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Building an empowered, respectful, and diverse gaming community since 2020. The Charlotte Gaymers Network is a non-profit organization and is led by a team of volunteers.

Become a Member

Partner Support

Charlotte Phoenix
Pure Pizza
Alexander PCs
Gundlach Bundschu Wine
Time Out Youth
Mythic Massage
Summit Coffee
Zaddy Solutions
Great Wagon Distilling
Argon Video Bar & Lounge
Sidelines Sports Bar
Abari Game Bar
Tabbris
Avid Painting
Wicked Reality Esports Gaming
Vaulted Oak Brewing
Bobby Kerns Productions
Billy Shugart

We thank our corporate partners, individual sponsors, and venues for supporting the important work of the Charlotte Gaymers Network. Please consider supporting these organizations and folks, who are adamant in supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

what is the Charlotte gaymers network

The Charlotte Gaymers Network (CGN) was founded by friends Jonathan Barrio and Zach Smith, who identified a need in the LGBTQ+ community to stay connected to one another in the midst of a world altering pandemic. Founded on July 6th, 2020, CGN strives to create an inclusive environment of folks from all walks of life who are united in our passion and love for all things gaming. Group members enjoy board games, tabletop games, video games, and the social events that bring us together. Our events take place in Charlotte, North Carolina and its surrounding areas. Our members are diverse, enthusiastic to meet new friends, and most importantly — welcoming. We hope to see you at an event soon!

Executive Leadership Team

Jonathan Barrio

Executive Director and Co-Founder

Meet Jonathan

David McRae

Deputy Director

Meet David

Storm Hambrick

Assistant Director of
Programs

Meet Storm

Greg Endy

Assistant Director of Operations

Meet Greg

RC Goslee

Assistant Director of
Finance

Meet RC

Onya Nerves

Assistant Director of Community Relations

Meet Onya

Billy Greene

Assistant Director of
Marketing

Meet Billy

Adrika Lazarus

Assistant Director of
Diversity and Inclusion

Meet Adrika

Officers

Keilen McNeil

People and Culture Officer

Meet Keilen

Jonny Golian

Print Promotions Officer

Meet Jonny

Corey Sawley

Event Productions Officer

Meet Corey

Connor McGalliard

Technology Officer

Meet Connor

Elizabeth Hughes

Event Productions Officer

Meet Elizabeth

Nathan Gellin

Trading Card Game Officer

Meet Nathan

Executive Leadership Team

Jonathan Barrio

Executive Director and Co-Founder

Meet Jonathan

David McRae

Deputy Director

Meet David

RC Goslee

Assistant Director of Finance

Meet RC

Abigail Roy

Assistant Director of Programs

Meet Greg

Greg Endy

Assistant Director of Operations

Meet Greg

Officers

Kyle Schichler

Board Game and Tabletop Gaming Officer

Meet Kyle

Connor McGalliard

Technology Officer

Meet Connor

Billy Greene

Dungeons and Dragons/QuestCo Officer

Meet Billy

Keilen McNeil

Officer Of Photography

Meet Keilen

Joel Acosta

MMO Officer

Meet Joel

Storm Hambrick

Volunteer Coordinator/Pokemon Officer

Meet Storm

Jonny Golian

Print Promotions Officer

Meet Jonny

Keith Yarborough

Event Productions Officer

Meet Keith

Corey Sawley

Print Promotions Officer

Meet Corey

Alan-Michael Skirnick

Marketing Officer

Meet Alan-Michael

Looking to join?

Become a MEMBER

Not only does membership include Discord benefits, you’ll have access to priority event registration, an open invitation to exclusive events which feature an open bar, dinner, entertainment & more! We also have exciting additional benefits for businesses and individuals who become Executive level members, listed below. Becoming a CGN+ Member is not mandatory to participate in our events, but is encouraged, so we can continue hosting our events for free. Please consider becoming a CGN+ Member today, and supporting the work of your local LGBTQIA+ community gaming organization!

CGN+ MEMBERSHIP

Our premium membership program
$ 10
00 per month
  • This is the recommended way to support the critical work that CGN does. Choosing this tier, enrolls you in our premium membership program that unlocks excellent benefits for you.
Learn More
*You will be redirected to our organization's Patreon to join in on benefits

CGN+ Membership for Two

Bring a plus one
$ 20
00 per month
  • Upgrade your CGN+ Membership! Our $10 Membership does not include a guest pass for your significant other or a friend. Choose this option if you would like to include a plus one with you to all events.
Learn More
*You will be redirected to our organization's Patreon to join in on benefits

CGN+ Philanthropy

Members who support the mission
$ 25
00 per month
  • Choose this tier to support CGN's philanthropic activities in Charlotte and its surrounding areas. CGN participates in a number of charitable activities per month, such as hosting game nights for marginalized youth at local shelters and centers, participating in volunteer days of service, and more. Choosing this tier restricts your monthly gift to only support these CGN activities, so we can make sure we have plenty of food and drinks for the kids and for our volunteers who participate in other charitable operations.
Learn More
*You will be redirected to our organization's Patreon to join in on benefits

CGN+ Executive

The premium way to support & enjoy CGN
$ 50
00 per month
  • By becoming an annual sustainer at the Executive level, a whole world of possibilities open up to you. Catering to individuals or businesses, this exclusive tier includes the following and then some:
  • All previous benefits from all tiers, plus a total of FOUR (4) CGN+ Membership passes, allowing you and three guests to enjoy our events
  • Your business logo, or individual headshot, on our website and thanked as a sponsor. PLUS live and in-person thanks during our events.
  • You will receive up to two (2) speaking opportunities at our events throughout the year, to speak directly to our event attendees and talk about your business.
Learn More
*You will be redirected to our organization's Patreon to join in on benefits

Our Events

Read about our events below or view our full events calendar

Events Calendar

Gaymer Gathering

Learn MORE

CGN After Dark

Learn MORE

CGN Unplugged

Learn MORE

CGN+ Member Events

Learn MORE

CGN Socials

Learn MORE

CGN Sinners Brunch

CGN Sinners Brunch
Learn MORE

Are you ready to attend a CGN event?

Sign up on our mailing list and you’ll receive our registration emails for events!

Register Here

Press

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Check out these images from just a few of our events!

send an inquiry

Send us an email by filling out the form below

© Copyright 2022 Charlotte Gaymers Network. All Rights Reserved.

🦌 Site Design

Jonathan Barrio

Executive Director and Co-Founder

Why I started CGN: Zach and I created CGN for the sole purpose of uniting a niche of folks in the LGBTQIA+ community of Charlotte. Gaymers are not often represented or advocated for in our community, and we sought to change that. We are so excited to have formed CGN with 10 of our friends…and we are blown away that in just 9 short months we have welcomed over 500 members in our Facebook Group, and over 350 members in our discord, into our family. We are so glad you’re here! 

David McRae

Deputy Director

Why I joined CGN: The need for a group like CGN is absolutely astounding. The evidence of that is in the excitement and numbers of people who are becoming a part of this organization. When I heard about it, I immediately wanted to be a part of it because I believe that we really can do a lot of good for both the gaming and LGBTQIA+ communities. I’m proud and so happy that I have this opportunity.

Storm Hambrick

AD of Programs / Volunteer Coordinator / Pokemon Officer

Why I joined CGN: I joined because i wanted to start making new friends that shared the same interest as me. Some people that you can just say “Hey want to play a game?” and most of the time you will get a response and just have fun. I love the sense of community this group has brought to my attention and how much we care for each other even if we barely know each other.

Greg Endy

Assistant Director of Operations

Why I joined CGN: I joined because a few neat people joined another Discord channel I’m a part of (cough Jonny, Jake and others cough), joined for an event and loved the people I met in person, and wanted to help! I believe in CGN’s message and their path through the world and want to help make this group as amazing as it can be.

RC Goslee

Assistant Director of Finance

Why I joined CGN: I’m excited to lend my institutional knowledge to the organization to make sure we’re making sound financial decisions and propelling the organization to new heights. I also wanted a fun way to get involved and network with people who share an interest in gaming!

Onya Nerves

Assistant Director of
Community Relations

I am an award winning drag queen based here in Charlotte, NC with a focus on event planning and producing inclusive and welcoming events. I joined CGN because of the down to earth, accepting, and inclusive atmosphere that the organization creates, all throughout the Charlotte region. As the founder of DKO Entertainment, I also work with the local drag community to produce memorable events all over the Queen City. I hope to meet you soon!

Billy Greene

Dungeons and Dragons/QuestCo Officer

Why I joined CGN: I am a board game and RPG fanatic, I was looking for a community to play with after my local group dissolved during the pandemic. I saw a Facebook ad for CGN back in fall of 2020 about playing D&D and really enjoyed the atmosphere of the group.

Adrika Lazarus

Assistant Director of
Diversity and Inclusion

Adrika Lazarus

Why I joined CGN:
I am a diversity, equity and inclusion professional – a senior consultant, workshop designer and trainer for organizations I do this work because of my own social identities and because I’m passionate about advocating for marginalized communities and people. 

If you’ve been here as long as I have – 10 years – you know that Charlotte used to be a very different city. I’m a queer brown girl and first-generation American and I had to find my community everywhere I lived. I moved out of Charlotte for work and grad school. When I came back in 2020 after completing my program, I felt very disconnected and isolated and was struggling to find community. 

I’m so glad CGN exists because it’s a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community and those with intersectional identities! It’s my literal job to create safe and brave spaces and I’m happy to bring my skills here and make new, wonderful friends! I wish CGN existed 10 years ago, but we can’t turn back time, we can only move forward to build a safer world for others.

KEILEN McNEIL

People and Culture Officer

Why I joined CGN: I joined because I wanted a safe haven for myself as an LGBT+ gamer in a small town and I jumped at the opportunity the moment it arrived! The main thing that caused me to stay was one time, our Co-Director Zach found a Sims 4 patch note video and immediately tagged me in it, and I knew that this is where I needed to be.

Jonny Golian

Print Promotions Officer

Why I joined CGN: I absolutely love what CGN has done and continues to do for the Charlotte LGBTQIA+ community, and especially the fact that it is a safe inclusive place within the Queen City Gaming scene. As a local journalist and hometown resident, watching its growth has been awing in the short time the organization has been around, and I see something bigger for it here. I personally like being able to come hang out a place where everyone knows your name or face, and just belong, no matter who you are. Having that is so essential to life, and I can’t think of anything fuller to contribute to.

Corey Sawley

Event Productions Officer

Why I joined CGN: I wanted to find a group of people who I could connect with. I moved to Charlotte from Utah in March of 2020 and the pandemic hit one week after I arrived. I joined an event of CGN at Tabbris and immediately knew I found my fellow weirdos. Very happy I found this group and excited to be a part of it.

Connor McGalliard

Technology Officer

Why I joined CGN: I only recently began to try and create content in my own time and really desired to begin A/V production, with a focus on live streaming, for people that may not have the means or the equipment to do so in. I have taken this desire and joined CGN to grow my skills as well as be able to produce great content for CGN and any members that want help with their own productions.

Elizabeth Hughes

Event Productions Officer

Elizabeth Hughes
Why I joined CGN: I moved to Charlotte in November of 2020 and I was looking for a way to meet new people and have fun.

Nathan Gellin

Trading Card Game Officer

Nathan Gellin
Why I joined CGN:I found CGN at the height of the pandemic as a way to connect with other Charlotteans when we were all trapped inside. The thorough rule set of QuestCo for DnD made me realize I knew I had found my people!

Kyle Schichler

Board Game and Tabletop Gaming Officer

Why I joined CGN: I’m here as the official board games aficionado of the Tabletop Officers. I specialize in creating board game events both digital and in person when the pandemic winds down and things are safe for gatherings again. Hopefully you can find some new fun board games to play, find new people to play your favorite board games with, and engage in some hilarious and devious encounters with the dice, tokens, meeples, and cards in front of us!

Joel Acosta

MMO Officer

Why I joined CGN: It seems like every four years been moving back and forth from NY and NC. I was looking for a place to hang out and meet people who have the same interest. On Facebook, I looked up Charlotte Gaymers’ words, and that is how I found this group. The first get-together that I joined was the Poplar event, and immediately I fell in love with the organization. I want to help the organization continue to grow and support the most people that we can.d

Keith Yarborough

Event Productions Officer

Why I joined CGN: During quarantine I found myself playing video games alone or with randos online which was hit or miss. I really wanted to find like minded individuals that I could really be myself and queen out. Pops Fan Soon after, I saw an event for CGN which I was extremely nervous to attend but I thought, what the hell! I was pleasantly surprised that the event was a success and a breath of fresh air. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming! I met amazing people in a matter of minutes and I really felt like this group gets me! My only complaint is that I didn’t join sooner.

Gaymer Gathering

Our signature monthly event, Gaymer Gathering is the essential CGN experience. Enter the storied halls of Tabbris, a state of the art co-working space and esports facility, and enjoy our offerings.

  • Open vodka bar
  • Open wine bar sponsored by Gundlach Bundschu
  • Delicious meals provided by Pure Pizza and/or Manolo’s Latin Bakery
  • Electrifying beats provided by our resident DJs 
  • A fabulous drag show 
  • Giveaways from our sponsors
  • Open play on consoles ranging from classics such as Playstation 1 and Super Nintendo, all the way up to Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Playstation 5
  • Engaging networking and social opportunities with folks with similar interests


The best part? Our guests are able to enjoy all of the above for free, no strings attached. See you there!

Are you ready to attend a CGN event?

Sign up on our mailing list and you’ll receive our registration emails for events!

Register here

CGN After Dark

CGN After Dark is a monthly event structured in a similar way to Gaymer Gathering. The biggest difference is that this event is on the move! CGN After Dark is hosted at different times during the month and rotates around venues in Charlotte that support the LGBTQ+ community. This allows us to spotlight affirming businesses and offer unique activities, food, drinks, perks, and more depending on the event.

Are you ready to attend a CGN event?

Sign up on our mailing list and you’ll receive our registration emails for events!

Register here

CGN Unplugged

CGN Unplugged is a monthly event with a whole new twist! At CGN Unplugged events, we won’t be setting up any video games whatsoever, and instead will only be setting up board games, tabletop games, and have a section set up for Dungeons and Dragons. Our Dungeons and Dragons group will be playing a unique and customized ruleset based off of 5e called QuestCo, a D&D ruleset similar to DDAL that you will only be able to find at CGN. These events are perfect for folks who may not be interested in or comfortable playing video games at our other events. Focusing purely on games of the tabletop variety, this is a great alternative for folks who would still like to be a part of our organization.

Are you ready to attend a CGN event?

Sign up on our mailing list and you’ll receive our registration emails for events!

Register here

CGN+ Member Events

CGN+ Member Events are invite only events for those who purchased a membership to support our organization. These smaller, intimate, and exclusive events are custom tailored for our membership and feature open bars, food, unique venues, and fun activities to acquaint our dues paying members with one another, and gives CGN leadership the opportunity to give back and give thanks to those who financially support the organization. Consider becoming a CGN+ Member today and reap the rewards!

Join Today to attend!

Are you ready to attend a CGN event?

Sign up on our mailing list and you’ll receive our registration emails for events!

Register here

CGN Socials

CGN Socials are events in which our guests travel to a venue to partake in a social activity, whether it’s kayaking at the whitewater center, hiking Crowders Mountain, or playing a fun game of paintball, these events are curated in a way to fully unplug our guests from video games and board games. These events will feature a myriad of different activities, all over town, with varying ranges of physical activity. Whether it’s a CGN Broadway night at the Blumenthal Theatre or going to a concert, we plan to showcase the many fun things to do around the Queen City with these events.

Are you ready to attend a CGN event?

Sign up on our mailing list and you’ll receive our registration emails for events!

Register here

CGN Sinners brunch

Sinners-Brunch
This is our monthly drag brunch event and you’re invited! Presented by the Charlotte Gaymers Network and legendary local drag entertainer, Onya Nerves, this is an event you won’t want to miss! This event serves as our monthly fundraiser, and your support is critical in supporting the organization. Join us!

Are you ready to attend a CGN event?

Sign up on our mailing list and you’ll receive our registration emails for events!

Register here