5 Annual LGBTQ+ Community-Based Events in Atlanta
It was recently announced that Atlanta is one of the 16 host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when the international tournament comes to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. So, that got us thinking. Sure, soccer is a good reason to visit ATL if that’s what you’re into, but what are the queer-specific events hosted by and for our community in the gay crown jewel of the south? The following is a partial list of annual LGBTQ+ events that we love.
Joining Hearts (July 15- 17, 2022)
Joining Hearts was started in 1987 by a group of friends who wanted to do their part to help a friend impacted by HIV/AIDS who needed financial assistance in order to stay in his home. The group of friends decided to throw an event to raise the funds needed. After that initial success, the group decided to make this an annual event with all the proceeds going to local organizations helping people living with HIV/AIDS.
Thirty-Five years later, the organization is still going strong with several events held throughout the year but mainly concentrated during the Joining Hearts Weekend which takes place from July 15 through 17 this year. Hosted at Loews Hotel Midtown, this series of dance parties that will feature DJs Liza Rodriguez, Enrico Meloni and Manny Lehman are sure to be a blast! Partying for a good cause, we love to see it!
To date, Joining Hearts has raised over 2.7 million dollars for charity.
Atlanta Black Pride Weekend (Aug. 31- Sept. 5, 2022)
Atlanta Black Pride Weekend began as a series of informal house parties in Atlanta and has now grown into the largest Black Gay Pride event in the world, taking place every Labor Day Weekend. Featuring dance parties, concerts, poetry slams and booze cruises, the event culminates in with the Pure Heat Community Festival in Piedmont Park. The host hotel will be The Starling Atlanta, Midtown. Book your stay now for what is destined to be an epic celebration!
Out on Film (Sept. 22- Oct. 2, 2022)
What started as a five-day festival has grown into an eleven-day celebration of LGBTQ stories and artists including narrative features, documentaries, short films, and premieres. The festival places a high premium on quality with a focus on visiting filmmakers and showcasing the voices of tomorrow. Their mission is to provide a high-quality film festival that is diverse and inclusive, ensuring that all in our community are represented. Some of the films that are shown are meant merely for entertainment, but many others – especially the documentaries – are meant to educate and address timely issues such as discrimination and social justice, HIV/AIDS, religion, and marriage equality.
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Atlanta Pride Festival October 7-9, 2022
The largest Pride celebration in the southeast, Atlanta Pride takes place each October after National Coming Out Day and attracts about 300,000 people to Piedmont Park. The Atlanta Pride Committee produces three marches: The Trans March, The Bi & Pan March and The Dyke March in addition to the grand Festival Parade. There is also a Marketplace featuring over 200 vendor booths in addition to live entertainment and cultural exhibitions throughout the week.
Atlanta Bear Pride April 21- 23, 2023
Now heading into its eighth year, Atlanta Bear Pride is steadily gaining steam as one of the top bear runs in the US. It is a three-day event with bear-themed events and parties that are meant to showcase the diversity of bear culture while bringing together the bear community of the southeast in one central location. The mission of the organizers is to provide the best event they can and to help support local Atlanta businesses and charities. Their parties feature international DJs at a variety of locations including The Heretic, Wish Lounge, and Woof’s Sports Bar.
