Atlanta Pride unveils their awardees of the “Pride Across The Peach State” grant initiative, an endeavor dedicated to bolstering LGBTQ+ organizations and events statewide. This initiative marks a significant addition for 2024 and is a testament to the enduring dedication to championing LGBTQ+ communities and advancing inclusivity across Georgia.
Chris McCain, Executive Director of Atlanta Pride, expressed, “Atlanta Pride is proud to support each of these organizations as they continue their vital work in creating safe, inclusive gatherings for LGBTQ+ people throughout Georgia. With this new grant initiative, we are excited to strengthen connections and foster unity across our diverse state.”
The 2024 grant recipients exemplify a kaleidoscope of organizations and ventures that cater to Georgia’s LGBTQ+ populace, showcasing the spirited essence of Pride celebrations both within and beyond metro Atlanta. This year, Atlanta Pride is delighted to allocate grants amounting to $50,000 to the following esteemed organizations.
Atlanta Black Pride (Atlanta, GA)
Since 1996, Atlanta Black Pride has worked to educate, celebrate, promote self-empowerment, and ensure that the social and cultural needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and families are met throughout the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. The annual Atlanta Black Pride Weekend takes place over Labor Day Weekend.
Carrollton Rainbow (Carrollton, GA)
Since 2021, Carrollton Rainbow has worked to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies in the West Georgia area through community outreach, education, advocacy, and engagement. The 2024 Carrollton Pride Festival will be held on September 28.
Compassionate Atlanta (Decatur, GA)
Fostering compassion and empathy across diverse communities in Atlanta, Compassionate Atlanta’s programming focuses on inclusivity and social justice. The organization’s initiative, “Pride in Mother Tongue,” offers a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals who identify as immigrants or refugees.
Cultivate Savannah Inc. (Savannah, GA)
Promoting LGBTQ+ community-building and advocacy in Savannah, Cultivate Savannah focuses on creating safe and empowering spaces for BIPOC 2SLGBTQIA individuals, with a dedication to providing educational resources, fostering activism, and advocating for the rights and visibility of our community.
Debra Smith Wellness Center (Colgay Pride) (Columbus, GA)
As a project of the Debra Smith Wellness Center, Colgay Pride is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley region. The 2024 Colgay Pride Festival will take place on June 1.
First City Pride Center (Savannah, GA)
Based in Savannah, First City Pride Center is an inclusive advocacy, social, and service organization actively working to meet the needs of Greater Savannah’s LGBTQIA+ community in terms of safety, empowerment, education, and well-being. The 2024 Savannah Pride Festival will take place in October.
Macon Pride (Macon, GA)
Serving the LGBTQ+ community in Macon and across Middle Georgia, this organization creates inclusive events and fosters a sense of belonging through Pride celebrations and other activities. The 2024 Macon Pride Festival will be held September 21-29.
Out On Film (Atlanta, GA)
One of the nation’s premier LGBTQIA+ film festivals, Out On Film informs, entertains, educates, and enriches the LGBTQIA+ culture by showcasing films by, for, and about the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies – and providing a safe haven to experience these stories. The 2024 Out On Film Festival will run in-person and virtually from September 26 through October 6.
Rome Georgia Pride (Rome, GA)
Rome Pride is about community, inclusion, and diversity, and it celebrates its LGBTQ+ siblings, business owners, community leaders, and families. The 2024 Rome Pride Festival will take place on June 28-30.
Smyrna is Fabulous (Smyrna, GA)
Celebrating Pride in Smyrna, this organization welcomes and celebrates its LGBTQ+ residents and allies by creating community and building partnerships founded in social equality. The 2024 Smyrna Pride Festival will take place on June 22.
South Georgia Pride (Valdosta, GA):
Serving Valdosta and surrounding areas, South Georgia Pride is committed to creating inclusive events and promoting LGBTQ+ visibility. The 2024 South Georgia Pride Festival will take place on September 21.
Southern Fried Queer Pride (Atlanta, GA)
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Southern Fried Queer Pride strives to empower Black queer and QTPOC-centered communities in the South through the arts. The 2024 Southern Fried Queer Pride Festival will take place on June 24-30.
Statesboro Pride (Statesboro, GA)
Active since 2019, ‘Boro Pride strives for the visibility, inclusion, celebration, equality, and safety of LGBTQIAP+ people in Statesboro-Bulloch County and the surrounding areas. The 2024 Statesboro Pride Festival will take place on October 5.
These grants will support each organization’s work, enabling them to continue building strong, supportive, and inclusive LGBTQ+ communities across Georgia.For more information about the “Pride Across the Peach State” grant initiative and Atlanta Pride’s ongoing work, please visit atlantapride.org.