Ally groups rally against recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation introduced in NC General Assembly

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The Beer City Sisters organized a “Rally 4 Rights” event Sunday afternoon, May 28, in response to the increasing amount of anti-trans and anti-drag legislation that’s been introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly.

Along with The Beer City Sisters, the event included Blue Ridge Pride, Tranzmission, Arms Around ASD, Planned Parenthood and other allies in the community who came together to voice how this legislation could impact the community if passed.

Hedwig Merkin, a member of Beer City Sisters, said it’s important to come out and speak to the community and rally around these issues.

“The queer community has been fighting for our civil rights and queer liberations like for decades and this is not a new thing, this setback,” Merkin said.

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Another member of the group, Holy Divinity, said they would like to see more love and acceptance towards everyone.

Divinity said what they need to see is more work from the community's allies.

“Our allies are what’s going to stand out the most because they already look like the LGBTQ+ community as is, but somebody who is not from that community whose listening and sharing would make a huge difference” Divinity expressed.

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Another member, Bearbra Fullenwider, said they always thought of Asheville as a safe space, but now that there are potential laws going into place, Fullenwider said it would change their ability to do the good work they do in this community.

Max Ringenbach came to the rally as a supporter but felt compelled to speak out at the end.

Ringenbach said he realized that he has many kids who have counted on him and that at this point, he speaks out for the kids who can’t.

“We’re not hurting anybody," Ringenbach said. "At the end of the day, what difference does me taking hormones make to anybody else’s life?”

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He said that with elections coming up next year, people should reach out to their representatives to voice the need for leaders who are going to protect the LGBTQ+ community.

To read more about The Beer City Sisters organization, click HERE.

Here's a summary of the legislation The Beer City Sisters rallied against on Sunday:

• NC H43 Prohibitions of Certain Hormone/Surgery/Minors
• NC H574 and NC S631 Fairness in Women’s Sports Act
• NC H673 Clarify Regulations on Adult Entertainment
• NC H786 and NC S639 Youth Protection Act
• NC H808 Surgical Gender Trans./Minors
• NC S49 Parents’ Bill of Rights
• NC S560 Medical Treatment for Minors Acts
• NC S636 School Athletic Transparency