) 254-9264 or email Cantaria1@aol.com

CAPOEIRA ANGOLA CLASSES
All are welcome to come experience this beautiful Afro-Brazilian dance-fight game. We are a growing community joined together by our love for the art form of capoeira. Come to learn or just to watch. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 7.00PM Sat. Free introduction class 10.00 PM For directions call: (828)712-8671 or (828)253-4610

CAROLINA BEAR LODGE
A men’s social group catering to the ursus-hirsute community and their admirers in NC/SC with dens located across both states.  The local Asheville Den hosts a monthly dinner night the 3rd Saturday of each month.  Details about each dinner night can be found on their website, www.carolinabears.com.  The Carolina Bear Lodge is starting their 13th year of existence and has approximately 280 members across North and South Carolina.

CHARLOTTE BUSINESS GUILD
Offers a number of opportunities for networking and meeting new friends. CBG hosts one event each month, typically a dinner event on the 3rd Tuesday. CBG also hosts a weekly social each Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Hartigan’s Irish Pub. For more info, log onto www.charlottebusinessguildcom

CHARLOTTE MEN’S COMING OUT SUPPORT GROUP
Meets the first Tuesday of every month at the Lesbian and Gay Community Center. For more info, call the Center at (704) 333-0144.

CLOSER
WNC Support/Educational/ Social Group serving the GLBTQ community. Meets each Tuesday, 7 p.m., at All Souls Cathedral, Asheville. Email NLM55@yahoo.com or call (828) 242-6570.

Flat Rock/Hendersonville PFLAG meets from 7:30 to 9:00 on the first Monday of each month in Fellowship Hall at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 2021 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville. Call 828-696-8250 for further information.

FUN IN THE FOOTHILLS
A social group for lesbians in the foothills area of North Carolina...Hickory, Morganton, and surrounding areas...There are many FUN things to do around here and I am starting this group with hope that women will connect and come out to play! So, if you are a lesbian in the area and are looking to meet friends and have fun...come on! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/funinthefoothills

EQUALITY NC
Statewide. Mobilizing LGBT and allied North Carolianians to advocate for equal rights. Visit: www.equalitync.org

GAY MEN'S MOVIE CLUB
Our purpose is to provide a venue for gay men to collectively watch various genres of films and discuss them. Members volunteer to host a showing and provide the movie. The web address to join is http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/AshevilleGayMensMovieClub. Further information can be obtained by emailing raycarter2001@yahoo.com.

GORGE-US
Potluck social held the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Open to men and women, all ages over 21. Hickory Nut Gorge Area (Gerton, Bat Cave, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure). Call (828) 625-0958.

HLLL – HENDERSONVILLE LESBIANS LIVING LIFE.  Our address is http://groups.google.com/group/HLLL and include Transylvania, Henderson, and Polk Co.'s  exclusively lesbian ladies.  Please visit our website and join a wonderful group of lesbian singles and couples. We dine out, hike, fish/fly, movies, golf, camp, and much more.  You put out the invite and we will come!  Group Mgr:   Carol P. HLLL at "singlez@juno.com". 

Lesbians In The Mountains (LIMs)
A safe and welcoming place to meet and socialize. All ages welcome but must be over 21.  We picnic, fish, videos at homes, movies and dinner out, book club, plus!.  Bring your own ideas and interests too!  Meets 3rd Thursdays, 7pm. at Little Venice on Fairview Road in Asheville.  For more info and a list of our currently scheduled events:   mntbear001@aol.com or 828-606-5364

LOAFERS
(formerly for Lesbians Over the Age of Forty - now there are NO age limitations!) Charlotte. Women’s a support / discussion / social group that meets on the second Friday of each month. We meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Community Center (1401 Central Avenue in Charlotte; 704-333-0144). For more information please email spudlover29@yahoo.com or call Jeanne at 704-995- 6326.

MANSPIRIT
Monthly potluck, "heart circle" sharing, participatory group process, drumming, etc. for gay men who are interested in exploring spirituality in a non-religious way.  1st Sunday of each month at 6 PM, various homes. Contact Gary Briggs at garibrig@charter.net to receive monthly emails.

MYTRIGUY.COM is a new online community that hosts events and mixers, organizes trips and excursions, and sponsors a variety of fitness opportunities for gay and bisexual men living in the Triad and beyond.  Join for free at www.mytriguy.com to share pictures, videos, blogs and more!

OLE
WNC lesbians, 50+. Meets 2nd Saturday of each month. Call (828) 296-9866.

OUT IN THE MOUNTAINS
Sylva, NC based gay and lesbian group meets 1st Sunday of each month. Email to outinthemountains@yahoogroups.com

PFLAG-ASHEVILLE. We’re Back! Meets 2nd Sunday afternoon of every month, 2-4 p.m. at Jefferson House next to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville NC 28801 For more information, please email us at: ashevillepflag@hotmail.com or call 828-335-0787.

PHOENIX TRANSGENDER SUPPORT
Regional/Asheville. Transgender support group meets every other month. For meeting times or more info, email: jessicaash@aol.com

QUEER BOOK CLUB
Meets monthly at Outspoken, 721 Haywood Road, West Asheville. We read and discuss books of interest to the LGBTQ community, alternating between fiction and nonfiction titles.  QBC is facilitated by Porscha Yount.  Contact Outspoken, 828-225-6677, for more information.

SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS
is a fellowship of men and women recovering from addictive sexual behavior (physical, emotional, and/or spiritual). Meetings are every Monday evening in downtown Asheville. For more information call 800-477-8191 (live person Mon-Fri, 11AM-7PM) or 828-687-6718 to leave a local message for a return call.

SHEVILLE AFTERDARK
Asheville area lesbian group. This is a very active list, both online and in real time. Since the combination of online chat and real life get-togethers is such a great way to make new friends and do fun things, we encourage all list members to participate. As a result, you can expect a high volume of posts here. Feel free to join in any existing conversation, or start a new one! Any member may arrange list activities or events, and all members are welcome at any event posted here. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShevilleAfterDark

TIME OUT YOUTH
Charlotte/Hickory. A social nonprofit organization based in Charlotte providing support, advocacy, and education to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth ages 13-23 in the greater Charlotte area. For more info, log onto www.timeoutyouth.org

TRANZMISSION
is dedicated to ending socially-enforced non-consensual gender tyranny. Tranzmission is a group of folks, trans, queer and othewise who meet weekly to address issues we find relevant to our lives and to have fun!!! Come to our meetings on Tuesdays at 7:30pm at the ACRC - 135 Hilliard Lane, Asheville, NC. For More info, write to PO Box 1874 Asheville, NC 28802 or tranzmission_Asheville@yahoo.com.

WILDERNESS NETWORK OF THE MOUNTAINS
WNC gay men’s outdoor activities. Call (828) 658-1713 or email artbydave@charter.net

WINDHORSE ZEN COMMUNITY (WZC)
Offers a full program of regular Zen meditation (zazen), retreats, workshops, and Dharma talks, as well as private instruction (dokusan).  The main center is located in Alexander, and the downtown Asheville center is at 5 Ravenscroft Drive.  All are welcome; first-timers, please call ahead.  Info: 645-8001 or www.windhorsezen.org

WOMEN’S POETRY GROUP
ASHEVILLE, NC. We give each other’s poems feedback and input in a nonacademic, nonthreatening forum and we fun! This group is facilitated by a lesbian and includes both lesbians and straight women and meets monthly. For more info contact Jess at jcpoet@ bellsouth.net or (828)296-0660.

South Carolina

AFFA
Charleston. Alliance for Full Acceptance. AFFA is a social justice organization dedicated to achieving equality and acceptance for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Call: (843) 883-0343 or email to: info@affasc.org for more information.

AFFIRM YOUTH
Greenville. A support/ education/social organization for GLBTQ youth, age 16-22. Call (864) 467-9004 or log onto www.affirmyouth.org

Citadel Gay and Lesbian Alliance
The mission of this group is to open up a line of communication and support for the G/L/B/T Citadel community. Membership to this group is open to all Citadel graduates, Cadets, former students that did not graduate, MECEPS, CGPS, Evening students/graduates, faculty, staff, straight allies, and individuals that have other Citadel connections.  Questions and media inquiries should be emailed to the moderator at: citadelgala@yahoo.com.  Visit our Yahoo group to join at:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/citadelgala

FREEDOM BOWLING LEAGUE
Greenville. Meets each Tuesday, practice usually begins at 7:45 p.m. at AMF Star Lanes. Call (864) 239-0106.

OUTSMART
Columbia. OutSmart In the Midlands is an advocacy and education organization that serves youth and young adults (ages 16-22) who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or who question their sexual orientation. It’s mission is to provide GLBTQ youth and their friends with opportunities to develop positive self-images through leadership and advocacy training, peer affiliation, education and community service. For more info, call (803) 779-6586 or email info@outsmart.org

SOUTH CAROLINA GAY & LESBIAN BUSINESS GUILD
An organization formed to promote business and trade among members, the LGBT community and the community at large. Meetings are the 2nd Thursday of each month (except May and September) in the upstairs ballroom of The Club House restaurant located on the corner of Park and Gervais streets in downtown Columbia. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. with networking hour, followed by a program at 7 p.m. For more info, log onto www.scglbg.org

SOUTH CAROLINA GAY AND LESBIAN PRIDE MOVEMENT
A support/educational/political action group based in Columbia, SC at the Harriet Hancock Center, 1108 Woodrow Street. Membership is $25 per year, $10 for students and special needs. The group publishes a monthly newsletter. Call (803) 771-7713 or email scpridecenter@aol.com

SOUTH CAROLINA EQUALITY COALITION
A statewide coalition of fair-minded individuals, religious associations, student groups and social justice organizations working to secure civil and human rights for all citizens of SC, particularly LGBT people. Call (803) 318-6900 or email info@affa-sc.org. Visit www.scequality.org

UPSTATE EQUALITY
A coordinated effort to educate the citizens of the Upstate of South Carolina in fairness and civil rights. Paving the way for civil right awareness for the upstate community. UpstateEquality meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. The meeting dates for August are as follows: August 14th and August 28th. For further information and directions, please email Alix Pengue at alix@upstateequality.org

UPSTATE (SC) GAY MEN’S SUPPER CLUB
Alternative to bar scene for meeting quality people. Call (864) 268- 3517 or email jaibaba2@aol.com. Meets July 10 this month due to the holiday.

UPSTATE (SC) GLBTQ BOOK CLUB
Meets first Monday of each month at 7:30PM at Out of Bounds. Call (864) 239- 0106 for more information.

Tennessee

TTPC
The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition is an organization designed to educate and advocate on behalf of transgender related legislation at the Federal, State and local levels. TTPC is dedicated to raising public awareness and building alliances with other organizations concerned with equal rights legislation.  For more information and directions, contact:TTPC, P.O. Box 92335, Nashville, TN 37209 or go to http://ttgpac.com or email TTGPAC@aol.com.

HIV/AIDS GROUPS, RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONS

North Carolina

ALFA-AIDS
Hickory. Call (828) 326-2384 or (828) 326-2385.

CARING HEARTS
Asheville. HIV/AIDS ministry of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Call (828) 252-3151.

HIV/AIDS SUPPORT GROUP - Confidential weekly meeting; open to any individual living with HIV? - straight, gay, male, female. Every Tuesday - 6--7:30pm. For information: 252-7489 or email bannders2@yahoo.com

METROLINA AIDS PROJECT
Charlotte. Call (704) 333-1435 or log onto www.metrolinaaidsproject.org

NEEDLE EXCHANGE PROGRAM OF ASHEVILLE
Call (828)274-8397

WNCCHS
Western NC Community Health Services. Offers medical care & free confidential testing 10 Ridgelawn Rd., W. Asheville, NC. Call (828) 285-0622.

WNCAP. Western NC AIDS Project
Call (828)252-7489. HIV Men’s Support Group each Tuesday night, 6-7:15 p.m., at 30 Orchard Street, Asheville. For more information about the group, call Michael Harney at (828) 252-7489, ext. 11.

WNC HIV/AIDS CONSORTIUM
Asheville. Call (828) 252-8817 or (888)301-5053 toll free.

South Carolina

AID UPSTATE
Greenville. Call (864) 250-0607 or toll free (800) 755-2040.

PALMETTO AIDS LIFE SUPPORT SERVICES
Columbia. Call (803) 779-7257 or log onto www.palss.org

PIEDMONT CARE, INC.
Piedmont Care, Inc. is the nonprofit organization providing HIV/AIDS care, prevention, and advocacy in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties of South Carolina. Please visit our Web site at www.piedmontcare.org

SPIRITUAL GROUPS/ CHURCHES

North Carolina

ABIDING SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH
801 Charlotte Highway [Rt. 74-A East] Fairview, NC (828) 298-2608 Worship is at 9:00 and 11:15. http://hometown.aol.com/abidingsaviorlc "Everyone is welcome no matter who they are or where they are on life's journey."

ASHEVILLE FRIENDS MEETING (Quakers).  227 Edgewood, two blocks west of the CVS on Merrimon Ave at crest of hill.  We recognize “that of God” in every person and welcome all.  We gather Sundays at 10:15 AM for singing in preparation for worship, and begin worship in expectant silence at 10:30.  Many more details at www.ashevillefriends.org, or call 258-0974.

CENTER FOR CREATIVE LIVING
Asheville. 2 Science of Mind Way. Sunday service at 11 a.m. An all inclusive, supportive, Science of Mind Community. Call (828) 253-1284. Website : www.cfcl.org

CITY VIEW QUAKER CHURCH. You are welcome to experience with us the love and acceptance of Jesus. Sunday worship at 10:30. Located at 59 Tremont Street in West Asheville.  (828)255-9325 or AshevilleQuakers.com.

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL
located at 229 Murdock Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804, welcomes all of the Jewish community to celebrate the High Holydays (Rosh HaShanah through Yom Kippur, Sept. 22nd - 23rd and through Oct 1st through 2nd). All of the Jewish community are invited regardless of age, denomination, affiliation or orientation. Please call the Shul office at 828.252.8431 for reservations.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
We are proudly an "OPEN & AFFIRMING" congregation. Worship Service: 10:45 am Child Care Provided Rev. Joe Hoffman, Senior Pastor 828-252-8729 20 Oak St. * Asheville, NC. Call 252-8729 or go to www.uccasheville.org for more information.

GAY AND LESBIAN MINISTRIES OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF WNC meets monthly to minister to and plan events for the community. glbtepiscopaldiocese@yahoo.com

GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Asheville. An all inclusive church. 789 Merrimon Ave. Call (828)254-3274. http://www.gcpcusa.org

INTERWEAVE
Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville group for GLBTQ community. Call (828) 254-6001.

JUBILEE COMMUNITY
Asheville. A non-denominational Christian community of diverse people. 46 Wall St. Services are Sundays, 8:30, 9:45 and 11: 15 a.m. Dress is casual. Call (828) 252-5335. http://www.jubileecommunity.org/

KINDRED SPIRITS
A transgender spiritual community gathering and global network. For more information, email: hollyfairy@juno.com

MCC CHARLOTTE
Charlotte. 1825 Eastway Drive. Services Sunday, 10:45 a.m. and 7 p.m., Wednesday, 7 p.m. For more info call (704) 563-5810. http://www.mcccharlotte.com

NEW CREATION
Fletcher. Sundays- 11a.m. Worship. Wednesday-6:30 p.m., 33 Grace Way. Call (828) 684-0838. NEW LIFE MCC. Charlotte. 1900 The Plaza. For more info, call (704) 334-0350.

NEW LIFE MCC
Charlotte. 1900 The Plaza. For more info, call (704) 334-0350.

ST GEORGE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Asheville. 1 School Road. Open and affirming. Sunday service, 9:30 a.m. For more info, call (828) 258-0211.

RE-FORMED CONGREGATION OF THE GODDESS-INERNATIONAL
Women’s/Goddess spiritualities, Female Divine, Dianic Wiccan Goddess traditions, Female Feminist Pagan. Call (828) 665-9831 or email to: beagoddess@planet-save.com

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF ASHEVILLE
Join us for services on Sundays at 10am. Edwin Place, Asheville, NC. (828)254-6001.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF HENDERSONVILLE
A Welcoming Congregation. We warmly and openly welcome GLBTs in all aspects of our congregational life. Sunday service 10:45 a.m. Located at Kanuga and Price Roads, Hendersonville, NC. Call (828) 693-3157.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS OF TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY (UUTC). An open and affirming congregation welcomes GLBTs.  Located in Brevard on 1 Varsity Street at South Broad Street.  Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. Check uutc.org or call (828)-877-6121.

South Carolina

GARDEN OF GRACE UNITED CHURCH
Columbia. 1020 Atlas Road. (803) 695-9664.

MCC OF THE UPSTATE
Duncan, SC. Sunday worship at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. Wednesday evening Bible study at 7pm. Call 864.439.5080 or e-mail mccupstate@bellsouth.net

NORTH ANDERSON (SC) COMMUNITY CHURCH PRESBYTERIAN
Anderson. A More-Light Presbyterian church. Sundays, 10:15 a.m. 4200 Liberty Hwy. Call (864) 225-3575.

PEACE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Clemson SC- we are a new church start up of the United Church of Christ.  We will begin weekly services with Advent evening vespers services starting December 2nd.  Please visit our website www.thepeacechurch.org to confirm time and location.  P.O. Box 470, Clemson, SC 29633. email:  clemsonucc@gmail.com

ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH.  Greenville. A diverse and accepting parish with a big heart. 1002 S. Main St.  Sunday Eucharist, 10:30 a.m. Call (864) 235-5884. www.st-andrews-episcopal.org.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF CLEMSON
Anderson/Clemson/Pendleton/Seneca. A Welcoming Congregation. Location is 230 Pendleton Street, Clemson. For directions or further information, call: (864) 654-5959.

All States:

MORE LIGHT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES
To find one near you, log onto www.mlp.org