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Raleigh’s Municipal Equality Index score
Four flags at the Raleigh Times Bar.
Raleigh earned a score of 85 out of 100 on the 2022 Municipal Equality Index. | Photo by RALtoday
The Human Rights Campaign released the 2022 Municipal Equality Index, and Raleigh is on the list. How did we score?

Each year, the Human Rights Campaign releases a Municipal Equality Index which takes a deep dive into municipal laws, policies, and services and how inclusive they are of LGBTQ+ people. This year’s edition examined 506 cities on 49 different criteria across five categories — non-discrimination laws, municipality as employer, services and programs, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.

Based on these criteria, Raleigh earned a score of 85 out of 100. Not too shabby. Here’s a breakdown of how we got here… and how we can go even further.

Non-discrimination laws

This category looks at whether LGBTQ+ discrimination is prohibited by law in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodation. Raleigh achieved a 10 out of 30 for our laws across the state, county, and municipality.

Municipality as employer

Cities can achieve points for inclusive employment policies like trans-inclusive healthcare policies and non-discrimination in city employment. Raleigh got a 26 out of 28.

Services and programs

This section considers the city’s efforts to include LGBTQ+ folks in city services and programs. Raleigh scored 7 out of 12, but got bonus points for city-offered services to the transgender community and LGBTQ+ youth, older adults, and more.

How do you think we could make our community more welcoming to all? Let us know.

Click on the link below for more about Raleigh’s score and ways to get involved.
WAYS TO SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY
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Thursday, Dec. 8
  • State Tree Lighting & Holiday Open House | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 5:30 p.m. | NC State Capitol, 1 E. Edenton St., Raleigh | Free | Listen to holiday music performed by The Raleigh Concert Band, visit with Santa, and enjoy cookies and cider — stick around to tour the decorated Capitol.
  • 29th Annual Jingle Ball Gala | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 7-10:30 p.m. | NC Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones St., Raleigh | $130 | Enjoy a night of live music, dueling pianos, raffles, cocktails, and elevated food to raise money to buy children Christmas presents.
Friday, Dec. 9
  • Pop Up with Locals Seafood | Friday, Dec. 9 | 5-8 p.m. | The Raleigh Wine Shop, 317 S. Bloodworth St., Raleigh | Price of purchase | Locals Seafood will be serving up oysters and small seafood plates, all paired with wine.
  • Theatre in the Park: A Christmas Carol | Friday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 11 | 7 p.m. | Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh | $35-$94 | Get in the holiday spirit with this classic performance.
  • Evening with Elves | Friday, Dec. 9 | Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh | $12-$35 | Enjoy roasting s’mores outdoors, arctic museum play, and a special visit from the Snowflake Fairy.
Saturday, Dec. 10
  • MAKRS Holiday Fest | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | City Plaza, 443 Fayetteville St., Raleigh | Free | Grab a snack from a food truck and shop from 100+ local vendors.
  • Southern Songbirds: Tift Merritt Sings the Women of Country Music | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 7 p.m. | NC Museum of History, 5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh | Donation | Enjoy this concert series in conjunction with The Power of Women in Country Music exhibition.
Sunday, Dec. 11
  • The Vintage Market Before Christmas | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Transfer Co. Ballroom, 500 E. Davie St., Raleigh | Free | Enjoy a retro sports holiday shopping experience.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
100+ MORE EVENTS
Nourished Life Wellness

Give your guests something to taco ‘bout 🌮
Moe's Southwest Grill: Party in a pinch mini
Fajitas + taco spread anyone? Give the office a party they’ll love with the ultimate crowd-pleaser. | Photo by Moe’s Southwest Grill
Procrastination is nacho friend when it comes to holiday party planning — but if you do find yourself in a pinch, ordering a catered meal can help. Wow your guests (and your boss) with Moe’s Southwest Grill at your next office party.

Moe’s catering menu offers customizable meals (read: take your fajita + taco bar to-go) as well as individually boxed burritos, bowls, and more.

Pro Tip: Use code HOLIDAY22 on orders $300+ to get $50 in Moe’s App Rewards.*
MEALS + DEALS THIS WAY

Weather
  • 64º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain 🌤️
Development
  • The next phase of the Beacon Site, a community in Southeast Raleigh, is breaking ground today. Beacon Point will include two health clinics, a Self-Help Credit Union branch, and retail and office space for nonprofits and local businesses. Completion is expected for the end of 2023. Learn more.
Travel
  • Before taking its first flight at RDU, Breeze Airlines has added three more destination to its schedule. The carrier will begin nonstop services from RDU to Richmond, Virginia on Feb. 17 followed by Columbus, Ohio and Jacksonville, Florida on May 18. ✈️ (The News & Observer)
Seasonal
  • Looking for NYE plans? Young Hearts Distilling is hosting a party on Saturday, Dec. 31 featuring an open craft cocktail bar, live entertainment, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast at 12 a.m. on the rooftop patio. Purchase tickets ($120).
Shop
  • Sip, shop, and Rock Around the Block today from 5 to 9 p.m. at participating Person Street stores. Each shop will be offering something festive like typewritten poems at So & So Books, spiked cider at Edge of Urge, and ornament and reindeer food making at Unlikely Professionals. More participating shops.
  • ‘Tis the season to shop items from our online shop Six & Main. Our gift guides feature shirts, jewelry, gourmet popcorn, coffee, and more. There’s no time to waste, let the shopping begin. 🛍️
Try This
  • Join the National Audubon Society for the 123rd Christmas Bird Count, the longest running bird census in the world. Between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, 2023, volunteers around the Western Hemisphere will tally all birds seen or heard. Join Raleigh’s bird count on Saturday, Dec. 17. More information. 🐦
  • Give the gift of a quality shave month after month with a Harry’s trial set and blade subscription. Choose your handle color, refill frequency, and let the good shave days roll in for as little as $5 on sign-up (yes, you heard that right). 🪒*
Asked
  • Do you have a favorite women-owned local startup, small business, or nonprofit? We want to shout out local female entrepreneurs in an upcoming newsletter. Nominate someone.
Job
  • Looking for a career refresh? Synergy Face + Body is hiring multiple positions at their Raleigh locations. Learn more + apply.*
Featured Deal
  • Be the hostess with the mostess this holiday season with a catered meal from Moe’s Southwest Grill. Bonus: Get $50 in Moe’s app rewards when you spend $300+ on catering, with code Holiday22 through Sat., Dec. 31, 2022. Snag the deal.*
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Friends of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences

2 new exhibits coming soon to the NCMA

2 new exhibits coming to the NCMA this spring
A gold-painted figure, with a pilot’s helmet and uniform, suspended on a metal pole.
“Tar Baby vs. St. Sebastian” sculpture is currently on view at the NCMA. | Photo by Oriol Tarridas, courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami and The Michael Richards Estate.
The NCMA is introducing two new exhibitions this spring, showcasing the groundbreaking careers of African American artists Michael Richards and Ruth E. Carter.

Michael’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen (the first African American pilots in the US military) “Tar Baby vs. St. Sebastian,” has been on continuous display in the Global Contemporary galleries since 2003. From March 4 to July 23, 2023, the museum will add the “Are You Down?” traveling exhibit to his collection.

The late artist merged spiritual and historical references with popular culture in his work and often used his body to cast the figures for his sculptures. The exhibition will feature another version of the “Tar Baby vs. St. Sebastian” sculpture plus recently conserved artworks from 1990 to 2000.

Ruth, an Academy Award-winning costume designer, has designed pieces for films such as “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “Malcom X,” and “Selma.” Along with sketches and illustrations, Ruth’s exhibition, “Afrofuturism in Costume Design,” features 60+ original garments from popular movies. Her work will be on view April 1-August 6, 2023.
Fenton
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Cat.

Editor’s pick: I found my new favorite ornament during the last First Friday of the year at 311 Gallery. “Hoping for Raleigh” is a homemade ornament of an original cityscape painting by NC artist Venronica Vale. It truly completes my tree. 🎄

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Take a look inside Rocks + Acid.
Connect with us.

Editorial: Cat George, Anne Tate, Sarah Leonhardt, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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