Atlanta gay pride 2025

Last Thursday, June 19th, PRIDE & SOUL LIVE returned to the stage in full force—and full feeling—at LORE, Atlanta’s newest unused gay bar and collective space. In a capital already steeped in lgbtq+ history and Black cultural innovation, the night stood as a luminous reminder that when you center freedom, expression, and community, magic happens.

Hosted by the ever-charismatic Victor Jackson—artist, choreographer, and creative director with deep ATL roots—the evening unfolded like a desire letter to Black gender non-conforming artistry. Jackson, with his signature blend of humor and heart, set the tone early: this wasn’t just a show—it was a family reunion.

The stage belonged to a powerhouse lineup of GLAAD EMEI 2nd Year alumni whose artistry spoke for itself:

• 2AM Ricky’s genre-bending sound cracked open the room with raw emotion and mellow power.

• Asiahn reminded us that queer love is worthy of ballads, desire, and soulful storytelling.

• Damez, always charismatic and confident, delivered an electrifying performance full of bars and bravado.

• And Mylah Muse, with her ethereal vocals and magnetic stage presence, took us to church—in the best o

  In cities around the state, June is the designated month to honor the LGBTQ+ experience. But Atlanta — considered widely to be the Black gay mecca — moves to its have beat.

  Up until 2007, Atlanta’s annual celebration of gay 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 attracted to both genders, 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

  Atlanta Pride has announced the official theme of this year’s Pride festival on Oct. 11 and 12. The theme, “Rooted in Resistance,” honors the history of the LGBTQ+ movement and the Stonewall Riots of 1969.

  “Our community’s journey has always been ‘Rooted in Resistance.’ From Stonewall to the present daytime, we have continually stood firm in the tackle of adversity, demanding our rights and celebrating our identities,” Chris McCain, the Executive Director of Atlanta Pride, said. “This theme is a call to remember our past, recognize our ongoing struggles, and empower every individual to contribute to a future where all LGBTQ+ people can thrive, free from fear and prejudice. We invite everyone to participate us in embodying this spirit at this year’s festival.”

  This year’s logo was designed by local graphic designer Edwin Villalba, a senior graphic designer at Georgia Power. Villalba has worked with Disney, CVS, Citizens Bank, SMU, Octavius Marsion, and Dillon Burnisde.

  McCain told Georgia Voice that the theme is both “a call back and a call forward,” connecting history with the future as advocates and activists continue to fight agains

  PRIDE RUN ATL & WALK 5K

  Pride Scamper ATL returns on June 1, 2025! Powered by West Stride & Altra Running!

  Founded in 1991, Front Runners Atlanta created the first LGBTQIA+ run in the Southeast to assist those affected by HIV. Meeting in secret due to hostility, they built a community through running. Originally the Gay and Lesbian Pride Day Jog, it became Atlanta Celebration Run in 2002 and Pride Run ATL in 2024. This run was created out of necessity. Our founding members were tired of losing people they love from HIV and no one was doing enough about it. Since 1991, participants own raised over $370,000 for HIV/AIDS services in Atlanta. Every registration supports local charities fighting HIV and AIDS.
  

  Pride Run ATL creates beauty out of tragedy by donating all proceeds to local HIV charities like AID Atlanta, Bridge of Light, Lost + Found Youth, and Inclusive Recovery to raise consciousness and support for the ongoing struggle for equality.

  We are so excited to partner with local Atlanta running store West Stride and the amazing Altra Runningthis year, and their contribution to Pride Run ATL and generosity to our racers
  

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