LGBTQ+ TRAVELER’S GUIDE TO ATLANTA
Atlanta has been referred to as the “Gay Capital of the South.” Building on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings of acceptance and tolerance, Georgia’s capital is full of diversity. Since 2013, Atlanta has one of the highest LGBTQ+ populations per capita in the country at 12.8%, ranking third of all major cities. Atlanta has received perfect scores on the Human Rights Campaign’s Equality Index recognizing its commitment to LGBTQ+ equality in its policies across the board. Such acceptance and commitment have led to Atlanta becoming a popular and vibrant vacation spot for gay travelers. BY JOLEEN PETE
Atlanta Pride Festival
Plan your trip around Atlanta’s Pride Festival and Parade, one of the oldest and biggest in the nation, which draws thousands of visitors to celebrate and is generally held mid-October. October weather in the South is some of the best, and Atlanta Pride follows a week of LGBTQ+ events such as art shows, dance parties, parades and more.
SCOTT WHITE
Midtown and Piedmont Park
Pride Cake at Roxx Tavern
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DISCOVERATLANTA.COM
Midtown holds “the crossroads of gay Atlanta” at the intersection of 10th and Piedmont designated by the iconic (and Instagram-worthy) Rainbow crosswalk. Midtown is
also home to Piedmont Park, which hosts some of the city’s most popular festivals including the Atlanta Pride Festival, Music Midtown and Atlanta Dogwood Festival.
Stay Locally
Stay near the action at the Midtown Marriott Suites or LGBTQ-owned BCA Furnished Apartments. Or go a bit more upscale at these top (gay) rated hotels: Hotel Midtown, Loews Atlanta Hotel or Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta.
Get Cultured
Midtown is the arts and culture center of Atlanta and home to Atlanta Botanical
