North Star LGBTQ+ Community Center
930 Burke St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Mailing Address: PO BOX 20366, Winston-Salem, NC 27120
ABOUT US
In 2012, Teresa Carter conducted a Needs Assessment during the PRIDE Winston-Salem march to determine if the Triad area required an LGBTQ Community Center. At that time, there were no LGBTQ Centers in the Triad, while Raleigh and Charlotte had established Centers. Ms. Carter visited these Centers to gather information on starting and funding a new Center. The Needs Assessment revealed that over 93% of participants strongly felt the need for an LGBTQ Center in Winston-Salem.
Motivated by this overwhelming support, Ms. Carter began organizing a Board for the Center in 2012. Winston-Salem Equality, another local nonprofit, agreed to merge with the North Star Community Center. The Center's name was inspired by the first gay comic strip hero, North Star, and the navigational significance of the North Star.
After completing the 501c3 non-profit paperwork, the search for a location began in 2013. The first location was a large house at 704 Brookstown Ave in downtown Winston-Salem, which is now home to Positive Wellness Alliance. Due to various challenges, the Center eventually moved to its current location on Burke Street. North Star also served as an umbrella organization for “Out at the Movies” until they obtained their own 501c3 status.
North Star received its first grants from the Adams Foundation, Winston-Salem Foundation, Smith Reynolds Foundation, Arcus Foundation, and Reynolds Foundation. These grants enabled North Star to hire its first Center Manager.
The library at North Star was established through a private donation by Kevin Jennings in honor of his mother, and the furniture was donated by Keith Preston Phillips. North Star launched a successful fundraiser called “In Good Company,” which recognized local businesses for their equality policies. Held at the Embassy Suites Banquet Room, this event raised over $20,000 annually, attracting 250 guests each year. Bishop Gene Robinson delivered the invocation at the inaugural “In Good Company” event, which featured numerous guest speakers.
As the founder of North Star, I am immensely proud of our Board members, volunteers, donors, and staff who continue to provide a safe space for everyone and offer numerous support groups and activities. I eagerly look forward to the next 10 years! - Teresa Carter
Hours & Directions
North Star LGBTQ+ Community Center
930 Burke St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 | P.O. BOX 20366, Winston-Salem, NC 27120
(336) 893-9053 | info@northstarwsnc.org
center hours
Sunday | OPEN | 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
Saturday | OPEN | 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
Friday | OPEN | 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
2nd & 4th Thursday | OPEN | 4:00 PM | 7:00 PM |
Wednesday | CLOSED | ||
Tuesday | CLOSED | ||
Monday | CLOSED |