LGBTQ+ Groups Raise Concerns Over Dissolution of Xpression Space

In April 2023, Queen City Nerve reported on a partnership between Carolinas CARE Partnership’s (CCP) LGBTQ+ Life Center and Transcend Charlotte in launching the Xpression Space, an affirming place for trans and questioning folks to explore their gender expression.

For transgender, non-binary and questioning folks looking for a safe space to exist, a seemingly small obstacle like Transcend Charlotte’s website being down could mean the difference between receiving the help they need and continuing to struggle alone. 

Yet some local LGBTQ+ groups are speaking out after the Xpression Space was apparently shut down and the inaugural Queer Prom canceled, claiming that CCP fumbled critical operations, among other accusations.

Transcend Charlotte merged with CCP in 2022 to realize a shared vision of accessible social, health and housing services for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2023, CCP announced the LGBTQ+ Life Center & Drop-in Space in the Idlewild Farms area of southeast Charlotte. They also planned to host the inaugural Queer Prom celebration, meant to serve as the premier event for the space.

In April this year, CCP’s board resolved to divest Transcend Charlotte and Queer Prom from its program portfolio and rehome the programs with another nonprofit, then unexpectedly reversed the decision in May.

CCP had asked Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce to oversee 2024 Queer Prom planning while Transcend Charlotte’s reallocation was finalized, then announced the event would be postponed and returned all purchased tickets without input from the LGBT+ Chamber.

A post across CCP and Transcend Charlotte’s social media pages regarding the celebration’s postponement reads: “While it’s tough to wait a little longer, we’re excited to reschedule during the vibrant pride season, promising an even more fabulous and inclusive event. This extra time will help us ensure that every detail is perfect, and every member of our community feels welcome, celebrated, and safe.”

No further information about Queer Prom’s rescheduling has been announced as of this article’s publication date.

In response, the LGBT+ Chamber, Charlotte Trans Health, Gender Education Network and the Freedom Center for Social Justice shared a letter with community members, partners and allies condemning CCP’s decision to reverse its divestment of Transcend Charlotte and postpone Queer Prom, calling on the organization to protect and divest LGBTQ+ programs.

The letter detailed the relationship between CCP and Transcend Charlotte, stating “many LGBTQ+ staff and Board members have resigned from CCP for issues relating to queer discrimination and organizational dysfunction.”

“There are currently no known LGBTQ+ community members in positions of executive leadership at CCP, and there are no known staff members with expertise in gender diverse programming or equity left to run these programs,” the letter states.

A CCP representative told Queen City Nerve the LGBTQ+ Life Center & Drop-in Space was always more of a “drop-in center” versus a “life center” and is still functioning.

“The space that we have been utilizing for any particular events when it [comes] to Transcend has always just been the communal … area where we have designated to have those services,” she said.

She stated that Transcend Charlotte is still partnered with CCP and nothing has changed within CCP.

As for the Xpression Space — originally launched by Transcend Charlotte and called the Transcloset before merging with CCP — all of its services are still available at the Drop-in Space.

The CCP representative said the confusion about the Life Center’s status is connected to the unavailability of Transcend Charlotte’s website.

She said those looking for care or any of the services provided by CCP’s Drop-In Space are welcome to visit the center anytime, contact CCP or join its Discord server.

The four organizations that signed the letter against CCP, however, have their concerns. 

The letter calls out Carolinas CARE Partnership “for seeming to exploit queer programming by accepting funding in the name of LGBTQ+ services with no regard or plan for their safe or sustainable implementation.”

“Based on recent events and additional concerns of exploitation and discrimination of LGBTQ+ staff and clients, we can no longer, in good consciousness, endorse CCP and subsequently Transcend as safe spaces for LGBTQ+ community members, especially trans and gender diverse people,” the letter continues. “We call upon CCP to honor their original decision and release Transcend to a nonprofit that will continue this work safely.”