North Carolina politics

Gov. Cooper praises repeal of HB2 as driver of economic growth on one year anniversary

The boycotts have largely ended, but the discrimination continues

Jeff Taylor / Social Media Editor on March 30, 2018

Cooper said the repeal of HB2 allowed North Carolina to be in the running for Amazon’s HQ2, but added “we have more work to do in the area of fighting discrimination and encouraging diversity.”

Cirque du Soleil, which boycotted N.C. in 2016, is bringing new tour to Charlotte

The HB2 "compromise" didn't do much to help LGBTQ people, but the boycott is mostly over nonetheless

The Charlotte Observer on March 22, 2018

The Canadian theatrical group will bring their latest arena production, “Corteo,” to the Queen City, the first time it has come to Charlotte in five years.

Councilmember LaWana Mayfield stirs up confusion, upset with tweet on outing politicians on Grindr

Some are calling the openly queer politician's comments homophobic

Jeff Taylor / Social Media Editor on March 20, 2018

“When candidates and those that are extremely judgemental have a Grindr page with pictures of their private parts should that be fair game?” she asked.

Politician and Gays For Trump leader Boykin says he’s not transphobic, despite anti-trans position

He also says he doesn't understand why Trump gets called anti-transgender

Jeff Taylor / Social Media Editor on March 18, 2018

Boykin is against transgender people serving openly in the military, a position matching Trump’s.

Gays for Trump founder draws fire for anti-transgender comments in NC House bid

He still insists Trump is pro-LGBTQ

The Charlotte Observer on March 13, 2018

Peter Boykin said he believes transgender soldiers are “mentally challenged,” too expensive for the military and “would be our weakest link.”

Gays For Trump rally struggles to draw much of a crowd after a year of anti-LGBT policies

He blamed the weather

Jeff Taylor / Social Media Editor on March 5, 2018

Peter Boykin, who organized the rally, is running for the North Carolina House and has said he wants to remove the T from LGBT.

HB2 ‘saddened and infuriated’ her, and it’s why she’s challenging the man behind it

"There’s nobody that’s a stronger advocate for their child than a mother."

The Charlotte Observer on February 22, 2018

Beth Monaghan, whose son is gay, is challenging Sen. Dan Bishop in the Republican primary.

Hosting Trump’s RNC would be ‘beyond the pale.’ Activists question Charlotte bid.

Charlotte passed on bidding for the 2016 RNC

The Charlotte Observer on February 19, 2018

Charlotte’s decision to try to get Trump’s 2020 Republican National Convention has upset many on the left, including some supporters of Mayor Vi Lyles.

Charlotte congressional candidates split on need for tougher gun laws

There have been renewed calls for stricter gun laws following the latest school shooting

The Charlotte Observer on February 15, 2018

A day after 17 people died in a mass shooting in Florida, two Republicans running for Congress in the 9th District say no new gun laws are needed.

Mayor Vi Lyles ‘very hopeful’ Charlotte will host Trump’s 2020 RNC

The city considered bidding for the 2016 RNC, but decided against it