19 LGBTQ Thanksgiving Events Where You Can Celebrate With Chosen Family

by Jeff Taylor 11/23/2019

The holidays are a time of coming together, giving thanks, and sharing in community with friends, family, and chosen family.

LGBTQ groups and organizations are holding Thanksgiving luncheons, dinners, and parties across the country, before, during, and after the day itself, offering an opportunity to share in community, reflection, and fun with like-minded folks. Check out the events listed below and let us know in the comments if we missed yours.

November 23 – Durham, NC

El Centro Hispano’s LGBTQ+ Programs partners with Equality NC, the LGBTQ Center of Durham, and Duke Energy to present a potluck dinner. The event will start at 7pm and take place at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 3011 Academy Rd. More information available here.
November 23 – Salem, MA

Personal chef Jonil Casado hosts an event for the LGBTQ community and allies called “Dining with Stranger.” The event takes place from 6-9:30pm. The address will be emailed once tickets, which cost $29 each, are purchased. More information is available here.
November 23 – Dayton, OH

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The Greater Dayton LGBT Center holds its annual Thanksgiving dinner, with the center providing the turkey and ham and guests encouraged to sign up to bring a side dish. The event will also double as the center’s annual meeting, where new board members and a new president will be elected. There will also be an art auction and live music. The event runs from 5-8pm at 24 N. Jefferson St., Ste 200. More information is available here.
November 23 – Milwaukee, WI

The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center will hold its annual Thanksgivingfest dinner. Guests are encouraged to bring a side dish marked with their name and the contents. The event runs from 4-6:30pm and will be held at the center, at 1110 N. Market St., Fl 2. More information is available here.
November 24 – Madison, WI

OutReach LGBT Community Center and the LGBTQ 50-Plus Alliance will host their annual Thanksgiving gathering. Turkey with cornbread stuffing, ham, and beverages will be provided, and guests are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share or a $10 suggested donation. It is an all ages event and alcohol will not be served. It will take place from 6-8pm at 2701 International Lane, STE 101. More information is available here.
November 25 – Schaumburg, IL

The Kenneth Youth Center and Communities for Positive Youth Development invite the community to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with friends new and old. Prospective guests are encouraged to RSVP and the event runs from 6-8pm at 650 E. Algonquin Rd., STE 104. More information is available here.
November 26 – Hauppauge, NY

The LGBT Network hosts a family movie night, screening A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving on its movie screen, at 125 Kennedy Drive, STE 100. Popcorn and refreshments will be served and there will be other fun activities for families onsite. The event runs from 6-7:30pm. More information is available here.
November 26 – Oxford, MS

OUTGrads, at The University of Mississippi, will host a Thanksgiving potluck dinner in the new LGBTQ lounge. More information is available here.
November 26 – Houston, TX

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The Montrose Center, at 401 Branard St., hosts the Annual Transgender Community Thanksgiving Potluck, open to all trans people and allies. The event will take place in room 106/107, from 6-9pm. Those who wish to bring a side dish are encouraged to do so. More information is available here.
November 27 – Charlotte, NC

Time Out Youth will host a Thanksgiving dinner, at 3800 Monroe Rd., from 6-8:30pm. All are welcome to attend the free event. More information is available here.
November 28 – New York City, NY

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Julius’ will host a buffet-style dinner, free with the purchase of one drink. Customers are encouraged to bring non-homemade desserts, which must be sealed with the ingredients listed. The event will take place at the bar, at 159 W. 10th St., from 4-7pm.
November 28 – Newark, NJ

Twister Lounge, at 522 Ferry St., is holding an LGBTQ Thanksgiving Night Friends and Family Bash. Free admission and drink specials will be on offer. More information is available here.
November 28 – Washington, D.C.

The DC Center, at 2000 14th St. NW, # 105, will host a Thanksgiving dinner, with doors opening at 1pm and dinner served at 2, with the event wrapping up at 5. Guests are invited to bring their favorite music and board games. More information is available here.
November 28 – Pocatello, ID

All Under One Roof LGBT Center, at 234 N. Main St., will host its fourth annual Rainbow Thanksgiving event, from 2:30-5:30pm. Guests are encouraged to bring a side dish. More information is available here.
November 28 – El Centro, CA

The Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center, at 1073 Ross Ave., STE E, will hold a Thanksgiving luncheon, from 12-2pm. More information is available here.
November 28 – Denver, CO

The Triangle, at 2036 N. Broadway, will host a queer disco party starting at 9pm. DJs Pup Glitch and Kimberly St. John and VJ Timmy Edens will provide entertainment. More information is available here.
November 30 – Fitchburg, MA

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LGBT Youth Tribe, at 923 Main St., will host its second annual Thanksgiving meal, from 2-4pm. Guests are invited to bring a side dish to share if they wish. More information is available here.
December 1 – Columbia, SC

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Harriet Hancock LGBT Center, at 1108 Woodrow St., will host a potluck dinner from 2-4pm, with drinks and chicken and dumplings provided, and guests encouraged to bring a dessert or side. More information is available here.
December 14 – Charlotte, NC

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Genderlines will host a holiday potluck dinner at Pure Pizza, at 1911 Central Ave., from 3-6pm. Turkey, ham, and tofurkey will be provided and guests are encouraged to bring a side or dessert. More information is available here.