Youth

From Q-Notes, the Carolinas' leading source of LGBT news:

Rural gay youth struggle for acceptance
Close friendships provide strength against adversity
by Matt Comer . Q-Notes staff

When pondering North Carolina’s beautiful western mountains, most people will conjure up images of grand rolling hills, breathtaking views and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Almost no one will think of these vistas as places to encounter a rowdy crowd of openly gay teens. But, in the first decade of the 21st century, there they are.

Brandon, Michael, Kirk, Damien and Brian range in age from 15 to 21. Together, they are not social outcasts, but best friends, free from the daily struggles imposed upon them by their rural surroundings. With the help of one another, along with their families and other friends, they have created a safe space for support, growth and love.

Wherein my coffee is not what wakes me up this morning, and we are all put on notice.

The evening started at the Park and Recreation building on Hillcrest Lane outside of Carthage. Billy Ransom, the director and Maria Morrison the Admin Asst were there to tell us about their department and give us a tour of their facilities.

They have seven staff members and five facilities spread throughout the county offering Youth, Adult and Senior Activities. Their mission statement says,

(Moore County Parks and Recreation) Provides leisure service to the residents of Moore County with first priority to youth and senior adults.

Moore County Youth Activities include Basketball, baseball, softball, flag football, soccer for both boys and girls, Tennis, Volleyball, Cheerleading and Dance Impressions. The Adult and Senior Activities include Co-Ed Softball, 50+ Softball, Good Time Party at the Davis Center the 3rd Friday of each month and Dancing and Tai Chi at the Old West End Gym.