Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Photo: Russ Youngblood/Barry Cooper
How Atlanta Socializers Club Became One of Atlanta’s Most Impactful LGBTQ+ Communities
In a city celebrated for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, few organizations have grown as rapidly – or as meaningfully – as the Atlanta Socializers Club. What began in 2021 as a simple response to the isolation and loneliness experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into a thriving community of more than 5,000 members, making it one of the largest LGBTQ+ social organizations in the Southeast.
As the Atlanta Socializers Club celebrates its fifth anniversary, its success reflects not only the power of community but also the dedication of a remarkable leadership team whose professional accomplishments are matched by their commitment to service.
Building Connections in a Time of Isolation
Founder Roger Rutkowski launched the Atlanta Socializers Club with a simple but powerful goal: to create opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals to build authentic friendships and meaningful connections.
“We recognized that many people were struggling with isolation long before the pandemic, and COVID only magnified those challenges,” says Rutkowski. “The club was created to bring people together, build community, and remind people that they belong.”
Today, the organization hosts monthly social events, cultural outings, volunteer activities, charitable fundraisers, and partnerships with some of Atlanta’s most respected arts and community organizations. Along the way, it has helped hundreds of people form friendships, find support networks, and become more engaged in the city they call home.
A Leadership Team Rooted in Excellence
The club’s continued growth is guided by an accomplished board of directors whose professional expertise spans business, healthcare, travel, architecture, and community leadership.
At the helm is Roger Rutkowski, founder of the Atlanta Socializers Club and Head of Legal Operations at Mercedes-Benz USA. A nationally recognized legal operations leader, Rutkowski has received multiple industry awards while also serving numerous nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and advancing community engagement.
Gregory Barnard, an award-winning Georgia realtor, brings extensive business and relationship-building expertise to the organization. Known throughout the Atlanta real estate community for his professionalism and client service, Barnard has played a key role in helping the club expand its visibility and reach throughout the metropolitan area.
The club also benefits from the guidance of Dr. Ron Trible, a respected infectious disease physician whose calm, evidence-based approach earned him recognition as a trusted source of information during the COVID-19 pandemic. His commitment to public health and community education reflects the organization’s broader mission of supporting the well-being of its members.
Travel entrepreneur Sue Duffy, owner of Suvi Travel, contributes a passion for creating meaningful experiences and fostering connections across cultures. Her expertise in hospitality and travel has helped inspire many of the group’s popular social and destination-focused activities.
Larry Hurst, a CFO provides financial leadership and strategic oversight that help ensure the organization’s continued growth and sustainability. His stewardship has been instrumental in supporting the club’s expanding programs and community initiatives.
Russ Youngblood, a well-known Atlanta photographer and former Grand Marshal, brings a deep connection to the city’s LGBTQ+ community and a talent for capturing its spirit and diversity. His longstanding community involvement and creative perspective have helped strengthen the club’s visibility and engagement throughout the region.
Completing the leadership team is Bill Rutkowski, an accomplished architect whose creative vision and design expertise bring a unique perspective to the organization’s planning and development efforts. His commitment to community-building reflects the club’s emphasis on creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels valued and included.
More Than Social Events
While social gatherings remain central to the organization’s mission, the Atlanta Socializers Club has evolved into something much larger.
The group has partnered with organizations including the Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Out Front Theatre Company, and numerous local nonprofits. It has organized fundraisers for LGBTQ+ youth, supported charitable initiatives throughout the region, and become a visible force for inclusion and community engagement.
Atlanta Socializers Club has been a valued partner of David Magazine since its early days, and the publication is proud to continue serving as the group’s exclusive media partner. The longstanding relationship reflects a shared commitment to supporting, uplifting, and strengthening the community through meaningful engagement and impactful initiatives.
Perhaps most importantly, the club has demonstrated that meaningful connections can transform lives. For many members, what began as attendance at a social event evolved into lifelong friendships, professional networks, volunteer opportunities, and a stronger sense of belonging.
Looking Ahead
As the Atlanta Socializers Club enters its next chapter, its leadership remains focused on the same mission that inspired its founding five years ago: combating isolation and building community. In an increasingly digital world, the organization serves as a reminder that genuine human connection still matters.
Five years after its launch, the Atlanta Socializers Club stands as a testament to what can happen when people come together with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to ensuring that nobody has to navigate life alone.
And if its first five years are any indication, the club’s impact on Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community is only just beginning.
