Our Mission
Founded in 2008, Upstate Pride SC is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community.
Upstate Pride SC empowers people of all gender expressions and sexual identities in the Upstate of South Carolina by promoting acceptance through education, advocacy and networking.
What We Do
From challenging discriminatory ordinances to collaborating on research studies to hosting monthly social meetups, Upstate Pride SC is dedicated to driving positive social change and promoting unity among the LGBTQ+ community in our area.
Our initiatives include providing peer counseling and health support, conducting advocacy training, offering a speakers bureau for organizations and academic institutions, providing safe spaces for gathering and networking, and hosting inclusive and affirming events.
In addition to our year-round events and activities, UPSC hosts two major annual festivals where all are welcome: the summer Black Pride Week celebration in Greenville and the fall Pride March & Festival in Spartanburg.
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What We Believe
Our commitment to intersectionality isn't just rhetoric; it's woven into the fabric of our organization.
We believe that true progress can only be achieved through power-sharing and collaboration. By amplifying the voices of those historically marginalized, we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Upstate Pride SC was founded in 2008. Throughout the years, we have continued to grow and thrive, creating visibility, change, and a sense belonging for LGBTQ+ people in the Upstate community.
UPSC Through the Years
2009
500
event attendees
2010
3,000
event attendees
2015
5,000
event attendees
2021
7,500
event attendees
2024
13,000+
event attendees
Terena Starks has over three decades of experience within the US Postal Service and Terena's commitment to her work is evident by her longevity. As the President and Black Pride Director of Upstate Pride SC, Terena tirelessly advocates for the rights and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community, a cause close to her heart as a non-binary member of the community. Terena also serves on Infinite Possibilities (IP) board of directors as a member-at-large, with a focus on services for unsheltered and at-risk families.
Terena is a native of Greenville and a veteran. Terena's life has been defined by her dedication to community, family, and professional excellence. In addition to her work with Upstate Pride SC and IP, Terena is a devoted wife and mother, cherishing the time spent with her family above all else. As an entrepreneur, she is the proud owner of Twin2 Enterprises LLC and Twin2 Logistics LLC, demonstrating her business acumen and drive.
Outside of her professional and advocacy work, Terena finds solace and joy in outdoor adventures. From hiking to cycling to kayaking, she embraces the beauty of nature and the thrill of exploration. Yet, amidst all her endeavors, Terena holds onto a fundamental belief – that every new day is an opportunity to love and be grateful.
About
terena@upstatepridesc.org
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Board President
Terena
Starks
Caroline is the founder and director of the non-profit New Mind Health and Care that provides free specialized behavioral modification services to individuals, families, and children affected by incarceration or criminal histories. She is the creator of the ReFlight Curriculum for cognitive behavioral education and change. She has over 20 years’ experience as a clinical mental health therapist and 10 years’ experience as a Federal Officer.
Caroline is also the sole proprietor of ReFlight LLC, a consulting firm specializing in providing behavioral and life coaching services for organizations to improve employee function, retention and the development of positive work culture. She is an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church Ministries and specializes in bringing love, honor, and joy to same-sex, gender neutral and non-binary marital unions. As a professional public speaker, life coach and all-around doer of “Good Things,” Caroline is a fierce advocate for marginalized groups including LGBTQ+, QPOC, and returning citizens.
"My reason for joining the Board was to serve my community, but to also engage the organization in equity, diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality. There were no women on the board and no people of color. I know that representation matters. So being a part of UPSC was a way to open and hold space for others who didn’t see themselves."
About
caroline@upstatepridesc.org
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Executive Director
Caroline
Caldwell
Jaime is an active and passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, the transgender community, and for issues related to obesity and addiction. In addition to her work with Upstate Pride SC, she has held a variety of leadership positions with 864Pride, the Obesity Action Coalition, SMART Recovery meetings, Trinity Lutheran Church Greenville, and The UofSC Medical School Patient Engagement Studio. In all her roles her primary focus is patient advocacy. She is a guest lecturer at the UofSC Medical School, Clemson University, and Furman University.
Jaime and her wife Karen have been married for 50 years. Together they love to travel (especially cruises) and to just spend time with each other. When not doing volunteer work, Jaime likes to kayak, knit, and enjoys many forms of entertainment. Jaime has been retired since 2016 from a 38+ years career in Human Resources at Michelin North America. Twenty-eight years of her career was in pension and benefit plan administration. Her expertise is in plan design, administration and governance. Jaime also has experience as an internal Organization Development Consultant. Jaime has an MBA from Kent State University, a BsED from Bowling Green State University and has done extensive post-graduate work with the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland.
About
jaime@upstatepridesc.org
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Secretary
Jaime
Fivecoat
Jenn is the Admissions Leader for Paul Mitchell The School Greenville and has worked in the beauty industry in many capacities for several years.
"After moving to South Carolina from the New Orleans area, I was struck with the reality that it's very different here. I'm fortunate to work for a company that not only celebrates diversity and inclusivity but is also centered on giving back and supporting important causes. When I was given the opportunity to represent Paul Mitchell in our community, I immediately started looking for Pride events to volunteer with.
That very first Black Pride festival I volunteered with changed something in me and I wanted to be a bigger part of it all. I didn't just want to be a friend of the community anymore or even just a safe space... I wanted to fight with them. After three years, I was invited to apply for a board position, and I hit the ground running."
About
jenn@upstatepridesc.org
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Events Committee
Jenn
Jones
Jodi Snyder (she/her), a native Minnesotan, has been in the Upstate for close to 20 years. Jodi’s passionate about the LGBTQ+ community and an advocate for all marginalized folx. She serves on the Upstate Pride SC Board of Directors and the Upstate Black Pride committee. She's Co- Founder and Owner of Baloo Ridge Outdoor Explorations, a local Upstate business that is centered around Black folx reconnecting with nature and sustainability. She is also the Program Director for Uplift Outreach Center. Their mission, to provide a much-needed safe & brave space for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in Spartanburg, SC and surrounding areas.
2022 LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year
2023 Pridefest Collective MIA Award
2024 Spartanburg Democratic Party LGBTQ+ Advocate of the Year
2024 LGBT Chamber Pride in Business Gayla- Peoples Choice
About
jodi@upstatepridesc.org
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Vendor Coordinator
Jodi
Snyder
As an Indigenous creative with a profound interest in 2SLGBTQ+, Black, and Indigenous liberation movements, Lucia's journey has been a tapestry woven with threads of cultural resilience, artistic expression, and social activism.
"Growing up, I found myself navigating the intricate intersections of my identities, often feeling the weight of marginalization while simultaneously cherishing the rich heritage passed down through generations. I often found myself confronting the erasure of Indigenous identities within mainstream discourse. As a creative with a focus in visual arts, art became my sanctuary, a space where I could channel my experiences, frustrations, and dreams into powerful expressions that transcended boundaries.
Through my creations, whether it be graphic design or photography, I sought to amplify the voices of those whose stories were often silenced or overlooked. Through my involvement with Upstate Pride SC and my continued journey as an Indigenous Maya Q'anjob'al, I strive to honor the legacies of resilience and resistance that have brought me to this point. With every step taken, I am committed to weaving a brighter, more just future for generations to come!"
About
lucia@upstatepridesc.org
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Marketing Coordinator
Lucia
Zacarias
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Ready to Get Involved?
We can't wait to help you get connected in the community!
We know it can be difficult to find LGBTQ+ resources in the south. That’s why we’ve created a central hub for everything from Pride events to support groups to affirming health care, and everything in between, so LGBTQ+ upstate residents can get connected to their community and access the resources they need.
We are actively seeking to create open spaces for your ideas and your passions! Whether you’re a lifelong member of the Upstate community or have just arrived here yesterday, we’re here to help you get involved in a community of support where you can thrive and show up in a way that feels great to you!
check out local events
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