Celebrating We Are Family: Charleston’s Trailblazing LGBTQ+ Nonprofit

Charleston is home to so many beautiful things- scenic views, rich history, and vibrant culture- but one of its greatest treasures is We Are Family, South Carolina’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. When we first moved to Charleston in 2019 I knew that I wanted to spend some time researching different organizations to see whose mission I most aligned with. Photography has provided me with the gift of providing my volunteer services but I wanted to find one organization whose mission did the most amount of work that mattered to me. That's when We Are Family all but fell into my lap. This organization is seriously incredible. It has been changing lives for over TWO decades, creating life-affirming and life-saving programs for young people. As someone who has had the absolute joy of working with them (for multiple years now), I can tell you firsthand: this is more than just a nonprofit- it’s a community overflowing with love, support, and Southern Queer Magic.

The 2024 Adult Queer Prom was themed ' Wizard of Oz'. It's such a special annual fundraising event that helps to fund the programing that supports area youth all year long.

We Are Family exists to empower young people to thrive as their most authentic selves. Their programs provide critical resources, safe spaces, and a sense of belonging for LGBTQ+ youth in a world that often tells them they don’t fit in. Whether it’s through housing assistance, mental health support, affirming events, or leadership opportunities, We Are Family meets young people where they are with compassion and care.

They see imagination as a form of creative resistance. It's about envisioning a world where love, identity, and safety aren't limited- where everyone is free to be who they are. They don't just accept diversity- they celebrate it in a beautiful and unique way. Through joyful expression and unapologetic queerness, We Are Family brings the kind of euphoric energy that truly feels like magic at each event.

It’s rare to find an organization that not only provides practical support but also nurtures joy, identity, and community in such a profound way. The love within this organization is contagious. Every person I’ve met through We Are Family radiates kindness, strength, and authenticity- it’s always an honor to capture that magic behind the lens.

We Are Family isn’t just supporting LGBTQ+ youth- they’re shaping a better, brighter, and more inclusive future for all of us. Plus they just opened their brand new office space featuring designated space for youth gathering, private therapy offices and a safe space for all of their groups. If you’d like to learn more or get involved, I encourage you to visit their website, attend an event, or support their mission however you can. Because when we uplift each other, we all rise.

Kayla Rochelle photographs primarily in Charleston, SC soaking up the beach at sunset and daytime in the parks as much as possible.

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