MRC’s Josh Burford named Best LGBT Leader

The publication QNotes recently named Josh Burford, assistant director for sexual and gender diversity in the Multicultural Resource Center, Charlotte’s Best LGBT Leader.

Burford’s selection resulted from ballots cast by QNotes readers earlier this year. UNC Charlotte senior Lee Ziglar was voted Best Young Adult Leader, too. According to its website, QNotes is an “LGBT arts, entertainment and news publication” based in Charlotte.

“I’m honored to be selected for this award, and I hope to continue to work hard on behalf of the local LGBTQ community,” said Burford.

A native of Alabama, Burford completed a master’s degree in American studies and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. He joined UNC Charlotte in 2012. Previously, he was coordinator for student development programming in the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership at the University of Alabama.

Since arriving at UNC Charlotte, Burford has supported a number of local LGBT organizations, and he is spearheading the Charlotte LGBTQ Community Archive that is being housed in Atkins Library Special Collection. His goal is to collect as many stories of Charlotte’s LGBT history as possible.

Most recently, he worked with the Levine Museum of the New South and other curators to develop the city’s first-ever LGBT exhibit “LGBTQ Perspectives on Equality,” which opened July 25.

Ziglar, who has led the University’s LGBT student organization, is secretary of the Charlotte Business Guild, organized in 1992 to establish and nurture a network of business contacts and friendships; encourage fellowship and support among business, professional and charitable pursuits; and provide and promote positive role models in Charlotte’s lesbian and gay community.

Photo courtesy of QNotes.