Pineville Business Owner Calls Local Leaders “Scared Of Pride”

PINEVILLE, N.C.  – Sara Longstreet is the owner of Carolina Scoops in downtown Pineville and a member of the Downtown Merchants Association. She also calls herself a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

“We have a large LGBTQIA+ community here that, I think, feels a little unseen,” she says.

She says when she mentioned planning something for Pride month to town manager Ryan Spitzer, he and the mayor both said she needed to present the idea to town council. Longstreet says that is not usually the process for other events. “I was a little confused because we have Easter celebrations and Christmas celebrations every year and not everybody celebrates those holidays, and if they don’t, they just don’t go,” she says.

But, Longstreet put together a presentation. She says she asked for two things: one, to hang rainbow flags on Main Street in June and two, approval for the merchants to plan a family-friendly community Pride event.

“I could just tell by (their) reactions, they’re (town leaders) a little apprehensive,” she said. “I don’t think it’s ever been asked of the town before,” she continues.

WCCB Charlotte’s Emma Mondo called and emailed the town manager and the mayor, but did not hear back.

Longstreet tells WCCB that she believes the town council is “scared” to take a stand publicly. She says, “We’re not a small farm town anymore. We’re not a small conservative farm town anymore. I want Pineville to be relevant. I want people to feel welcome and safe here, no matter, you know, just be who they are.”