Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ scene is a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse artists and venues that champion authenticity and community. Beyond the mainstream, the city thrives with underground talents and spaces that offer unique experiences. Here’s a curated list of ten noteworthy underground LGBTQ+ artists and venues in Atlanta.
Hush Night
Established in 2016 by Lenox, Hush Night is Atlanta’s exclusive strip event for trans women. Held every Thursday and Sunday, it provides a safe and empowering space for performers and patrons alike. The event combines the city’s renowned strip club culture with a unique sense of safety and sisterhood, allowing trans women to express themselves freely and build confidence.
hushnight.net
Southern Fried Queer Pride (SFQP)
More than just an event, SFQP is a movement that celebrates Southern queer culture. This organization hosts festivals, workshops, and performances that uplift marginalized voices. SFQP challenges misconceptions about the South by highlighting its rich history of activism and cultural significance within the LGBTQ+ community.
southernfriedqueerpride.com
MJQ Concourse
The MJQ Concourse has been a part of Atlanta’s nightlife scene since 1994, and as an underground dance club, it has been known for its eclectic music and diverse crowd, and as a haven for Atlanta’s alternative and LGBTQ+ communities. MJQ recently moved from its iconic underground concourse to a new and updated location at the Atlanta Underground where it will continue to be the epicenter for Atlanta’s underground nightlife scene
mjqofficial.com
Wussy Mag & Wussy Events
Wussy Mag is an Atlanta-based queer publication that also curates events like Wussyfest, Wussyvision, and drag brunches. These gatherings celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in all its forms, while fostering a welcoming space for queer people.
wussymag.com
House of Alxndr
Founded by drag artist TAYLOR ALXNDR, House of Alxndr is a drag collective that embraces a wide range of performers. It serves as a family and mentorship system, fostering new talent and promoting inclusivity within Atlanta’s drag scene. Their shows feature everything from high-energy lip-sync battles to avant-garde performances.
tayloralxndr.com/house-of-alxndr
The Bakery Atlanta
A community arts complex that hosts events, workshops, and performances, The Bakery provides a platform for LGBTQ+ artists to showcase their work. Its commitment to inclusivity and support for underground artists makes it a vital part of Atlanta’s queer cultural landscape.
thebakeryatlanta.com
Coming Soon: Lore
Located at the iconic corner of Edgewood Ave and Boulevard, Lore promises to be a new hotspot for all things LGBTQ+ entertainment and community. Spearheaded by some of Atlanta’s heavyweights when it comes to parties and entertainment, including DJ Kimber and Jon Dean from Wussy, Lore will host a multitude of events and parties, featuring Atlanta’s most prominent drag queens and DJs starting mid-March.
Instagram @lore.atlanta
Atlanta’s underground LGBTQ+ scene is rich with talent and spaces that foster creativity, expression, and community. These artists and venues not only entertain but also challenge societal norms, offering safe spaces for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated.
