About

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Our Mission and Goals

Support Youth and Young Adults

Promote Businesses and Organizations

We strive to support the youth and young adults of Union County with all sexual orientation and gender identities.

Our current goal is to increase the number of GSA clubs in the local high schools by funding any school that lacks the funding to open a club even though they desire a club.

Promote Businesses and Organizations

We strive to promote businesses and organizations who are accepting of all people no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Our goal is network and promote buying local with businesses and organizations that support our missions.

Grow Diverse Communities

Promote Businesses and Organizations

Grow Diverse Communities

We strive to build a community of accepting people who build friendships and business relationships.

Our goal is to inform the community of events of businesses and organizations to promote opportunities to network with other diverse people.

Leadership Team

President

Vice President

Cristal Robinson, JD/MBA (they/them) is an experienced attorney licensed in North Carolina, Texas, and Washington, D.C., with a focus on civil rights, disability law, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in various sectors. Her legal career spans across multiple courts and involves working with hundreds of clients. She is also a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, a prestigious distinction limited to the top 1% of lawyers in each jurisdiction.

In addition to her legal practice, Cristal is deeply involved in social advocacy, including work with LGBTQ+ and disability rights organizations. She is the founding president of Union County Pride, Inc., a co-chair of the SOGI Committee of the North Carolina Bar Association, and a board member for several organizations such as the National Organization for Women’s Charlotte chapter.

Robinson’s legal firm, Robinson Law, is focused on disability and civil rights cases, with particular emphasis on advocating for neurodivergent and marginalized communities. She has been a strong advocate for DEI efforts in education, employment, and business ownership, drawing from her background in finance, business, and education.

Apart from her legal work, Cristal has a background in education and business leadership, having taught political science and designed financial education oprograms. Her community leadership extends to volunteer positions with Legal Aid and several non-profits across Texas and North Carolina.

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Vice President

Monica King (she/her) is a Certified Family Life Educator, a Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner, and a Certified Family Peer Specialist (also known as a Family Partner). She has 20 years of experience in social services roles that involve supporting, educating, and advocating for individuals and families in need. Monica has earned master's degrees in education and human services, a post-graduate certificate in university teaching, and a bachelor of science degree in child and family studies. She is currently a university instructor, teaching courses in human development and family studies and mentoring students who aspire to do work that improves the lives of youth and families.

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Secretary

Vice President

Secretary

Kara Murphy (she/her) is a transgender woman residing in Monroe, North Carolina, and is actively involved in the local LGBTQ+ community. She plays a significant role in organizing events for Union County Pride, advocating for visibility and acceptance of transgender individuals. Recently, she spoke out against protests related to drag shows in Monroe, emphasizing that such events can provide positive and neutral representations of LGBTQ+ lives, which can be beneficial for children.

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Treasurer

At-Large Member

Secretary

Kristy Kelly, CPA, is a well-respected professional in the accounting field, currently employed at a large accounting firm. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in addressing the accounting and tax needs of individuals, fiduciaries, and privately held businesses. Kristy is noted for her expertise in navigating complex tax issues, providing invaluable advice to her clients.

At-Large Member

Eddie Vassar, RN, is a registered nurse (RN) based in Monroe, North Carolina. He currently serves as the Director of Nursing for Adult In-patient Care, specializing in Medical-Surgical, Cardiac Telemetry, and Observation units at Atrium Health. In addition to his nursing responsibilities, Vassar is involved with Union County Pride, an organization aimed at promoting a thriving LGBTQ community in Union County. He holds an at-large member position in the leadership team of Union County Pride, which focuses on supporting youth and young adults, promoting inclusive businesses, and fostering diverse communities.

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Advisory Team

Advisor

Joshua Jernigan is a prominent transgender and queer rights activist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is deeply involved in advocating for transgender and gender-diverse youth, particularly through his founding of the Gender Education Network (GEN), which supports children under the age of 12. His efforts aim to create safer, more inclusive spaces for these young individuals and their families.

Jernigan's background includes a strong focus on education. He has taught a wide range of subjects, including sign language, racial and gender identities, and queer history. He is committed to promoting accurate and inclusive historical education, particularly around marginalized communities. Additionally, he is an author and media producer, having co-founded Wild Pride Productions, which is dedicated to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and stories.

Jernigan is also known for his advocacy in the homeschool community, working to ensure that inclusive and LGBTQ+-affirming environments are prioritized in homeschooling spaces. His work highlights the importance of creating supportive environments for all children, especially those from marginalized groups.

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