By Miko Evans for History of Black Gay America
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
On Labor Day Weekend, the world’s second-largest Black Pride event returns for another round of cultural celebration, community recognition, and various nightlife events. The 27th Annual Atlanta Black Gay Pride celebrates activism, inclusion, and excellence in the city’s African-American queer+ movement. The host organization, Atlanta Black Pride, and veteran event producers, non-profits, and nightlife promoters continue this long tradition to provide a beacon of hope and inspiration during a political anti-LGBTQ climate, especially in the South.
Initially established in 1996 by In The Life Atlanta, the annual holiday event provides workshops, seminars, performing and literary arts, award ceremonies, concerts, and nightlife events for all members of the Black queer community.
To kick off the weekend, the State of Georgia’s only LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, OUT Georgia Business Alliance, will present the second edition of Power Connect, in partnership with The Gathering Spot’s LGBTQ Circle Group, on Wednesday, August 30, at 6 p.m. visit outgeorgia.org for more info.
Also, the fourth Annual Black Pride Mayor’s Reception, presented by the Mayor’s Office and the City’s LGBTQ Advisory Board, will take place Thursday, August 31, at Atlanta City Hall.
During the holiday weekend, the LGBT Greek Weekend will return, brought to you by Real Bois Talk and ABP, featuring their annual brunch, Greek Fashion Show, Greeks in the Park, and other events.
The third Annual TransLife Awards (in partnership with Swank Entertainment) will occur at the Center for Civil and Human Rights on Friday evening, September 1, starting at 6 p.m. Visit thetranslifeawards.com for details.
The office of Councilwoman Keisha Waites will present the second Equality & Unity Interfaith Pride Celebration on Friday, September 1, at City Hall at 7 p.m., with a pre-reception for faith leaders hosted by Bishop Sonya Williams starting at 5 p.m.
The Legends, Traxx Girls, and veteran promoter Rockstars Production host Labor Day Weekend events at various venues in Atlanta, including the host hotel, The Starling by Hilton at 188 14th Street NE.
Created by DJ, reality TV star, and entrepreneur Melissa Scott, Traxx Girls, and the new brand Pure “EnHergy,” is the number one Pride event for Lesbian and bi Women in the Southeast, featuring various parties with celebrity tars and the Black Pride Booze Cruise at Lake Lanier on Labor Day.
Rockstars Annual Labor Day Rock continues to excel with events for gay and bisexual men. The Upgraded Events will feature celebrity guests such as Sexy Redd and Saucy Santana, along with the Influencers Dinner, paying tribute to icons in the Black Queer community such as Derek J, Earl Fowlkes, Jr, Vaughn Alvarez, David Graves, Tori Cooper, Dedrick Tillerson, and more. Also, RockStars’ newest event, Men Empowerment Brunch, takes place on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the websites atlantablackprideldr.com and rockstarsproduction.com for details.
The weekend climaxes with the Pure Heat Community Festival created in partnership with The Vision Church & Community Foundation at Piedmont Park on Sunday, September 3, from noon – to 8 p.m., featuring various vendors, celebrity guests, and performers. The highlight will be the LGBTQ Youth Festival, which will focus on workshops at various Atlanta venues and a Kiki Ball, DJ, karaoke, games, and more for queer youth. Visit pureheatcommunityfestival.org for details.
The “Artists In The Afternoon,” presented by Rethink The Narrative Media Company & The Esteem Awards, will take place on Saturday afternoon, September 3, at 1 p.m. at the Atlanta Public Library on Metropolitan Avenue located at 1332 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta 30315. This event is free to the public and will highlight written and spoken word, music, art, and more.
JT Events returns with various events in partnership with the 2021 HBGA Hall of Famers, the legendary Marquette Lounge. This year, JT brings the ATL Black Pride Skate Party to the Cascade Skating Rink in the Adamsville community on August 31 at 8 p.m. And, as always, The Marquette turns things up with their block party indoors and outdoors in the parking lot all weekend long. Follow JT Events and the Marquette on IG @868marquette and @jteventsatl for more event info.
Blue Diamond Entertainment’s PRIDE25+, Black Pride for mature women, introduces a new “invitation only” experience. The legendary Blue Diamond will bring class and style back to the ladies while partnering with other female promoters for various day and nightlife parties for the weekend.
Legendary RT Parties ATL, in partnership with Mixx Atlanta Lounge, home of Destination Fridays and Parties for the Grown & Sexy on Sundays for men over 30, will hold their festivities at the host location with the all-you-can-eat BBQ on Monday, and the bonus Swagg Out Tuesday.
Wassup N’ ATL’s Manual Labor (trailblazers of exotic entertainment since 2002), will present the Club Django’s Reunion, featuring legendary district House Mutha, DJ Sedrick, and DJ Brice, along with other events at Future Atlanta in Underground Atlanta. Exotic dancers and music performers will be in appearance. The Embassy Suites Atlanta Buckhead is the official host hotel for Wassup N’ ATL. Check out wassupnatl.com and atlantablackpride.info for more.
Romeo Michael and Fab5ATL, home of the weekly IN DA CUT, returns with Colors Black Pride, a variety of events featuring celebrity special guests, in partnership with Sean Karta Promotions and others. This year’s highlight will be the Chaparral Reunion, featuring the return of legendary promoter Mario Young and My ATL Productions. Joining Fab5 ATL, the Iconic Superman & Friends (of the city’s most popular exotic entertainment revue) along with club 840 ATL will present the Savage Saturday Only Fans Mega Party, featuring Atlanta’s hottest male dancers and OnlyFans Stars, plus sounds by the legendary DJ Angel X and others.
For more info, follow @Fab5Atl, @romichaelworld1, and @seankarta.
Additionally, here are some new events on this year’s Labor Day weekend itinerary:
Newcomer Classy Connections (queer events for Women) introduces their Caribbean Fete, Scarlet Night, and the Sassy White Affair (all featured throughout the weekend).
Trans Activist/Entrepreneur and founder of 100 Black Trans Men, Dr. Elijah Nicholas, will present the inaugural reproductive/sexual/social justice think tank in partnership with Positive Impact Health Centers in Decatur, GA, on Saturday, September 2.
Three Plus Media Events will present their Atlanta Black Pride Showcase on Saturday, September 2, in South Atlanta, which features a fashion show, a male dance revue, music performances, and reality TV stars.
Meak Productions, in partnership with History of Black Gay America, will present the inaugural Literary Artists & Entrepreneurs’ Spotlight Brunch featuring Dr. Jesse Sanders on Sunday, September 3, at 11 a.m. at Saltbox, West Midtown.
The Atlanta Eagle hosts a Black Pride weekend full of music with DJ Kurtis Jose and two nights with legendary DJ Ron Pullman of Pullman Soul.
Finally, the nationally known Deviant Events brings their sexy circuit party, “Milk,” to the Heretic on Saturday, September 2, and their BBQ Day Party at the Luxe Galore Studio on Monday – visit deviant.live for more info.
Additional events not mentioned in this lineup:
