A recent town hall exemplifies the repeated contempt and disdain of several local politicians for Asheville’s non-binary and transgender community, signaling that they do not deserve to hold office Above: State Sen. Terry Van Duyn, at right in white suit, standing alongside activists (including the author) from multiple LGBT and

Terpsicorps is mounting a production centered on trans people — without their involvement or aid. Here’s the problem with that, and a satirical counter-suggestion Above: the marquee for Terpsicorps’ Transform production on Biltmore Avenue Recently, controversy erupted over Terpsicorps announcing a production centered around the story of a trans person

The historian and UNCA professor on African-Americans in WNC, facing the reality of American tragedy and the importance of power and democracy in public spaces Above: Darin Waters speaking at a Martin Luther King Day event at Kenilworth Presbyterian. Photo by Max Cooper. From informing Ashevillians about the reality of

It’s time to bring the focus on violence against trans people as the Fix Society movement pushes locally for justice, better services and an end to hate Above: A flier for the recent Fix Society rally and forum in Asheville. Photo by Jennifer M. Barge. The Fix Society movement is

A recent immigration executive order promises to give relief to hardworking families, including mine. That’s now in limbo, but we fought to get here and we’ll keep fighting for justice Con cariño Victoria comparte a su gente en Español Above: An image from the Not 1 More anti-deportation campaign, which

The State of Black Asheville, Dwight Mullen and the call for consequences for this city’s institutions — and their failures Above: UNCA professor Dwight Mullen, speaking at a Martin Luther King Day event at Kenilworth Presbyterian. Photo by Max Cooper “It would be considered a state of emergency if you

This week locals gathered for Transgender Day of Remembrance. Local photographer Ezra Campbell captured these images of Thursday night’s vigil. Above: A vigil attendee lights a candle near Vance monument to memorialize lives lost due to transphobia. This Thursday was Transgender Day of Remembrance, with an annual vigil and march

Asheville’s diverse — if you’re white and cisgender. For trans people and many, many others, it’s a far harsher place Above: the Transgender Pride Flag. It may be awhile before this one hangs on City Hall. Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, an international day to remember those killed due

The twisting tale of how the state legislature sold out our mountains for private gain, why it matters, and what you can do about it Above: a map of potential fracking areas in N.C., map courtesy of WNC Frack Free “We promised the people of North Carolina we were not