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Plan your weekend with these tips
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
SCOTT WHITE Pride Cake at Roxx Tavern 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.
Midtown and Piedmont Park
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
Garden, Woodruff Arts Center, which houses Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre Co., the Grammy Award-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art. Be sure to catch a show at the Fox Theatre.
Shopping and Nightlife
The area around Ansley Mall and Cheshire Bridge Road - the “ultimate gayborhood” - are located in Midtown and are the spots for LGBTQ+ nightlife. Ansley Square shopping complex offers gay bars and shops. Grab dinner at Lazy Llama, Roxx Tavern or La Hacienda and afterward don’t miss The Heretic, party at Mixx Atlanta or the drag show at Midtown Moon. Queer women won’t want to miss the historic lesbian bar, My Sister’s Room, which offers a variety of weekly events including karaoke and Drag Brunch. While these neighborhoods offer up the heart of gay Atlanta, East Atlanta and Little Five Points are also part of Atlanta’s fabulous gay scene. Atlanta CityPASS
Looking to catch some of the more popular sites of Atlanta? Pick yourself up an Atlanta CityPASS and tick off top attractions like World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium and National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which are across the street from Centennial Olympic Park. Stop here for a snack and watch the iconic fountain to catch your breath before heading off to visit Fernbank Museum of Natural History or Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame.
Walk the BeltLine
Prefer to spend your time outdoors? Grab breakfast at 8ARM, adjacent to the Atlanta BeltLine and then take a walk (or rent bicycles) to enjoy nature, admire public art and look for Tiny Doors ATL. Stop in at Ponce City Market, a shopping center and dining hall with a hip vibe and plenty to explore including drinks, brews and great food options. Don’t miss the King of Pops boozy popsicles.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Above, top (L-R): Piedmont Park; Atlanta Pride parade; Loews Atlanta Hotel; Atlanta Botanical Garden; Georgia Aquarium; Walking the BeltLine near Ponce City Market.
NEED MORE IDEAS? HERE ARE A FEW MORE GAY-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO:
Out Front Theatre - a LGBTQ+ Theatre Company that focuses on the voices and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.
LIPS Atlanta - the ultimate in drag dining.
LGBTQ Institute - located at National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus - one of the world’s longest-running gay choruses. Its traditional concert season includes a concert at The Cathedral of St. Philip in the Buckhead neighborhood in December.
LIPS Atlanta
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Even if you’re missing Atlanta’s official Pride celebration, “the city too busy to hate” offers up plenty of LGBTQ+ entertainment and attractions yearround, including these gay events:
•Joining Hearts Main Event- Fundraiser for AIDS/ HIV support in Atl (June/July)
•Southern Fried Queer Pride Festival (June) •Atlanta Black Pride Weekend (September)
•Out on Film - LGBTQ Film Festival (September- October)
•AIDS Walk (September)
•Toy Party - One of the largest social events of the year, collecting toys for needy children. (December)
Take a Break! Visit Our Beautiful Grounds
