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A festival and parade of peace, love, and inclusion at this year’s Charlotte Pride Event were on full display at the 2026 Charlotte Pride Celebration. Since 2000, Charlotte Pride, with a deep-rooted history, has worked through projects and activities, including the annual Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade, to become the leader in LGBTQ visibility in Charlotte and the Carolinas.
For the fourth year, IAM Local 1725, partnered with the Charlotte-Metrolina Labor Council to send a strong message of inclusion to all. Staffing a booth with messages and trinkets of support to the LGBTQ community, and a message that labor is more than willing and capable of continuing that support and message through the strength of labor in the workplace.
“Labor and unions are always going to be there for those that may not feel their voice is being heard, no matter how different they may feel they are in the end, all human beings,” said IAM 1725 member and Charlotte Metrolina Labor Council President Chris Barrett.
The event highlighted not only labor’s commitment to ensuring all workers have the same rights in and out of the workplace – it’s a prime example of what happens when labor and working people come together to support their communities.
“We are here at this year’s PRIDE weekend to celebrate inclusion for everybody,” said IAM 1725 member Andrew Garmeson. “We want to ensure everybody’s rights, and this is just another way to do that.”
LGBTQ workers often face discrimination, wage gaps, harassment, and a lack of inclusive benefits. Unions help by negotiating non-discrimination clauses, enforcing fair grievance procedures, providing legal support, and advocating for inclusive healthcare, including gender-affirming care.
In early 2025, the IAM Union reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity at its 40th IAM Convention in 2024 for all affected human rights groups, including the LGBTQ+ members and community.
“IAM Union will always be committed to rights of all workers,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “This event in Charlotte highlights our determination to be a voice for all, the LGBTQ+ community is no less deserving of our commitment.”
‘At the end of the day, any fight that attempts to silence or keep anyone in the shadows is one that the IAM Union and labor as a whole will be there for, taking up arms to right the wrongs.
IAM Local 1725 members participating in this event were Chris Barrett, Andrew Garmeson, Derrick Nash, Carla Peralta, and Dianna Garmeson (Daughter of Andrew Garmeson).
