Send a Message of Love and Inclusivity on the Outer Banks

I live on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a beautiful vacation destination that hosts over 5 million visitors from around the world every year.

I am also a member of the queer community. I am working with other community members and allies to make the Outer Banks a more queer-friendly area and to make visitors and residents feel safe and valued.

The artist Rae Senarighi (@transpainter on Instagram) is graciously allowing the use of their beautiful artwork for billboards across the U.S. free of cost.

My goal is to rent a billboard along Caratoke Highway to showcase their art and send a message of inclusivity and love to all who pass by it on the Outer Banks.

While the artwork usage is free, displaying a billboard on this well-traveled stretch of road comes at a high price. I have found a billboard located on the West-bound side just after the Wright Memorial Bridge that costs $995/month with a production fee of $750.

The minimum commitment is four months, so the amount we will need to lease this billboard is $4,730. I have set the fundraiser goal at $5,000 to cover any additional costs, including Gofundme’s fees. If the amount needed to rent the billboard is reached and there is any money left over, it will be donated to an LGBTQIA+ organization and receipts will be provided.

I hope you will consider donating to and sharing this fundraiser so we can work together to show that the Outer Banks is a place of acceptance. Bigotry and hate have no home here.

Thank you,

Elisa McVearry

*This fund will be used strictly for the above purpose, so in the event that the goal is not reached, all donations will be refunded.*