How Atlanta Can Celebrate Black Queer Pride in June
In cities around the country, June is the designated month to honor the LGBTQ+ experience. But Atlanta — considered widely to be the Black gay mecca — moves to its own beat.
Up until 2007, Atlanta's annual celebration of queer identity and rights took place every June, a nod to the Stonewall Uprising in New York City. In 1969, a stretch of protests and riots in response to police discrimination and persecution of queer people helped propel America's gay liberation movement, inspiring former President Bill Clinton to designate June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month on Stonewall's 30-year anniversary. (Former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden broadened the designation to include bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex identities.)
But the tradition changed in 2008, when the city of Atlanta temporarily prohibited large events at Piedmont Park due to a drought, causing organizers to postpone festivities until October, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The timing stuck. For the past 17 years, Atlanta Pride — anchored by a weeklong festival best known for its extravagant parade — has been centered in the early days of autumn, which is fitting for its proximity to National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11.
But Pride celebrations in June may feel more crucial than ever this year due to rollbacks of LGBTQ+ freedoms across the country and in Georgia following President Donald Trump's second inauguration in January.
Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office that rejected gender ideology, proclaiming the United States government will only recognize two sexes: male and female. Subsequent executive orders prohibited people under age 19 from receiving youth gender-affirming care and banned transgender troops from serving in the military.
In alignment with another Trump executive order, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law last month a bill that restricted trans girls and women from participating in female sports.
Cobb County school districts have continued to restrict literature that references queer experiences.
Mary Wilson, executive director of the Trans Housing Coalition, describes the current spirit in queer communities as resilient as Pride Month begins amid political attacks at both the local and federal levels.
'There's still a bunch of parties, celebrations, fundraisers,' Wilson told Capital B Atlanta. 'For the most part, the spirit is still up, even if we are in the background trying to figure it out financially, or figure it out in other ways, or are feeling a little defeated. I feel like we're still showing up for each other.'
While Atlanta's biggest Black Pride functions of the year are four months away, there are a plethora of ways to celebrate. Here's Capital B Atlanta's round up of events to commemorate Black queer culture as boldly as possible.
Thrill seekers can hit Six Flags Over Georgia to celebrate the rainbow flag all month long with themed decor, Instagram-worthy photo setups, and LED light shows. Limited-edition Pride merch will also be available for purchase with 15% of the proceeds going to local organizations including Lost-n-Found Youth, which provides shelter and support for Atlanta's unhoused LGBTQ+ youth.
When: June 1-30
Where: Six Flags Over Georgia, 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell
Cost: $35 for a one-day ticket
Audiophiles will enjoy this vinyl-only listening experience catering to Black queer Atlantans, with a music menu from DJ Candy Raine that includes soul, funk, jazz, R&B, and contemporary tracks. Expect a hearty helping of food, cocktails, mocktails, and, most importantly, vibes.
When: Wednesday, June 4, 8 p.m. to midnight
Where: Echo Room, 705 Echo St. NW, Atlanta
Cost: $5
This community town hall is billed as a safe space for Black queer and trans folks to get real about politics, housing justice, safety, health care, and other pressing issues and systemic injustices. It's somewhere to feel seen and heard.
When: Wednesday, June 11, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Murph, 561 W. Whitehall St. SW, Atlanta
Cost: $5 suggested donation
Friend Zoned is a community-driven collective seeking to help Black queer and trans people forge platonic relationships. Their monthly event — a play on speed dating — seeks to connect like-minded individuals and form friendships. This one is specifically for the 40-50 set. It's sober friendly, too!
When: Thursday, June 12, 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Neighborhood Church, 1561 McLendon Ave. NE, Atlanta
Cost: $5 requested donation
Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus — whose performances are self-described as 'ranging from campy to earnest and everything in between' — will take the stage for two performances to support the Children's Museum of Atlanta's Pride initiatives.
When: Sunday, June 15, at noon and 2 p.m.
Where: Children's Museum of Atlanta, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, Atlanta
Cost: $19.95
For a third straight year, ALT ATL presents a day party that amplifies Black and queer pride. Bring your dancing shoes: Miss Milan, who regularly spins for Grammy-winner Doechii, is one of three DJs who will be providing the feel-good soundtrack.
When: Sunday, June 15, 5 to 10 p.m.
Where: Westside Motor Lounge, 725 Echo St. NW, Atlanta
Cost: $11.35
With Juneteenth falling within Pride month, it's only right that Black LGBTQ+ folks celebrate living unapologetically with a party dedicated to liberation. DJ collective Lavender Lounge, Mami Popo, and Calypso will be rocking the ones and twos.
When: Thursday, June 19, 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: Monday Night Brewing, 670 Trabert Ave. NW, Atlanta
Cost: $15 for general admission ($12 for presale)
Kick off summer with an immersive warehouse experience that features pole dancing, burlesque, music, Black queer vendors, gallery art — and a chance to win Atlanta Dream tickets!
When: Saturday, June 21, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: 945 Allene Ave. SW, Atlanta
Cost: $16.20
This one's for the girls. Women ages 35 and up can step out in their denim shorts and cowgirl hats and boots for a night celebrating Pride. It's the perfect way to get in step for Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' tour stops in July.
When: Saturday, June 21, 8 p.m. to midnight
Where: Truth Midtown Restaurant & Lounge, 657 Antone St. NW, Atlanta
Cost: $25.45
Southern Fried Queer Pride is putting the 'out' in outside with its 11th annual festival — a wide-ranging series of events spread over seven days to celebrate all things that make Black queer Atlanta culture special. There's programming for all pronouns: themed dance parties, workshops, seminars, an open mic, photo gallery exhibit, pageant, film screening, variety show, and more. It's where you'll want to be to laugh, learn, love, and live authentically.
When: June 23 – June 29
Where: Various locations in Little 5 Points, Atlanta
Cost: Most events are free to enter, with suggested sliding scale donations of $5-$20
The post How Atlanta Can Celebrate Black Queer Pride in June appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
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