Laura Bannister, organizer of Hendersonville's Pride picnic, says no one should have to leave their community to celebrate Pride. But drive just a few miles in any direction outside Asheville's bustling downtown, and the climate of LGBTQ acceptance seems to change.įor some in Hendersonville, Asheville can feel out of reach. Asheville hosts Blue Ridge Pride every September. It's common to see same-sex couples and gender diversity. Downtown Asheville is speckled with rainbow flags. Hendersonville is about 30 miles from the scenic, eclectic city of Asheville. Unlike many Pride celebrations in bigger cities, there was no parade or festival. The small city of Hendersonville, N.C., celebrated Pride for the first time. In the parking lot, people are unloading their lawn chairs.
A couple walks up to the pavilion, each holding a gallon of iced tea. On a beautiful June afternoon in the Blue Ridge Mountains, dozens of tiny rainbow flags lead the way toward a park pavilion. Attendees brought a range of picnic fare to the Hendersonville Pride potluck, including a strawberry cobbler, deviled eggs, watermelon and a rainbow cake that reads 'Happy Pride Y'all.'
