Welcome to the ATL

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Greetings from The Director

Friends,

As a lifelong Atlantan, it is my honor to welcome you.

Atlanta is the LGBTQ capital of the South, and we are home to a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community. I am proud to be a member of The city of Atlanta, which remains dedicated to the quality of life for LGBTQ citizens and visitors. One of the strongest allies of this community is Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Elected in 2017, Mayor Bottoms quickly established Atlanta as a global leader for municipal LGBTQ affairs by establishing the first directorlevel position in the South to engage the community. Today, there are more than 100 city-owned, singleuser restrooms designated as all-gender, a historic first, prioritized by Mayor Bottoms. The voices of Atlanta’s LGBTQ community are heard throughout our local government via the Mayor’s LGBTQ Advisory Board and the LGBTQ liaisons within our public safety departments. Atlanta is the epicenter of culture and influence and the cradle of the civil rights movement. As the 2020 top “destination city” by the Gay Travel Awards, Atlanta is home to several LGBTQ-affirming spaces, and whether you are a returning guest or this is your first visit, Atlanta feels like home. From Midtown to the West End, LGBTQ lives and culture are celebrated.

Take this opportunity to explore the city I love, where y’all means all and Southern hospitality is always included.

Yours in Equality,

Malik Brown

Director of LGBTQ Affairs, City of Atlanta