What does Pride mean to you? Is it watching the parade, or is it a feeling you carry throughout the year? Why do you celebrate Pride? The parties or the political statement? We asked a few people about what their Pride means to them – and of course, we made sure that they gave a few recommendations to what events and parties they will be at.
Malik Brown
Director, Mayor’s Division of LGBTQ Affairs
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta Pride?
Atlanta is my hometown, so seeing hundreds of thousands of people – some from all over the world – celebrate LGBTQ+ culture is so powerful to me.
Why do you celebrate Pride?
I celebrate Pride to honor those who came before me. So many people, many of whose names we’ll never know, sacrificed so much to get us to this moment.
What events or parties will you be attending?
Obviously, I’m pumped about the 4th Annual Mayor’s Pride Reception. Beyond that, I’m looking forward to the park and the parade.
Demetre Daskalakis
Director of the CDC Division of HIV Prevention & National Monkeypox Response Deputy Coordinator to the White House
What’s your favorite thing about Pride?
I love the Atlanta queer community and how much they show up for each other! This is going to be my first Pride here with the Piedmont Park events. I can’t wait! Oh, and October 7 is my birthday, so it’s like a giant birthday for me with the best guest list.
Why do you celebrate Pride?
Pride reminds me of why we fight. The energy and love that converge during Pride recharge my batteries!
What events or parties will you be attending?
Queen Butch and the Deep South events are my jam. Also, just can’t wait for my Carry Nation siblings to show us how it’s done!
David Cowan
Freelance Deaf Interpreter
What’s your favorite thing about Pride?
My favorite thing about Atlanta Pride is seeing all the familiar faces and being around people. I’m extroverted. It was not easy being quarantined during COVID. Seeing all LGBTQ everywhere makes me feel loved and appreciated.
Why do you celebrate Pride?
It’s extremely important to let those haters know that we will not disappear or go away. We are here and everywhere. It’s so important to celebrate who we are! We are celebrating that we are taking back our country! Hate has no place on this earth!
What events or parties will you be attending?
What events or parties I will be attending – I’ll be there the whole entire weekend. Want to feel your love! And sending my love to you all!
Royce Soble
Artist & Documentarian
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta Pride?
The Pansy Patrol! I love the huge flowers blocking the hateful signs of the right-wing (nuts) on 10th Street. They have a right to be there, but we don’t need to see their crassness and cruelty.
Why do you celebrate Pride?
VISIBILITY! I have been marching since I was 18 years old, and it just gets bigger and bigger. The work that activists have done these 50+ years is why we have Pride. We have to keep doing the work. It’s not just about a party. It should be celebrated as well as keeping the conversations open about our community.
What events or parties will you be attending? Deep South ATL parties all weekend long. I am already exhausted.
Thomas Le
Marketing Manager & Creator of Tom Thomas Crown Affair
What’s your favorite thing about Pride?
Pride makes the people come together. Whether gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, queer, etc., all are always welcomed. It’s the perfect time to catch up with old friends and make new ones along the way.
Why do you celebrate Pride?
Pride is all about the community to me. So celebrating Pride not only celebrates the LGBTQ+ community as a whole but it also sheds light on the Atlanta gay community, its active members, LGBTQ+ business owners, gay establishments, non-profit organizations, and our LGBTQ+ allies.
What events or parties will you be attending?
My favorite event of the entire year is the Pride Kickoff Party at the Georgia Aquarium, so I will definitely be there. I also plan on going to Kweens on the Green at Piedmont Park, DILF at Heretic Atlanta, GA Boy Productions Pride Saturday with DJ Rosabel at Pullman Yard, and Queen Butch ATL Pride weekend events.
