Dear Beloved Community,
A Rising Energy in Our Queer Community
Something is happening here in Upstate South Carolina. There’s an energy, a momentum, a movement of people committed to building a stronger, more connected LGBTQ+ community. In a time when attacks on our rights and our dignity seem relentless, we are refusing to retreat. Instead, we are organizing, gathering, and creating spaces where we can thrive.
One powerful example of this is the Queer Social Club, a grassroots movement emerging with a bold vision: to build our community, develop leadership skills, and support queer organizations, spaces, and people across the board. It’s more than just a social gathering—it’s a response to the need for deeper connections and intentional action. The Queer Social Club recognizes that for our community to flourish, we must invest in one another—not just in crisis, but in joy, celebration, and empowerment.
Too often, LGBTQ+ spaces are hard to sustain in places like the Upstate. Bars and cafes come and go, organizations struggle with resources, and queer people find themselves searching for where they belong. But rather than lamenting what we lack, the Queer Social Club is building something new—something that isn’t tied to one space or one leader but instead draws on the gifts of the entire community.
This is grassroots organizing at its best. This is what resilience looks like. From social events to leadership development, from mutual aid to advocacy, this movement is about lifting each other up and making sure that no one has to navigate life here alone.
The energy is here. The people are here. The vision is coming to life. And the beautiful thing is, there’s a place for everyone in it.
Whether you’re looking for connection, want to help organize, or simply want to be part of something bigger, this is a moment to lean in. The work of community-building isn’t flashy. It happens in conversations over coffee, in the planning of events, in the quiet acts of support that remind us we are not alone. But those small steps are the foundation for something powerful.
If you’ve ever wished for a stronger LGBTQ+ presence here, for more spaces where we don’t just survive but thrive, now is the time to be part of it. The Queer Social Club is just one example of the many ways our community is coming together. The energy is rising—let’s be part of shaping where it leads.
The Queer Social Club has chosen to use Discord for keeping folks informed about its activities. To join the QSC server, use this link:Â https://discord.gg/nG2zYt27Â
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
P.S. I will provide a short introduction to the life of this incredible person - Pauli Murray at our worship service on Sunday. Everyone needs to watch this incredible documentary about her/their life. It is the American history that needs to be taught in every classroom in this country.