It’s Pride Month, and there’s so much going on in Atlanta!
June was officially designated as Pride Month in commemoration of the New York Stonewall Riots of 1969. These riots marked a before and after in the fight for civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community. A year later, on June 1970, LGBTQ+ activists across the country organized marches in cities across the country in commemoration of Stonewall. These became the first Pride Parades in the United States.
Atlanta Pride Committee has announced that there will be an Atlantan Pride festival this fall, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t celebrate Pride Month in the ATL.
10 ways to honor and celebrate Pride in Atlanta:
1. Support ATL organizations and non-profits
If you’re able to, there’s no better way to honor Pride than supporting non-profit organizations and charities that help the LGBTQI+ community directly. Whether it’s volunteering your time, or donating what you can afford, there are some incredible organizations to support in Atlanta.
Firstly, The Atlanta Pride Committee has been working hard to get Pride back up and running later this year following a one year break due to the pandemic. It’s also Atlanta Pride’s fiftieth anniversary, Donations of any amount help to promote the mission of the organization and provide the city of Atlanta, and the South East Region, with the most talked about and anticipated Pride Event in the south!
Secondly, Georgia Equality has a mission to advance fairness, safety and opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities and our allies throughout the state. The organization works year-round to pass pro-equality legislation and elect fair-minded elected officials, plus much more.
Another great option is HRC Atlanta, who host a number of engaging events that aim to reach a wide and varied a group as possible. Acknowledging the many dimensions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer population.
2. Party at Georgia Aquarium with Atlanta Pride
The Atlanta Pride Committee has teamed up with Georgia Aquarium for an extravaganza like no other. OUT Night at Georgia Aquarium is exclusively for adults 21 and older. This will be one of the first Atlanta Pride in-person events in over a year. Guests are invited to enjoy extended hours at the aquarium for a toned down version of the aquarium’s evening cocktail experience.
3. Southern Fried Queer Festival
You’re not going to want to miss this one, Atlanta. The Southern Fried Queer Pride Festival promises a line-up of incredible events to enjoy across Atlanta, with the majority located at Best End Brewery. There will be opportunities to dance, twirl, and more! There’s a variety show, artist market, and so much more on offer! Click here for more information.
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4-6. Support LGBTQI+ owned restaurants
An obvious way to honor Pride Month is supporting one of Atlanta’s LGBTQI+ owned businesses. Here are a few we recommend you check out:
- Guac y Margys – We love a margarita from this Beltline staple!
- Campagnolo – Seasonal Italian eatery that you don’t want to miss.
- Henry’s – Swanky pub grub and irrisistable cocktails!
7-8. Support ATL Queens, Kings, and performers!
Some artists have blossomed during the pandemic, but others got hit hard and need your support more than ever! Drag Queens, Kings, and Queer performers across the globe had to take a year off their gigs and tips, so head out this Pride Month to support your local kings, queens, and all those in between. Here are a couple places we recommend:
- Future – Brand new LGBTQ+ showbar hosting drag events throughout the week, and all weekend!
- Lips – Drag and dine at this awesome drag showbar!
9. Street art heaven
Get out there and search for Atlantan street art and murals by queer artists. We recommend checking out this new mural in Little Five Points. Make sure you tag us on Instagram if you spot some!
Local artist ARRRTADDICT (pictured above) recently collaborated with Skittles to create this incredible mural in Little Five Points. The mural represents how the artist perceives the rainbow and celebrates Pride. ARRTADDICT told Secret Atlanta, “Pride for me is about celebrating the struggles we have suffered and continue to get by making the changes our community needs.”
Taste the rainbow: 5 Beautiful Murals That Help Make Atlanta Loud And Proud This Pride Month
10. Atlanta Pride Run
The Atlanta Pride Run is finally returning for an in-person run at the beautiful Piedmont Park on June 20, 2021! The run has been a tradition for over 30 years, an has been used to generate awareness for the LGBTQ+ community in the greater Atlanta area.
Featured Image: Shutterstock