LGBTQ+ Democrats of Mecklenburg County - Empowering LGBTQ+ Voices in Politics

We need advocates now more than ever.The LGBTQ+ Democrats seek to support policies that protect our community, provide opportunities for those who identify as members or allies of the LGBTQ+ community to get involved in the Charlotte area, and support candidates who will have our backs at a time when we need it most.Membership is open to all registered Democrats in Mecklenburg county who identify as members or allies of the LGBTQ+ community. Click the link below to join now!

Pride Parade in Calgary, Alberta Canada 2018

The LGBTQ+ Democrats of Mecklenburg County

Jeremy is an active member of the Democratic Party in Mecklenburg County, currently serving as Chair of Precinct 74 (Barclay Downs) and as the Treasurer of the Young Democrats of Mecklenburg County. Jeremy was born and raised in Mecklenburg County and is active in supporting Democratic causes in anyway possible, whether that be knocking doors, phone banking, or organizing around our core democratic values.

Jeremy Golden (he/him)

Chair

VACANT

First Vice Chair

As an original member of the statewide LGBTQ+ Democratic Party and the Mecklenburg County LGBTQ+ Democrats LaWana has been actively serving the community in various capacities for over 30 years in Charlotte, NC and beyond. LaWana was elected to Charlotte City Council in 2011 as a district representative and in 2022 as a At-Large Council member where she currently serves.

LaWana Mayfield (she/her)

Second Vice Chair

Rob Keast is currently serving as Vice Chair of the LGBTQ+ Democrats of Mecklenburg County. He began his career in public service as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member on the US/Mexico border and later served in senior leadership roles at national policy organizations in Washington, D.C., including Third Way and the Progressive Policy Institute. Now based in Charlotte, Rob runs a consulting practice supporting nonprofits, associations, and civic initiatives. He is a volunteer at Time Out Youth in Charlotte, a board member of both Equality North Carolina PAC and the national Victory Fund. He is also&nbsp;Vice Chair of Precinct 10 for the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party.

Rob Keast (he/him)

Third Vice Chair

Treasurer

Heidi is a dedicated community leader and advocate within Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ community. As Secretary of the LGBTQ+ Mecklenburg Democrats, she uses her experience in event planning, social media strategy, and community organizing to support the chapter’s mission of equality and representation. Heidi is the lead organizer and curator of events for Lesbian Friends of Charlotte, creating spaces where sapphic women can connect and build community. She’s passionate about making Charlotte a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.

Heidi Samples (she/her)

Secretary

Laurie Grauer brings a rich and varied background to the Mecklenburg LGBTQ Democrats Board, with professional experience as a teacher, social worker, Program Manager, and Director of Community Relations in the nonprofit sector. Originally from Chicago and now rooted in Charlotte, Laurie has a long-standing passion for community engagement and advocacy. In her time with Meck Dems, she’s served as Secretary, First Vice Chair, Chair, and has volunteered with the Canidate Score Card Committee since its inception. When she’s not championing causes close to her heart, Laurie works as a wine consultant and educator—where she happily geeks out about grape varietals and food pairings. She's also a fan of reading, being outdoors, and dabbling in stand-up comedy-especially after a wine tasting!

Laurel Grauer (she/her)

At-Large Member

Your Board

Join us for a Fundraiser in support of LGBTQ+ Advocacy in Mecklenburg County!

In times like these it is critical that we elect candidates who will have our community's back if elected. To help ensure we have the resources to identify and support candidates in Mecklenburg County who will not back down from the fight and will advocate for and defend our community we need all the support we can get. To help support our mission, please join us on July 27th from 12-2PM for a luncheon fundraiser to hear from Charlotte Trans Health Executive Director Dr. Holly Savoy PhD, Huntersville Town Commissioner Amanda Dumas, and LGBTQ+ Dems of Mecklenburg Chair Jeremy Golden as we discuss the current state of LGBTQ+ and specifically Trans rights in our country and what we can do to support our community locally.Address to be provided upon RSVP. Donations are not required but are suggested.

We organize events that foster community engagement and promote LGBTQ+ Democratic candidates. From rallies to fundraisers, our events are designed to unite and inspire our members.

Event Coordination

Every Month we host an in person social meeting at an LGBTQ+ friendly venue to support allied businesses, provide a space for members to get to know each other and socialize, as well as hear from local elected officials and learn about ways in which we can get involved to better support our community.

Monthly Social

Every year Carolina RAIN holds the AIDS Walk at Truist Field to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS as well as support those who are living with HIV/AIDS. This year the event will take place on May 31st starting at 9am. To support those efforts we have created a team to help fundraise for this important cause. Please click the link below to join our team for the 2025 Charlotte AIDS Walk!

Charlotte AIDS Walk

Huntersville is holding their first annual Pride Festival! This year's festival will take place on June 22nd, from 1-6pm in Veterans Park in Huntersville! We will be there and we would love to see you there! If you are interested in volunteering please click the link below!

Huntersville Pride

Every year Charlotte Black Pride holds events celebrating the intersectionality between the Black Community and the LGBTQ+ Community. Please join us in attending and supporting Charlotte Black Pride's many events taking place July 12th-19th all around Charlotte! Charlotte Black Pride is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year with events such as the Black and Bold Kiki Ball, the CBP Pageant, Town Hall, Meet-n-Greet, and the Expo! To learn more about these events, please go to their website linked below. And if you would like to volunteer with us at our table at the expo please click the link below!

Charlotte Black Pride

Charlotte's Pride Festival will take place this year in First Ward Park on August 16th and 17th with the parade going from 1-4pm on N Tryon Street! Please join us in celebrating our community, enjoying live performers, engaging with local businesses and non profits, and having an all-around great time! If you would like to volunteer with us please click the link below!

Charlotte Pride

Upcoming Events

Please click the links below to learn more about other amazing organizations in Mecklenburg County!