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EDITOR’S NOTE Celebrating Atlanta Pride and the High

Contents

The annual Atlanta Pride festival and parade return on Oct. 10-11. I’ve been attending Pride for 30-plus years, and now, as editor of Georgia Voice, I get to participate in the parade and meet readers in Piedmont Park at our booth. In this annual Pride Guide issue, you’ll find a complete list of events, entertainment, Collin meet the grand Kelley marshals, and suggestions on where to dine around the park. We’ve also got a guide to Pride festivals taking place across the state this month and much more. As LGBTQ+ rights have eroded under the current administration, this year’s Pride celebration, which carries the theme “Louder & Prouder,” is more necessary than ever. Even standing along the Peachtree Street parade route is an act of solidarity that is vitally important at this moment in time. I’ll see you there. Along with Pride, the beloved High Museum of Art is marking its 100th

Pride Guide

anniversary with a series of special events and exhibitions starting in October. I first visited the High in the spring of 1986 to see an exhibition on Modernism and Post-Impressionism. While the art I saw that day when I was 16 years old has faded from my memory, my first upclose look at the Richard Meier-designed museum remains vivid. The ramp leading up to the curving facade of the atrium, juxtaposed with the stark white cube of enameled aluminum panels, remains a showstopper more than four decades later. Over the last 40 years, I’ve paid numerous visits to the High to see some spectacular exhibitions: Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Andrew Wyeth, Yayoi Kusama, Louvre Atlanta, and Amy Sherald immediately spring to mind. I’ve had the privilege of visiting great museums here and abroad and witnessed some amazing exhibitions. Still, nothing has ever held a candle to “Rings: Five Passions in World Art” that the High mounted in conjunction with the 1996 Olympics. Masterworks by Rodin, Matisse, Munch, O’Keeffe, Picasso, and Claudel assembled under one roof were a jaw-dropper. My other favorite exhibition at the High is a bit more personal: “Sally Mann: A Thousand Crossings.” When

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“A Thousand Crossings” came to the High in 2019, I was asked to read from my poetry collection “Render” (which had been inspired by her work) at the opening night event. I met Mann and managed not to fanboy and make a fool of myself in front of her. To say it was a highlight of my career as an artist is a gross understatement. To coincide with Pride, we’ve got a feature on the High’s recent acquisitions of work by LGBTQ+ photographers, plus a calendar of upcoming centennial events. There is much to celebrate this season, even in the face of diversity.

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About the Cover The annual Atlanta Pride festival returns Oct. 10-11 with a weekend of entertainment, parades, and solidarity. Our Pride Guide will help you navigate the festival starting on page 8. (Photo courtesy of Atlanta Pride)

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All material in Georgia Voice is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of Rough Draft Atlanta. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, and writers published herein is neither inferred nor implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. We also do not accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. A single copy of Georgia Voice is available from authorized distribution points. If you are unable to reach a convenient free distribution point, you may receive a mail subscription for $149 per year. Email hello@roughdraftatlanta.com for more information. Email editorial submissions to editor@roughdraftatlanta.com.

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PRIDE GUIDE

Happy Pride, Atlanta!

Chris McCain

Every year, I am reminded that Pride is not just a festival. Pride is a promise — a promise that this community keeps showing up for one another, no matter what might be happening in the world. This October, we’re keeping that promise by showing up even more loudly and proudly than ever. The theme of the 2026 Atlanta Pride Festival, Louder & Prouder, is both a celebration and a call to action. It means

6 | OCTOBER 2026

embracing who we are without apology, standing with our chosen family, and raising our voices for one another. When we speak together, we make an impact that none of us could make alone. We chose this year’s theme recognizing that LGBTQ+ people across our country and around the world remain at the center of many political and cultural fights. It would be easy to go quiet in a moment like this, but our community has not. Instead, this “city too busy to hate” has organized: we show up for each other time and time again, whether that’s at City Hall or the State Capitol, while making room for joy along the way. Sometimes that is a quiet, steady voice; sometimes it is a rallying cry in the streets. But no matter what, we know that silence is not an option. So on Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11, Piedmont Park will again be home to the largest free Pride festival in the country — some 350,000 of us across one weekend. We will welcome hundreds of vendors and artists to our Marketplace, and we will trace our history through exhibits and the sacred display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. We will experience incredible national and local entertainers on two stages, and we will dance until our feet give out. We will parade through Midtown on Sunday, and we will honor nine Grand Marshals whose

impact spans our community — including our Honorary Grand Marshal, the first openly gay Black Congressman from the South, U.S. Representative Everton Blair Jr. Whether this is your first Atlanta Pride Festival or your 50th, thank you for choosing to spend it with us. On Monday, when Piedmont Park has emptied out, know that Atlanta Pride’s work continues. Through our Pride Across the Peach State partnerships, we send tens of thousands of dollars every year to Pride organizations serving communities all across Georgia — because Atlanta Pride extends far beyond Midtown. None of this happens without you.

Our volunteers who give hundreds of hours. Our sponsors and community partners who believe in our mission. Everyone who joins us in Piedmont Park. Atlanta Pride has flourished for more than five decades because of you, and we will keep growing because of you. Our lives, our stories, and our rights will not be silenced, and neither will we. So let’s show up for each other — let’s be Louder & Prouder. See you in Piedmont Park on October 10 and 11! In Pride, Chris McCain (he/him) Executive Director Atlanta Pride

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S ee THE ATL ANTA BALLET 2026|2027 SEASON IS PRESENTED BY

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2026 Atlanta Pride Events Guide Party With Pride!

Official Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party Friday, Oct. 9, 7 to 11 p.m. Georgia Aquarium Drift into a night of pride, connection, and euphoric energy at one of Atlanta’s most iconic and multiaward-winning LGBTQ+ celebrations. The Georgia Aquarium transforms into a luminous underwater dreamscape, where shimmering lights, ethereal décor, and pulsing music flow together around you, all while you’re surrounded by thousands of mesmerizing aquatic creatures. Wander across 13+ acres as four live DJs take over distinct spaces throughout the Aquarium, transforming every corner into its own dance floor. In 2026, we’re turning up the energy with DJ Russ Rich (San Francisco), known for his ultraexclusive Taylor Swift remixes—so be ready for a specially TAY-lored set at some point during the night. We’re also thrilled to feature Atlanta favorite DJ TDON alongside local rising talent DJ GOONZ, who will set the tone inside the VIP Lounge. Meanwhile, DJ Seth Breezy returns to kick things off in a hidden spot beneath 6.3 million gallons of water, delivering a fully immersive, melodic experience you won’t want to miss. Official Kickoff After-Party Friday, Oct. 9, 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. The Heretic Heretic Atlanta is Proud to be the Official After-Party to the Georgia Aquarium Pride Kickoff Party again this year, featuring the one and only DJ Abel. These events WILL SELL OUT!! Get your tickets at hereticatlanta.com/tickets. Electric Circus (Official Atlanta Pride Women’s Event) Saturday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. My Sister’s Room (MSR) Hosted by My Sister’s Room (MSR), this is the main event for nonbinary, trans, and queer women. MSR is incredibly proud to be an official sponsor of Atlanta Pride and proud to be Georgia’s only lesbian bar. Get ready for a night of big energy, big performances, music, dancing, and all the Electric Circus madness you know and love. Tickets and info at mysistersroom.com.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Family Fun Zone, presented by Huntington Bank Saturday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m Sunday, Oct. 11, 1 to 5 p.m. Piedmont Park Picnic Pavilion Kids of all ages are welcome! The Family Fun Zone offers a safe space for families. Enjoy Drag Story Hour, a

pop-up library, face painting, crafts, games, and much more! New this year, enjoy performances by the Alliance Theater. Drag Story Hour Saturday, Oct. 10, Noon to 1 p.m. Piedmont Park Picnic Pavilion Bring your friends and family to enjoy stories, coloring sheets, and lots of fun on the lawn of the Picnic Pavilion, located in the Atlanta Pride “Family Fun Zone,” directly across from Greystone in Piedmont Park! Drag Story Hour Atlanta invites you to join our host, ALABAMA, who will be reading books and serving looks. Teen Lounge Saturday, Oct. 10, 3 to 5 p.m. Piedmont Park Greystone Patio Atlanta Pride offers a safe and affirming space for those who identify as LGBTQ+ and are allied with the community. Our younger community members (youth aged 11-17) are invited to relax on Greystone’s Patio. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the Festival while finding connection and community with old and new friends. This year’s Teen Lounge is supported by our friends at Brave Trails.

MARCHES AND PARADE

Trans March and Rally Saturday, Oct. 10 1:15 p.m.: Assembly and Rally 1:45 p.m.: March steps off Piedmont Park Charles Allen Gate A community-led march that honors, celebrates, and raises visibility for Trans and nonbinary people. This march uplifts the beauty, diversity, and resilience of the Trans community while creating space to demand visibility, equity, and justice. All trans people and trans allies are invited to join us with positive banners and signs. We encourage individuals to make and bring signs supportive of trans issues. Bi+ Pan March and Rally Saturday, Oct. 10 3 p.m.: Assembly and Rally 3:30 p.m.: March steps off Piedmont Park Charles Allen Gate Organized by and for the community, this march celebrates Bisexual and Pansexual identities, affirming their place and pride within the LGBTQ+ family. Bi+ Pan folks of all gender identities and expressions, and allies, are welcome to march! This march is hosted with the support of Bi+ Georgia. Participants are encouraged to bring signs and banners with messages that support the Bi+ Pan community. Dyke March and Rally Saturday, Oct. 10 4:30 p.m.: Assembly and Rally

5 p.m.: March steps off Piedmont Park Charles Allen Gate A community-driven march dedicated to the empowerment of women, femmes, and their allies. This inclusive event brings together women-loving women (transinclusive) and femme-identified people to foster solidarity, strength, and visibility. This march is dedicated to empowering the women of Atlanta and beyond. The Dyke March, with its focus on women, unites to create an atmosphere of inclusion and community. This march is hosted in cooperation with Atlanta Dykes on Bikes, who lead the march on their bikes. Atlanta Pride Parade Sunday, Oct. 11 Noon: Parade steps off Peachtree Street / Tenth Street The annual Atlanta Pride Parade, presented by Delta Air Lines, is the largest in Atlanta. Join tens of thousands of spectators as we get “Louder & Prouder!” Celebrate your pride in the streets of Midtown with your family, friends, and neighbors!

FESTIVAL AREAS

Flag Raising Ceremony Friday, Oct. 9, 1 to 1:30 p.m Piedmont Park Meadow New for 2026, Atlanta Pride is proud to hoist the Rainbow Flag high above Piedmont Park, the birthplace and home of the Atlanta Pride Festival. Join us as we raise the flag and officially open the park for this year’s celebration. Yoga Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 to 10 a. m. Piedmont Park Dockside Give your Pride weekend a mindful start! Join us for Pride Yoga with the Well(Being) Collective Atlanta. This is an all-levels yoga class on the dock. Please bring your mat. AIDS Memorial Quilt Saturday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 10:30 a.m.: Reading of Names Sunday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Piedmont Park Oak Hill Featuring panels specific to Georgia, this display is part of the National AIDS Memorial’s efforts to bring the Quilt to communities across the United States to raise greater awareness and education about HIV/AIDS and to remember those lost to the pandemic. Volunteers will have information on the AIDS Memorial Quilt’s history and how to create and submit a panel. Community History Exhibit Saturday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, 3 to 8 p.m. Piedmont Park Oak Hill Information from local Atlanta archives will be available near the AIDS Memorial

Quilt display. Hosted in partnership with the City of Atlanta Department of City Planning’s Office of Design, Historic Preservation Studio, guests can learn about the City’s “Preserving Pride” initiative, as well as other local archival collections. LGBTQ+ History Display and Zine Workshop Saturday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Piedmont Park Visitor’s Center Atlanta Pride is all about celebrating and preserving our past, and we’ve partnered with Georgia State University’s Library Special Collections and Archives to make it happen. Stop by the Visitor’s Center to check out an exciting display of archival treasures that tell the story of LGBTQ+ life in Georgia and the journey of Atlanta Pride itself. Join Mya Maier from the DeKalb County Public Library for a Zine Making activity. Car and Motorcycle Show Saturday, Oct. 10, 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Roadway inside the Park between 12th and 14th Street Gates Special thanks to the Lambda Car Club and the Lost Boys Motorcycle Club. Antique, classic, specialty-interest cars and motorcycles will be displayed. Artist Market Saturday, Oct. 10, 11 a. . to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, 3 to 8 p.m. Piedmont Park Mayor’s Grove The Atlanta Pride Artist Market is a curated space highlighting original work from local artists and makers. Artists are selected through a juried application process focused on original, handmade work across categories such as ceramics, painting, jewelry, photography, sculpture, and more. Enjoy the art and purchase something to take home! Pride Recovery Meetup Saturday, Oct. 10 Noon to 2 p.m. Piedmont Park Greystone Patio Atlanta Pride strives to ensure all community members feel supported during the festival. This intentional space will serve as a time to gather and find mutual support. The meeting is open to those on all paths of recovery. This event is offered in partnership with Danielle Bonanno Consulting. Wellness Zone, presented by Huntington Bank Saturday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, 3 to 6 p.m. North End of the Meadow We know that having a place to take a break and a respite from the heat and sounds can be critical for those with sensory sensitivities and make the difference for someone wanting to attend Pride. This year’s Wellness Zone

is available for those needing a haven, respite, and a place to decompress and relax. The Wellness Zone will be located near the Coca-Cola Stage in the back of the Meadow.

COMMUNITY ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS Shooting Star Cabaret Saturday, Oct. 10, 4 to 6 p.m. Community Stage, presented by Visit Athens Hosted by Mona Lott, the Shooting Star Cabaret features the rising stars of local Atlanta drag and performance art.

Queer Your Gender Dance Party Saturday, Oct. 10, 6;30 to 8:30 p.m. Community Stage, presented by Visit Athens Queers of all stripes will be getting down to the sounds of DJ Ganymede at this free event. All are welcome! Fabulously Fierce: An LGBTeaseQ+ Burlesque Show Sunday, Oct. 11, 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. Community Stage, presented by Visit Athens The show redefines Burlesque entertainment by challenging society’s perspective on what is worthy of being represented onstage and in the performing arts community.

A Chaka Moment…in the Park Sunday, Oct. 11, 3 to 7 p.m. Coca-Cola Main Stage Chaka Khan Hacienda comes to the park and closes out Pride weekend with Leiomy from HBO Max’s Legendary, Armana Khan, Brigitte Bidet, Jash Jay, Montre, Ree de la Vega, Abby Dear, and more! Sweet Tea: A Queer Variety Show Sunday, Oct. 11, 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. Community Stage, presented by Visit Athens Join us for an Atlanta Pride installment of SWEET TEA, produced by TAYLOR ALXNDR of the House of ALXNDR, Atlanta’s longest-running queer variety show.

Starlight Cabaret Sunday, Oct.r 11, 7:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Coca-Cola Main Stage Closing out the yearly Atlanta Pride Festival on the Coca-Cola stage since 1989, the Starlight Cabaret is the LARGEST outdoor drag show in the United States. Hosted by Phoenix, Atlanta Icon, and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, the Starlight Cabaret boasts over 20 drag acts at the top of their craft who live and work in the Atlanta Metropolitan area.

The 2026 Pride Parade Get ready for the Atlanta Pride Parade – the Festival’s biggest and most fabulous event! With over 100,000 people flooding the streets of Midtown Atlanta, it’s the city’s largest parade. On Sunday, Oct. 11, the Atlanta Pride Parade steps off at 12 p.m. from the Civic Center MARTA Station, makes its way north on Peachtree Street, east on 10th Street, and ends at the Charles Allen Gate of Piedmont Park across from Midtown High School. Check out www. atlantapride.org for a detailed map and come join the party! Bring your friends, your pride, and your loudest cheers – let’s make some noise and show our support for the community! Parade assembly begins at 8 a.m., with nearly 300 groups and more than 5,000 participants marching, including this year’s slate of Grand Marshals and this year’s honorary Grand Marshall, Congressman Everton Blair Jr. Streets along the route in Downtown and Midtown will be fully closed during the four-hour event, and 10th Street will remain closed for one hour afterward to allow crowds to clear safely. Attendees are encouraged to take MARTA and other public transportation. Only pre-registered entries will be permitted in the parade.

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Meet the 2026 Grand Marshals By Katie Burkholder

Jenny Arellano

The 2026 Atlanta Grand Marshals include eight individuals and organizations who represent bold activism, cultural preservation, and unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community in Atlanta and beyond. The Grand Marshals will lead the Atlanta Pride parade on Oct. 11. “Our Grand Marshals showcase the incredible range of work being done across our community, from preserving our past to shaping a more just and inclusive future,” said Chris McCain, Executive Director of Atlanta Pride. “Each of them is a reminder that Pride is not only a celebration, but a call to action. They embody the strength, brilliance, and resistance that have always defined our movement, and we are proud to honor their contributions on one of the biggest stages in the Southeast.”

Jenny Arellano is a trailblazing media personality, beauty professional, activist, and influencer whose impact on Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community spans nearly two decades. Her advocacy and creative work have been featured by major media outlets including Univisión Atlanta, Atlanta News First, Mundo Hispánico, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Project Q, and David Atlanta. Jenny made history as the first transgender woman in Atlanta to obtain an amended birth certificate reflecting her gender identity and continues to use her platform to elevate authentic stories and increase visibility for transgender and Latino communities through projects such as Jenny Sin Censura.

The 2026 Atlanta Pride Grand Marshals are:

John M. Haupert is Chief Executive Officer of Grady Health System, one of the nation’s leading public academic healthcare systems. A nationally recognized healthcare leader, he has served as Chair of the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees, Chair of America’s Essential Hospitals, and Chair of the Georgia Hospital Association. Through his leadership, Grady has strengthened access to high-quality healthcare for diverse communities throughout metro Atlanta. Haupert currently serves on numerous civic and nonprofit boards and was recently recognized with the American Jewish Committee’s Human Relations Award and named Georgian of the Year for 2026.

Carl Charles Carl Charles serves as the Elayne Cassidy Nicholas Memorial Counsel for Trans and Nonbinary Rights in Lambda Legal’s Southern Regional Office. He has helped lead groundbreaking litigation expanding and protecting civil rights for transgender people nationwide, including challenges to discriminatory federal passport policies and anti-trans sports bans. Beyond the courtroom, Carl works extensively on federal and state legislative and policy initiatives affecting transgender youth and adults. His career has focused on advancing justice and equity for LGBTQ+ communities, particularly transgender people navigating systems of discrimination and exclusion.

John M. Haupert

Master J. Tebias Perry Master J. Tebias Perry is an internationally respected educator, activist,

mentor, journalist, and leader within the Leather community. An Atlanta native, he is the creator of the acclaimed “Bulge” event and the annual “Tacos and Tequila” fundraiser, which directs all proceeds to nonprofit organizations serving local communities. A former member of ONYX, he currently serves as Director of Engagement for International Mr. Leather, Inc., and contributes to the Leather Archives & Museum. He is also the author of Leather Mentorship and The Principles of Leather Leadership. Through education, mentorship, and advocacy, Master J. Tebias has elevated conversations around Leather culture, leadership, and community engagement across the globe.

Noël Heatherland Noël Heatherland is an organizer, storyteller, and activist dedicated to collective liberation. As Statewide Organizing & Outreach Manager for Georgia Equality, they helped lead efforts that successfully defeated all fifteen anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced during Georgia’s 2026 legislative session. Noël serves on the boards of This Doesn’t Define Me and The Dreaming Justice Project, and is a passionate advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Their work spans LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant justice, reproductive freedom, environmental protection, and community care, helping build coalitions that strengthen movements across Georgia.

Pressure K Pressure K is an Atlanta-based drag king, comedian, host, and entertainer known for combining Southern swagger, comedy, and high-energy performances. Raised in Stone

Congressman Dr. Everton Blair Jr., who represents Georgia’s 13th Congressional District, will be the Honorary Grand Marshal of the 2026 Atlanta Pride Festival. Blair was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives on September 1, 2026, following his election to represent Georgia’s 13th Congressional District. His service marks a historic milestone as the ﬁrst openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress from Georgia.

Mountain and Lithonia, Georgia, Pressure K proudly celebrates Atlanta culture while expanding visibility for drag kings and masculine-presenting performers. After gaining national recognition as a contestant on Season 1 of King of Drag, Pressure K has continued to build a platform centered on authenticity, representation, and community connection. Through performance and advocacy, Pressure K encourages audiences to embrace selfexpression boldly and unapologetically.

Shawnna Brooks A legendary figure in Atlanta’s drag community and Mother of the House of Brooks, Shawnna Brooks has spent decades entertaining audiences and shaping the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife culture. Known for her charisma, humor, and enduring stage presence, Shawnna remains a beloved performer and mentor whose career has inspired generations of drag artists. Throughout her storied career, Shawnna has held numerous titles, including Miss Gay Georgia USofA, Miss Gay Atlanta, Miss National, and Miss Georgia Continental. Her commitment to creating joy, fostering community, and preserving Atlanta’s rich drag legacy has made her one of the most recognizable and respected entertainers in the Southeast.

ZAMI NOBLA Based in Atlanta, ZAMI NOBLA is dedicated to building power, visibility, and community for Black lesbians aged 40 and older. Grounded in a Black feminist social justice framework, the organization addresses issues including health and wellness, housing justice, food access, movement building, education, and community-engaged research. Through advocacy, storytelling, cultural programming, and intergenerational organizing, ZAMI NOBLA works to ensure that older Black lesbians can age with dignity, connection, visibility, and power while challenging systems of inequity that impact their lives.

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Pride Across the Peach State grant recipients supporting, and amplifying the efforts of Georgia-based Pride organizations. To date, the Pride Across the Peach State grant initiative has awarded $130,000 in grants to 17 different Pride organizations across the state. In 2025, it supported 11 organizations. This year, Atlanta Pride is awarding an additional $40,000 in grant funding to 12 community organizations. To Atlanta Pride’s knowledge, no other Pride organization is reinvesting locally at this same level. The grantees are:

Atlanta Pride has announced the recipients of the 2026 Pride Across the Peach State grant cycle, supporting Pride festivals in communities across Georgia. Since launching in 2024, the initiative has helped expand the reach and impact of local Pride celebrations throughout the state, empowering organizers to create spaces where LGBTQ+ people and allies can connect, celebrate diversity, build resilience, and foster inclusion. Atlanta Pride’s philanthropic initiative, “Pride Across the Peach State,” will continue its focus on uplifting,

Athens Pride: Athens Pride & Queer Collective is dedicated to the advancement of equity, affirmation, diversity, and wellness of queer populations in the greater Athens area by working with historically marginalized communities through outreach, social connection, education, and events. Atlanta Black Pride: Atlanta Black Pride, Inc. exists to celebrate, empower, and advocate for BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals and families through yearround programming that promotes community leadership, education, healthy living, self-empowerment, economic growth, and political involvement. We

provide safe, affirming spaces while advancing social justice, health equity, and economic opportunity for all members of our diverse community. Boro Pride Festival: Boro Pride is a nonprofit organization founded in 2019 to build a stronger, more visible, and more connected LGBTQ+ community in Statesboro-Bulloch County and the surrounding areas. Through inclusive programming, advocacy, and community partnerships, Boro Pride works to ensure LGBTQ+ people are seen, supported, and celebrated in every space. The annual Boro Pride Festival serves as a cornerstone event, bringing together community members, allies, and local leaders for a day of visibility, joy, and connection. Carrollton Pride: Carrollton Rainbow Inc. is a nonprofit with a mission to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies in the Carrollton, GA & West Georgia area through community outreach, education, advocacy, and engagement. Equality Fest: Equality Fest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity, with a special focus on the LGBT community and other marginalized

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groups. We believe that every individual is unique and inherently equal, deserving of respect, dignity, and opportunity. Through community events, advocacy, and education, Equality Fest aims to create a more just and vibrant society where differences are not just acknowledged but embraced, fostering a culture of unity and acceptance in Gainesville and beyond. Gwinnett Pride Festival: Before 2018, there were no signs of an LGBTQIA+ community in Gwinnett County. Visibility Club changed that by building a thriving LGBTQIA+ network to ensure our community is seen, heard, and represented across Gwinnett. Macon Pride Festival: The purpose of Macon Pride is to advance unity, visibility, and self-esteem among LGBTQIA+ persons and our allies and to promote a positive image in the Middle Georgia area through community activities and service. PrideLake Festival: PrideLake is a small “by the community, for the community” event focused on building relationships around the tiny city of Pine Lake (population: 800). Taking place in the smallest city in DeKalb County, this year they celebrate their fifth annual Pride. Rome Georgia Pride Festival: Rome Pride is about community, inclusion, and diversity. We celebrate our LGBTQ+ siblings, business owners, community leaders, and family. The Rome Georgia Pride Festival is a free-admission LGBTQ+ pride festival that takes place in downtown Rome, GA. Savannah Pride Festival: Marking its 27th year as the premier event for the Savannah and Coastal Georgia LGBTQIA+ community and allies, Savannah Pride serves as a vital reminder of hope and unity, offering a platform for expression and connection. Smyrna Pride Festival: Smyrna Pride welcomes and celebrates its LGBTQ+ Residents and Allies by creating community and building partnerships founded in social equality. Smyrna Pride believes that everyone should feel welcome, respected, and appreciated. We imagine a city where no one has to wonder if they will be rejected as a neighbor because of who they love. Southern Fried Queer Pride Festival: SFQP was born out of a lack of space for Black and brown queer folks to build community, a lack of queer art, and in opposition to the established narrative of Southern queers. The South is home to the country’s largest population of LGBTQIQAP2+ individuals, yet we’re confined to a narrative of stigma, statistics, and struggle. SFQP fights that notion and is aiding in uplifting an honest narrative of resilience, rich history, and vibrance. For more information about the “Pride Across the Peach State” grant initiative and Atlanta Pride’s ongoing work, please visit atlantapride.org. THEGAVOICE.COM

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A Pride Giving Guide STD screening, PrEP, community HIV prevention programs, linkage services, case management, and a statewide information hotline. Donate: aidatlanta.org/donatenow. Atlanta Pride Atlanta Pride is urging attendees to “choose Pride” by donating to support the country’s largest free Pride event. Over the last 55 years, Atlanta Pride – Georgia’s oldest LGBTQ+ nonprofit – has grown to welcome over 350,000 visitors and host the city’s largest parade. Donate: atlantapride.org/donate. Gender Liberation Movement

By Katie Burkholder While Atlanta Pride weekend will invite thousands to Piedmont Park to embody this year’s theme of “Louder and Prouder”, the work Atlanta’s organizations do to ensure safety and joy for LGBTQ+ people happens year-round This year, celebrate Atlanta Pride by

supporting local organizations that are loudly and proudly advocating for a world where all people can be safe, secure, and celebrated. AID Atlanta AID Atlanta has been providing HIV/ AIDS-related services, care, and education since its inception in 1982. AID Atlanta currently offers HIV medical care, HIV/

GLM brings together organizers, creatives, and community members to build power for gender liberation in culture, organizing, and policy. The organization is rooted in direct action and movement building, working across generations to develop leadership. Donate: genderlib.org/donate. Georgia Equality Georgia Equality is the leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in Georgia. The organization works yearround to pass pro-equality legislation and elect LGBTQ+-inclusive elected officials. They also conduct voter registration and education activities, provide information to decision makers, and mobilize LGBTQ+ residents and allies through the Equality Foundation of Georgia. Donate: georgiaequality.org/donate. Lambda Legal Lambda Legal is a national organization working to achieve full recognition of LGBTQ+ civil rights through impact litigation, education, and public policy work. The organization is currently representing the LGBTQ+ community in 86 active cases. Donate: lambdalegal.org/donate. Latino Community Fund Georgia LCF Georgia is the state’s only organization that functions as both a direct service provider and a grantmaker investing in Latinx leaders and organizations. The organization serves over 30,000 people annually and has invested over $6 million in grants and direct support. Donate: lcfgeorgia.org/getinvolved/donate.

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Latino LinQ For the last decade, Latino LinQ has advocated for equity for the Latinx and LGBTQ+ community in Georgia. Their work includes sharing information and resources about rights to translation and interpretation services when accessing government services, creating safe spaces through their community support group, partnering with health care institutions on community health research, and assisting community members with access to critical health care. Donate: latinolinq.org/donate.

PALS Atlanta One of this year’s Atlanta Pride Grand Marshals, PALS (Pets Are Loving Support) is a non-profit providing ongoing care and support for the pets of Atlantans living with critical illness like HIV/AIDS and cancer, those with disabilities, seniors aged 65 and older, and U.S. veterans. PALS provides pet food and basic care, vaccination clinics, and more. Donate: palsatlanta.org/donate. Poder Unides Poder Unides is an Atlanta-based organization established to eradicate the deep disparities faced by the trans, queer, and LGBTQIA+ communities by creating an environment of healing, leadership, community engagement, and personal growth where it is needed the most, prioritizing historically disenfranchised people. Poder Unides’ work includes training advocacy leaders, providing gender-affirming clothing to trans people, and sending books and resources to incarcerated trans people. Donate: poderunides.org/donate. Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative SnapCo. is a Black trans-led organization building safety and political power for Black and brown trans people in Atlanta. The organization is currently fundraising for Providential Paradise, its forthcoming permanent home to be developed on 11.2 acres in South Fulton. Donate: secure.actblue.com/donate/ snapcoprovidentialparadise. Trans Housing Coalition THC utilizes a housing-first, person-centered approach to get trans people experiencing homelessness into permanent, affirmative housing. Donate: transhousingcoalition.org/our-donors. Voices of Note With queer arts under attack, supporting LGBTQ+ arts organizations is more important than ever. Voices of Note, the parent organization of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus and the Atlanta Women’s Chorus, aims to change hearts and minds through music. With over 260 singers, staff, and board members, Voices of Note is the largest community music organization in the Southeast. Donate: voicesofnote.org/donate. ZAMI NOBLA ZAMI NOBLA is a national organization committed to building a strong and sustainable base of power for Black lesbians ages 40 and over. The organization advances health and wellness, housing and food justice, education, and community-engaged research that centers the lives, experiences, and leadership of Black lesbians. Donate: zaminobla.org/ donate. THEGAVOICE.COM

Calvin Thompson and Bjorn Dupaty in Alliance Theatre’s 2022/23 Season production of THE HOT WING KING. Photo by Greg Mooney.

Celebrating LGBTQ+ stories, artists, and audiences— on stage and off! Tickets for the 2026/27 season are on sale now! Tickets at alliancetheatre.org 1280 PEACHTREE ST NE // ATLANTA, GA 30309 ENJOY 12 MONTHS OF THEATER with an ALLIANCE THEATRE MEMBERSHIP alliancetheatre.org/membership

Join the Atlanta Hawks and College Park Skyhawks at the

ATLANTA PRIDE PARADE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 See Harry the Hawk, Colli Hawk, ATL Dancers, Flight Crew and Southside Crew. Enjoy fun giveaways as we celebrate the Atlanta community.

Pride Across Georgia By Collin Kelley Cities across Georgia will celebrate Pride with festivals and events all October long. If you’re looking for a weekend road trip and want to support smaller festivals across the state, check out these events. Carrollton Pride Oct. 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. University of West Georgia Campus Ballroom The Carrollton Pride Festival is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in the West Georgia area. Enjoy talented artists showcasing their work, food trucks, and a community market with local vendors, advocacy groups, and health and wellness partners of the LGBTQ+ community. This event is free and familyfriendly. Get more information and details at carrolltonrainbow.com. Boro Pride Festival Oct. 3, 3 to 10 p.m. Nessmith-Lane Ballroom, Georgia Southern Campus Head down south and join Statesboro Pride for a day of celebration, unity, and visibility. This year’s theme is “Shine

Through the Darkness.” The festivities include live music, vendors, food, and an evening drag show by The Amorettes. More details at statesboropride.org. South Georgia Pride Festival Oct. 3, 2 to 7 p.m. Unity Park, Valdosta Live music and entertainment, drag Shows, vendors, and food trucks will all be part of the event. Find out more at southgapride.com. APQC Pride Prom Oct. 9, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m Cine Athens, 234 W. Hancock St. This year’s prom theme is “Gay Icons,” and will include a tribute to Dolly Parton and Tim Curry. Get tickets and more details at athenspride.org/queer-prom. 27th Annual Savannah Pride Festival Oct. 24, noon to 11 p.m. Forsyth Park Pride in the Hostess City will include a neurosensitive market, food trucks, DJs, drag performances, and a foam party. Other events leading up to the festival include the Pride music concert “As We Are” (Oct. 10) and the third annual

Pride Ball (Oct. 17). Get all the details at savannahpridecenter.org or on IG @ savannahpridecenter. Colgay Pride Halloween Festival Oct. 31, 5 to 11 p.m. 4214 16th Ave., Columbus Join Colgay Pride for its Halloween

Festival, a night of frightful fun and community celebration. The evening will feature a spooky haunted house backdrop, neon-lit visuals, and appearances by horror icons including Pennywise, Pinhead, Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Chucky, Michael Myers, and Art the Clown. Get more details at colgaypride.org.

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Where to eat and drink during Pride By Katie Burkholder Thousands of people will descend upon Piedmont Park to celebrate Atlanta Pride on Oct. 10-11. And while there will be plenty of food vendors selling snacks and drinks at the park, numerous LGBTQ+-owned and -friendly restaurants, coffee shops, and bars are within walking distance of the Pride festivities. If you’re looking for a place to grab coffee in the morning, sip cocktails at happy hour, or sit down for a leisurely meal with friends, check out this mini dining and drinking guide featuring local restaurant and bar suggestions within walking distance of Atlanta Pride at Piedmont Park.

For an afternoon caffeine fix or a glass of wine, head to Larakin and its sprawling patio on 12th. This coffee and wine bar opens early in the morning and stays open until 10 p.m. for coffee, wine, and small bites, including pastries and breakfast sandwiches, charcuterie and cheese, tinned fish, and thick slices of focaccia pizza.

Grab a coffee or latte at Schaf Shop on Juniper. (Photo by Ansley Kelly) Greek lasagna at Buddy Buddy. (Provided)

Grab breakfast at Café Intermezzo before heading to Pride at Piedmont Park. (Provided)

Saturday 9 a.m. breakfast at Café Intermezzo 8 minutes walking from Piedmont Park Kick off Atlanta Pride weekend with the most important meal of the day at Café Intermezzo. The European-inspired cafe at the corner of Peachtree and 11th boasts an extensive breakfast and brunch menu, allowing everyone to get what they want. For an indulgent espresso drink, order the Intermezzo Cappuccino made with steamed cream and cocoa topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. 12 p.m. brunch at Park Tavern Edge of Piedmont Park Skipped breakfast? Head over to Park Tavern on the edge of Piedmont Park for the Big Gay Brunch. This Atlanta Pride drag brunch will star Destiny Brooks, Raquel Rea Heart, Cici Nicole, Ran Diosa, Aspen York, Aqua De’Laroja, CoCo Iman Starr, and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” stars Bosco and Detox. Your $35 ticket will get you your choice of brunch bites, or splurge for the $65 ticket to enjoy bottomless mimosas. Please note, the Big Gay Brunch lineup is subject to change. This is a 21+ event. 4 p.m. afternoon snack at Larakin 3 minutes walking from 12th Street entrance of Piedmont Park

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6 p.m. dinner and drinks at Buddy Buddy. 7 minutes walking from Piedmont Park to Midtown Promenade Cap off day one of Pride with Greek food, cocktails, and good vibes at LGBTQ+-owned Buddy Buddy. Order skorthalia (whipped potato and garlic) dip and an entree of Greek lasagna, Mediterranean steamed clams, or ovenroasted Greek lemon chicken. Pair dinner with a cocktail like the Spaghetti Junction #2, made with rye, cherry quina, aperitivo, amaro, dry vermouth, and a big ice cube. 11 p.m. dancing at Blake’s on the Park or My Sister’s Room 6 to 12 minutes walking from Piedmont Park, respectively After dinner, head back to the park to enjoy this year’s headliners on the main stage, then keep the night going at two popular Midtown queer bars. For dancing and drinks, check out Blake’s, a beloved gay bar on 10th, and lesbian bar My Sister’s Room on Crescent. Both bars are welcoming favorites across the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

3 p.m. post-parade coffee at Schaf Shop. 12 minutes walking from Piedmont Park Located on Juniper, this LGBTQ+owned coffee shop and community gathering space is a solid place to relax and grab an afternoon pick-me-up. Expect classic espresso drinks here, along with some unique beverages, like banana pudding matcha, cherry chai latte, and espresso cherry Coke. Alternative post-parade bite to eat at The Nook. On Piedmont Avenue across the street from Piedmont Park Located across the street from Piedmont Park near the 14th Street entrance, The Nook is a great place to grab a post-parade bite to eat and watch sports on the covered patio. Order a burger, pulled pork sandwich, or smoked wings with a beer. And don’t skip ordering a batch of The Nook’s famous totchos. A pile of tater tots comes smothered in everything from grilled

chicken, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese dressing, to pulled pork, Coca-Cola barbecue sauce, and cheese. 6 p.m. Italian dinner at Campagnolo 6 minutes walking from Piedmont Park Close out Atlanta Pride weekend with a decadent Italian dinner at a Midtown favorite and LGBTQ+-owned restaurant. Order Campagnolo’s popular lasagna matta. Other recommended dishes include the tagliatelle bolognese and the roasted duck breast. Grab a seat on the patio for great people watching. 9 p.m. farewell drink at Zocalo 7 minutes walking from Piedmont Park; two blocks from Midtown MARTA station Cheers to another successful Atlanta Pride weekend with a refreshing soft serve margarita on the patio at this Midtown Mexican restaurant. Then continue on to your hotel, or to catch the train at the Midtown MARTA station just down the street on 10th.

Sunday

10 a.m. pre-parade brunch at El Viñedo Local. Along the Atlanta Pride parade route near 4th Street Before the parade steps off at noon, start your day with coffee and a Latin American brunch at LGBTQ+-owned El Viñedo Local. Serving as both a Latin American coffee shop and wine bar, order a breakfast empanada, an arepa, or Brazilian French toast. Afterwards, secure the perfect parade-viewing spot (with a glass of wine) on the steps out front along Peachtree Street.

Grab brunch at El Viñedo Local on Peachtree. Then sit on the steps to watch the parade. (Provided) THEGAVOICE.COM

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SCIENCE + NATURE = ELEPHANTS! New Exhibit Stomps into Fernbank on Oct. 10

The Secret World of Elephants is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org). Sponsored locally by the Isdell Family Foundation, with additional support provided by the Frances Wood Wilson Foundation.

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Plan Your Visit at FernbankMuseum.org

The Atlanta Braves invite you to enjoy the best fan experience in baseball!

Whether you want to catch a game at Truist Park or enjoy dozens of amazing restaurants, retail shops and entertainment in The Battery Atlanta, there’s something for every fan to enjoy!

The spirit of 1977 Reeling in the Years

Atlanta Pride 2024. A glorious October day. I park myself – literally, sitting in my comfy walker — on Peachtree Street, just yards from where the parade begins. Maria Why this position? Helena Dolan Max swag tossing and max infectious energy as thousands burst outward and onward. Hours later, as the final marchers make their way toward Piedmont Park, I follow a line of exuberant and exhausted spectators to the MARTA Civic Center station platform, heading home. I find myself in a small gaggle of folks regaling each other with pieces of parade moments. One quiet young woman is coaxed to share her take on the day. “Well, I’m 17. And this is my first Pride. And I am s-o-o-o proud, oh, I had no clue!” Around her, laughter, smiles, some tears, hugs, mostly young folk but not all. Smiling, I interject, “Let me say, I am so proud of you for being able to be here, and to feel this way!”

24 | OCTOBER 2026

Smiles and hugs all around. “Allow me also to say that my first Pride was in 1976. (Gasps! “Whoaaaa”) I was a very new arrival to the ATL, and newfound friends didn’t really know why this June thing, just that “every year we have this march and we go from the Civic Center to Piedmont Park, and it’s always a lot of fun, so you should come.” Yes, it was a lot of fun, that special day, especially when then-Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson officially proclaimed June 26 as “Gay Pride Day” in Atlanta. And fundamentalist Baptists lose their minds! A group calling itself “Citizens for a Decent Atlanta” immediately buys fullpage ads in local newspapers denouncing “acts against the moral laws of the JudeoChristian tradition.” They try to get a court order to rescind the proclamation. They agitate and fulminate, and we begin to boycott aligned businesses, such as Majik Markets and Days Inn. By 1977, I understand so much more. There’d been a thing called Stonewall back in 1969, and a riot when queers fought back, and now we commemorate it and gain strength from it. Some of us counterculturist types know we’re in a clear movement for LIBERATION, and we are finding out how much we don’t know

The Atlanta Gay Rights Alliance marches in the 1977 Atlanta Pride Parade. (Photo by Jerome McClendon/Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Courtesy of Georgia State University)

about our collective queer past and how we’re moving forward and getting people on board and – whew! Looking back, 1977 is a turning point in the LGBTQ+ movement. Washington, D.C. adopts a human rights code banning sexual orientation discrimination; Dade County, FL enacts a Human Rights Ordinance; Tucson, AZ passes an ordinance prohibiting housing, employment, and public accommodation discrimination; transgender tennis player Renee Richards wins a New York Supreme Court case allowing her to play in a tournament. One of the biggest milestones of 1977 is Harvey Milk becoming the first openly gay man in the U.S. elected to a major political position after he won a seat on the

San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The LGBTQ+ community has gained so much in the last nearly 50 years, but we are in the process of losing what may be more difficult to regain. Since 2025, the federal government has reversed or narrowed protections for LGBTQ+ people, particularly transgender Americans. Republicans have made trans people their fearmongering tool of the midterms. Bans and challenges to LGBTQ+-related books at public and school libraries continue to expand. When the Atlanta Pride parade rolls out on Oct. 11, come to Peachtree Street. Get on board, remember our collective queer power, and go to the polls in November. We need that 1977 spirit again.

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COMMUNITY New steering committee to guide Atlanta LGBTQ+ Community Center development By Katie Burkholder The Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority (AFCRA) has announced the steering committee for the Atlanta LGBTQ+ Community Center Initiative. The 40-person body brings together non-profit leaders, business executives, grassroots organizers, and neighbors to work with Malik Brown, the managing director of the community center initiative, and AFCRA staff to advance the planning, development, and early implementation of the Center. The

committee will meet monthly through 2027 to offer expertise and cultivate donors. Paul Conroy and Dr. Alie Redd will co-chair the committee. Conroy is the founder and producing artistic director of Out Front Theatre Company, and Dr. Redd is the executive director of Covenant House Georgia. AFCRA also welcomed Cameron Quadagno as the Fall Fellow, a Georgia Tech student who will build the framework for the forthcoming Community Needs

Where the LGBTQ+ community comes together to experience symphony concerts.

Assessment, the next phase of our ongoing research and community engagement. AFCRA conducted a yearlong study in 2025 on the feasibility of developing an LGBTQ+ Community Center in Atlanta. The study included a community survey and events that gathered feedback from identity groups such as trans Atlantans, Black community members, and arts leaders. The organization presented the study’s findings to the City of Atlanta late last year, but how much funding the city will

commit to the project is still unknown. Earlier this summer, the Atlanta LGBTQ+ Community Center Initiative team moved into a new office at the CTR in Downtown Atlanta where the staff and Steering Committee will do the administrative and operational work of the Initiative.

Photos courtesy of Atlanta LGBTQ+ Community Center Initiative.

“One of the most unique and memorable event series in Atlanta.” – The Georgia Voice ASO CONCERTS + IN UNISON MEMBER EVENTS: NOV 7 Nathalie Stutzmann Conducts Bach + Brahms

APR 24 Mendelssohn’s Double Concerto

JAN 14 Brahms Fourth Symphony

MAY 20 Adagio for Strings

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Outlet Project aims to reduce mental health stigma with event series

Photos courtesy of the Outlet Project.

By Katie Burkholder The Outlet Project, an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to redefining discussions of mental health, has launched a new event series to reduce mental health stigma. After struggling with mental illness and suicidality for years, the Outlet Project founder Adrian Wilson started the organization to make mental health safe, fun, and less inhibited by the heaviness associated with mental illness. Healing Out Loud, the Outlet Project’s new keystone event, is a community space where people can discuss mental health topics while having a good time. “The main point is building community and creating those spaces where mental health is safe, where it’s fun, where it’s comfortable,” Wilson told Georgia Voice. “You can have a great brunch and you can listen to music, but you can also get resources and tools.” The inaugural Healing Out Loud event came to Retreat by TGS in West Midtown on the morning of Sept. 19. The sold-out event included food, music, non-alcoholic drinks, a sound bath, and a panel talk THEGAVOICE.COM

with therapists and mental health leaders. “You’ll feel the love and you’ll feel the support of other people,” Wilson said of the event series. Wilson’s goal with Healing Out Loud and the Outlet Project’s other work is to combat mental health stigma, especially among Black and brown people, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized groups. One in five Americans live with a mental illness, and while 88% of U.S. adults don’t believe that having a mental health disorder is something to be ashamed of, 84% think the term “mental illness” still carries a stigma, according to the American Psychological Association. “I think the stigma around mental health needs to change because people are afraid to talk about it, especially men,” Wilson said. “…What if we had measurable and accessible resources and tools so suicide doesn’t have to be the end result?” Wilson says the Outlet Project will host other Healing Out Loud events in the near future. To stay up to date, visit the organization’s website at theoutletproject.org. OCTOBER 2026

News Roundup LGBTQ+ protections removed

Photo by Jenni Girtman/AP Content Services for AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

AIDS Walk raises $1.5M Over $1.5 million was raised during the 35th annual AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival and 5k Run on Sept. 26, surpassing the $1 million goal. The Sept. 26 event attracted over 3,000 attendees who walked and ran to support Atlanta-based HIV/AIDS service organizations. Highlights of the event include performances by headliner Kelly Rowland and contemporary R&B artist Algebra Blessett. The money raised will be donated to AID Atlanta, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, A Vision for Hope, Aniz, Inc., Bridge of Light, Center for Black Women’s Wellness, Georgia Equality, Lost-n-Found Youth, Positive Impact Health Centers, Rustin Institute, Status: Home, and Trans Women of Color Healing Project. – Georgia Voice

The Trump administration on Sept. 28 formally removed federal regulations that explicitly protected LGBTQ+ students from sex discrimination, closing the books on a Biden-era rule that had already been struck down in court. “This has weakened protections for all students, especially trans students, women and girls, and those who experience sexual harassment or sexual assault,” said Cathy Renna, communications director at the National LGBTQ Task Force. – The Advocate

LGBTQ+ rights warning U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said there is a “comprehensive onslaught” against LGBTQ+ rights around the world. “We know that progress for human rights has never been linear … but today’s backlash is deep and it is coordinated and the persecution of LGBTIQ+ people around the world is escalating at an alarming rate,” he said during a U.N. LGBTI Core Group event at the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 21. The Core Group is a group of U.N. member states that have pledged to support LGBTQ and intersex rights. – Washington Blade

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon (Photo by Michael Key/Washington Blade)

Mandatory testosterone screenings The Pentagon announced that new clinical guidance will be released establishing mandatory testosterone deficiency screening for active-duty and reserve cisgender male service members ages 30 and older, advancing a policy that expands hormone-related care for cisgender troops. The announcement comes amid a wave of anti-transgender policies from both the Department of Defense and the Trump administration, which continue to prohibit trans men from receiving the same treatment. – Washington Blade

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The High at 100

Museum to celebrate centennial with new galleries, acquisitions, and events By Collin Kelley The High Museum of Art will celebrate its 100th anniversary this fall with new collection galleries, more than 200 acquisitions, public art activations and community events. The Atlanta museum traces its history to October 1926, when Hattie High donated her Peachtree Street residence to the city. The museum has since grown into one of the South’s major cultural institutions, with a collection of more than 20,000 works spanning centuries, continents and artistic media. The centennial celebrations will include new installations of the museum’s American and African art galleries. Rather than organizing the collections chronologically, the galleries will use thematic and material connections to bring works together across periods and disciplines. The American galleries will feature new acquisitions including a rare painting by Jacob Lawrence, a quilt by Carolyn L. Mazloomi and a work by Grandma Moses. New works in the African art galleries include paintings, textiles, prints, drawings and ceramics by artists including Ben Enwonwu, Ladi Kwali, Nike Okundaye, Bruce Onobrakpeya and Jimoh Akolo. The museum also plans to add more than 200 works across photography, contemporary design and contemporary art. Among the exhibitions planned for the centennial year are “Martin Puryear: Nexus,” a survey of the acclaimed American sculptor’s work, and “I SPY! Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders.” The High will also partner with organizations and companies including MARTA, the Atlanta Beltline, Atlanta Hawks, Havertys, UPS and Delta Air Lines on public art installations and other activations. As part of its arts education efforts, the museum will provide free admission for Atlanta Public Schools K-12 field trips throughout the 2026-27 school year. The High said it hosts about 4,000 APS students annually. Under Director Rand Suffolk, visitors of color have grown from 15% of attendance to 55%, bringing the museum’s audiences into closer alignment with Atlanta’s demographics, while younger audiences have become a defining part of the institution’s community. The High also has expanded exhibitions featuring women artists, artists of color, and LGBTQ+ artists. “Over the past decade, we have made significant strides toward becoming a

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Photos courtesy High Museum of Art

profoundly different magnet in Atlanta and to being the art museum that our city deserves,” Suffolk said. “We are poised to enter our next 100 years as a dynamic, intentional and essential contributor to the cultural fabric of our city — an organization, in fact, dedicated to connecting and strengthening our community.” The High established the David C. Driskell Prize in 2005 to recognize contributions to African American art and art history. The 2026 recipient is Cheryl Finley, a scholar at Spelman College. Previous recipients include artists Amy Sherald, Rashid Johnson and Mark Bradford, as well as curator Naomi Beckwith. The centennial will also include a commemorative book featuring 100 largescale reproductions from the museum’s

collection and a visual timeline of its history. A new visual identity will be unveiled for the museum is planned for this fall. The Centennial Community Block Party is scheduled for Oct. 18 and will include gallery tours, activities, and a public talk about the museum’s century in Atlanta. Centennial programming is also planned for monthly free admission days on the second Sunday and third Wednesday of each month. Julia Forbes, the High’s Associate Director of Institutional Research, said that while the museum is celebrating its 100th birthday, there is also an eye on the future – especially growing its audience and cementing its place as an “essential” Atlanta institution. “More people need to feel there is value in being part of the museum,” Forbes said.

“ Every day we do one more thing to help people understand that there is a place for them and they can find themselves and see themselves in the High.” “Over my 22 years with the High, I’ve talked to a lot of visitors to find out what they value, what they find impactful, what motivated them to visit,” she said. “And more and more, it’s about something personal. They want to have an experience that makes you feel something, and art is great for making you feel something: a sad moment, a happy one, a contemplative moment. Visitors want to feel awe or have a ‘wow and wonder’ moment, and we can provide that.” More information about centennial events and exhibitions is available at high.org/100. THEGAVOICE.COM

A look at the High Museum’s new LGBTQ+ acquisitions By Katie Burkholder In 2025, the High Museum of Art announced the new LGBTQIA+ Photography Centennial Acquisition Initiative. Led by Assistant Curator of Photography Maria L. Kelly, the initiative responded to the underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ artists in the museum’s photography collection. Through the initiative, the High has acquired work from five photographers, including the newly added Jess T. Dugan. In an interview with Georgia Voice, Kelly took a closer look at some of the 19 acquired pieces to showcase the diversity and quality of queer photography now owned by the Atlanta-based museum. Jess T. Dugan Two photos – “Oskar and Zach (embrace)” and “Self-portrait with mom (embrace)” – by Jess T. Dugan are the newest additions to the High Museum’s LGBTQ+ photography acquisitions. Dugan is a photographer, writer, and multi-disciplinary artist who is known for their portraits taken in outdoor lighting or glowing, intimate indoor spaces. The two works, part of the five Dugan photos the museum acquired, are both subtitled “embrace,” highlighting the intimacy and care evident in their work. “I like both of these [photographs] together because you can see in the title[s], ‘embrace,’” Kelly said. “This idea of touch and support and care that’s coming through in these photographs is really moving.” Peter Hujar The photograph “Larry Rée Backstage (III)”, depicting one of the founders of the all-male drag ballet troupe Trockadero Gloxinia Ballet Company, is one of five pieces by photographer Peter Hujar acquired by the High. Hujar is best known for his portraits capturing the queer community in ‘70s and ‘80s New York. “You can see he has the powder in his hand to keep applying it, and he has those gorgeous rhinestones, and he looks totally ethereal,” Kelly said of the piece. “He almost already looks like he’s on stage; with the light, the way [Hujar] framed him, he looks like he’s already ready to go. He’s already in full ownership of himself.” Naima Green Green, a New York-based up-andcoming photographer, centers pleasure in tender photographs capturing her queer community of color. “Untitled (Riis),” shot at the iconically queer Jason Riis Park in New York City, is one of five of Green’s works acquired by the High. “There was this whole sort of bustling scene and people were making this fort out of these flowing scarves,” Kelly said. “It’s the epitome of this safe, queer haven that’s really beautiful and cheerful.”

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Martine Gutierrez The High Museum acquired “Aphrodite,” part of Martine Gutierrez’ “ANTI-ICON: APOKALYPSIS” series inspired by women in history and mythology. Inspired by Sandra Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus,” the photograph casts Gutierrez in Aphrodite’s origin story. “I think it’s really interesting because Martine, even if she doesn’t really forefront this in her work, is a trans woman, [and her work asks], ‘What does it mean to then be presenting yourself as the epitome of womanly beauty and desire?’” Kelly said. “It’s just got so many dimensions to it, but it’s also a lovely image in general.” “Aphrodite” is one of two photos by Gutierrez acquired by the High.

“Self-portrait with mom (embrace)” by Jess T. Dugan

“Oskar and Zach (embrace)” by Jess T. Dugan

“Larry Rée Backstage (III)” by Peter Hujar

“Untitled (Riis)” by Naima Green

Catherine Opie Opie is best known for her ‘90s portraits of queer people sitting in front of richly colored, Renaissance-esque backgrounds. The series of four selfportraits – “Self-portrait/Cutting contact sheet” – was originally published in 1993, but Opie revisited the photographs in 2004 and republished them as a series. “She’s facing away in front of this tapestry that feels very Renaissance and lush,” Kelly said. “But then carved into her back are two stick figures of women holding hands. There’s a house on a hill, there’s the sun coming out behind the clouds, and it’s just viscerally giving you this sense of longing that she had for a family of her own and a safe space of her own.” “Self-portrait” is one of two pieces by Opie acquired by the High. ringl + pit While not purchased with funds from the LGBTQIA+ Photography Centennial Acquisition Initiative, this portrait was gifted in support of the initiative by Adair White and Dr. Joe B. Massey. Grete Stern and Ellen Auerbach made up the Germany-based photography duo ringl + pit. The professional partnership was short-lived, as the queer Jewish women had to flee Nazi Germany only three years into their partnership. The gifted piece is a rare cropped version of “Ellen and Walter Auerbach,” a portrait of one of the artists and her husband. “[In the original], you get the sense of the two and where they are,” Kelly said of the piece. “In the cropped version, it really reduces completely just to forms: you see the stripes, you see the dots, his hand on his head. It all of a sudden breaks down to its base visual forms and feels like everything’s moving around a little bit in a dreamlike fashion around him.”

“Aphrodite” by Martine Gutierrez

“Self-portrait/Contact cutting sheet” by Catherine Opie

“Cropped Portrait of Ellen and Walter Auerbach” by ringl + pit

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High Centennial Events Calendar High Recipe Revival Oct. 7, 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. The Recipe Collection was a cookbook published by The Member’s Guild of the High in 1981. At this event, the classic cookbook recipes will be reimagined by Atlanta’s top chefs, including Craig Richards, Steven Satterfield, Jiyeon Lee, and J. Trent Harris. There will be tastings and public conversation, and each attendee will receive a reprinted copy of the cookbook High 100th Celebration at UPS Second Sunday Oct. 11, noon to 5 p.m. Guests will enjoy centennial-themed activities and tours throughout the High’s monthly free admission day, presented in collaboration with UPS. The Braves High100 hat, developed in collaboration with the Atlanta Braves, will debut at the event and be available for purchase. Centennial Block Party Oct. 18, noon to 5 p.m.

Additional events will include: • Centennial Conversations: Two Atlanta Museums at 100: Oct. 8, at the Atlanta History Center, presented in collaboration with the High. • Teen Highlight: Centennial Halloween: Oct. 23 • 100 Years of High Museum History Walking Tour: Oct. 29 • “A Haunting at 100” Halloween party: Oct. 30 • Art & Myth: Nov. 13 • High Spirits: Celebrating a Century cocktail class: Nov. 14 • Centennial Holiday Market: Nov. 20-21 • Art & Gingerbread: Dec. 11 For more information on Centennial events, and to purchase tickets, visit high.org/100.

The High takes the party to the streets, closing a section of Peachtree Street to throw a 100th birthday party, including free activities for the whole family. There will be live music, DJs, artmaking, food vendors, and more. The event will also feature a ticketed public conversation focused on the museum’s history, “100 Years of Art for ATL,” at 2 p.m. “High History with Havertys” Access for All Day Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission day including themed tours of the High’s J. J. Haverty collection, sponsored by Havertys.

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Photos courtesy High Museum of Art

OCTOBER 2026

Actress Toni Bryce reﬂects on career and post-strike lull By Sammie Purcell In 2022, actress Toni Bryce hit a milestone in her career. After appearing on the television series “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” a friend on Facebook told her that she thought she might be the first Black openly trans person to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Bryce was shocked, so she did a little research to try and confirm. Trans actors had appeared in Marvel properties before, such as Zach Barack in 2019’s “SpiderMan: Far From Home” and Aneesh Sheth in the television series “Jessica Jones.” “She-Hulk” also features the work of Patti Harrison, and earlier this year, Maikol Roque appeared in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” But – as far as Bryce could tell – she was the first out Black woman of trans experience to have a speaking role in one of the world’s most popular franchises. “For many years, I was scared to claim it, because what if I’m wrong?” Bryce said. “I did so much research. I did not want to be loud on the creek and wrong!” “She-Hulk” happened at a fruitful time in Bryce’s career. She’s probably best known for her role as Nineveh on the Starz drama “P-Valley.” She has also appeared on the drama series “The Chi,” and appears in

the film “Takeover,” which was filmed in 2022 but hit theaters in May of this year. But lately – specifically, since the 2023 actors and writers strikes – Bryce feels like her opportunities have run a bit dry. Bryce grew up in East St. Louis, IL, and her love for theater started in high school. After graduating from college, she moved to Orlando for a year before heading to Atlanta in 2016. Once here, she hit the ground running. She did background for almost three years before auditioning, for the first time, for “P-Valley.” Looking at Bryce’s social media presence and her activism, she is more than proud of who she is. But when she first moved to Atlanta, she said she struggled with whether or not to say that she was trans when she was auditioning. When she didn’t say that she was trans, she said it felt like the responses came more often. “I live at multiple intersections that say you’re not supposed to be successful in this industry. I’m plus size, I’m Black, I’m a woman, and I’m trans,” she said. “All of those intersections tell me that I’m not supposed to be one, in this industry, and two, successful in any capacity or any level in this industry. So, I felt like I had to stop saying that [I was trans] in order for them

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Toni Bryce on the set of “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.” (Provided)

to actually see me and give me a chance.” Bryce was able to eventually find her people in the LGBTQ+ film community here in Atlanta, and eventually, opportunities started coming in. Bryce got the role of Nineveh in “P-Valley,” and her star continued to rise from there. In addition to the brief appearance on “She-Hulk,” she started doing reviews for episodes of “The Chi,” a drama series created by Lena Waithe about life in the South Side of Chicago. Eventually, Bryce and the other host, Monroe Alise, became characters on the show. Season three of “P-Valley” filmed in 2024 and is expected to come out later this year. Bryce has also been part of the reality series “Chasing: Atlanta,” which follows a group of artists and creatives following their dreams in the city. But since the strikes, her acting opportunities have almost slowed to a halt. Film production in Georgia – and also broadly across the United States – has slowed since the strikes, with studios greenlighting fewer projects and productions choosing to shoot in places where labor and production costs are cheaper. “Before the strike, I was getting auditions. Before the strike, I was getting bookings,” Bryce said. “Now, post-strike, I can’t even tell you the last time I had an audition.” In part, Bryce attributes her lack of work to a lack of imagination. While there

is a storied history of cis actors playing trans characters, the opposite does not often occur – a trend which Bryce finds limiting. “What this industry does, specifically to trans people, is, ‘Oh, the role has to be trans-specific or trans-centered for us to hire you,’” she said. “Meanwhile, I can be a teacher. I can be the corner store clerk, the judge, a police officer. I can be and thrive in all these other spaces and roles, but they won’t give us the opportunity to do that – unless you are a name that’s already in the industry.” To help make ends meet, Bryce has been working for the medical clinic AvitaCare Atlanta for a little over a year. “Some days I even question, am I still an actor?” she said. “I don’t feel like one anymore.” That mindset has led Bryce to feel disengaged from the industry as a whole. She recently gave up a part in a local play because her mindset was so poor she didn’t feel like she could give the character all it deserved. She has to actively remind herself not to fall into that pattern of thinking. “In order for me not to be depressed and sad and upset, I can’t engage. I have to disengage and almost to a degree disassociate with my acting career,” Bryce said. “But then I’m also reminded in this day and age, when so many people are monetizing their brand and their images because of the things that they’ve done, I’m like – well, hold on, honey. Don’t give up. Have a little fight in you!” THEGAVOICE.COM

Chaka Khan Hacienda goes on hiatus after nine years By Katie Burkholder After nine years of daytime parties beloved by Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community, Chaka Khan Hacienda is coming to an end. After the upcoming event on Sept. 27, Chaka Khan Hacienda will be put on pause, founder Ree de la Vega wrote on Instagram Sept. 10. “I’m incredibly proud of what Chaka has become and how much it’s grown. But bigger isn’t always better,” de la Vega said. “As the party got bigger, it also got more expensive, more complicated, and, honestly, more impersonal. I miss when Chaka felt like we were all actually in the same party together.” Chaka Khan Hacienda started as a free weekly day party at the now-closed restaurant 8Arm. After the restaurant’s closure, the party moved to Pullman Yards in Kirkwood and now resides at Underground Atlanta. As Chaka has grown in popularity, costs have risen. In 2025, de la Vega said that a Chaka party cost upwards of $19,000, and what was once a free weekly party became a ticketed monthly event. In her Instagram announcement, de la Vega said that the future of Chaka Khan Hacienda is unclear.

Chaka Khan Hacienda (Photo by Chika Jones)

“I don’t know exactly how or when or where Chaka comes back or, to be honest, if it does [come back], but I really want to thank everyone who’s ever come out over the years and rolled with us through all the

changes, as well as everyone who’s helped put on the event.” De la Vega is currently the owner of Pisces, a popular music-driven nightclub on Edgewood Avenue.

Updates about tickets to the Sept. 27 Chaka Khan Hacienda event can be found on Instagram @chakakhanhacienda. capture and preserve those voices.”

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Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project returns after hiatus, hires new positions By Katie Burkholder The Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project, an initiative to gather, preserve, and share stories of LGBTQ+ lives in the South, will be returning after a hiatus. The multimedia project, founded by designer and creative director Sam Landis and journalist Rachel Garbus Benitez, used photography, oral history, archival materials, and the Out Down South podcast. The first season of the Out Down South podcast featured local LGBTQ+ leaders and changemakers Monica Helms, Sam Park, Mary Anne Adams, Joshua Lesser, Kim Jackson, and Grant Henry. The Project also includes in-person and online exhibitions honoring LGBTQ+ people who have changed Atlanta’s queer landscape. In a post to Instagram, Garbus Benitez and Landis announced the Project would return after receiving grant funding. The Project hasn’t been active since the end of 2024. “There is joy in this work, but we also feel the pain our community is experiencing, especially here in the South,” Garbus Benitez and Landis wrote on Instagram. “From restricting trans youth

from accessing critical healthcare to calls to roll back same-sex marriage, there are some who believe they can bully the LGBTQ+ community into hiding. Let ‘em try. As the folks we celebrate in our project can tell you–these bullies didn’t pull it off last time, and they’re not going to this time. Queer history was made here in the South, queer people are thriving here in the South, and queer Southerners are here to stay.” A new season of the podcast is currently being produced, and the Project team is working on a traveling version of the exhibit. To support this new work, the team will be expanding. The Project is currently accepting applications for a podcast producer and showrunner to lead the creative and production direction of Out Down South and a research fellow to research and develop content for the Project. Applications for these positions must be submitted by Sept. 18. Later this fall, the application will open for the 2027 Spring Intern, who will support the research and podcasting team. Applications, which open on Nov. 1 and close on Dec. 1, can be found at atlantalgbtqhistoryproject.org.

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The Atlanta LGBTQ+ History Project was founded by Sam Landis (left) and Rachel Garbus Benitez. (Provided)

New OUT Local nightlife app debuts By Katie Burkholder In time for Pride, Atlanta will be getting a new app dedicated to LGBTQ+ nightlife. OUT Local is the one-stop shop for all things LGBTQ+ in Atlanta. After doing marketing for the Pride Run ATL in June, founder Austin Randall knew he wanted to shift his work to focus more on the LGBTQ+ community. Since then, he has been developing the app and is ready to introduce it to the public in October. “I love nightlife, I love drag, I love performances,” Randall told Georgia Voice. “I was trying to find a way to condense everything down, because right now, if the group chat wants to go out tonight, we have to look at Instagram, Eventbrite, Google, websites. This condenses everything into one app.” The app will have pages for LGBTQ+ venues and performers throughout the city, designed to coalesce all the varying information – like a drag queen’s various virtual payment methods or a bar’s weekly events – in one location. Performers and venue owners can claim and verify their pages for free. Drag queen Tugboat and LGBTQ+ nightclub Lore have already joined the ranks as founding members of the app. OUT Local will also serve as a guide for discovering new LGBTQ+ events like drag shows, brunches, bingo, dance parties, queer markets, and more. Currently, Randall is doing all the research into events, venues, and performers and uploading it into the OUT Local database himself, but he said

he hopes to build out a back end where performers can customize their own profiles and upload their own events in the future. OUT Local officially launches on Oct. 1, just before Atlanta Pride on Oct. 10-11. Ahead of the launch, Atlantans can claim their venue or performer page, submit an event, and follow along on Instagram (@ outlocal.app) to stay up-to-date. More information can be found at outlocal.app.

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Stars to celebrate ‘Rocky Horror’ legacy at ASO on Oct. 18 By Katie Burkholder In the wake of Tim Curry’s death, stars of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will honor the cult film’s 50-year impact with an event at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra on Oct. 18. Audiences will enjoy a screening of “Rocky Horror” with a live shadow cast performance as well as a costume contest and a Q&A with stars Barry Bostwick, who played Brad Majors, and Nell Campbell, who played Columbia. “Please think of questions that you’ve never heard answered before that you’ve always wanted to know the answer to,” Campbell told Georgia Voice. “Like, did I sleep with Meatloaf? Was Barry a crashing bore like Brad in the movie? We’ll answer honestly.” What started as a 1973 stage musical in London with an audience of 64 quickly became a beloved sensation. Soon after the 1975 film release, “Rocky Horror” found success as a midnight movie with audiences developing their own participatory traditions. The film is known for its shadow casts, where actors lip-sync and perform along with the movie. Every ticket purchased for the ASO event includes one bag of “Rocky Horror” props for audience participation. For

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safety reasons, outside props will not be permitted. “If you’ve never seen the film before, you cannot miss it,” Campbell said. “If you have seen the film before without a shadow cast, you cannot miss it. And if you’ve seen it before with a shadow cast, you can’t miss having us there to make it even more fantastically fantastic.” For more than five decades, “Rocky Horror” has been particularly beloved among the LGBTQ+ community for its campy and tongue-in-cheek queer representation. For many, performing in or attending a “Rocky Horror” shadow cast is an entrance into drag and gender nonconformity. While the film’s queer themes are overt, both Campbell and Bostwick said they never could have predicted the longstanding impact it would have. “It feels like our life has meant something, honestly. Actors do things and they’re just forgotten, or they’re just pure entertainment,” Bostwick said. “The impact of the themes, the impact of the characters… The community has grown from an originally very queer community into a world of people being different than what perhaps they thought they were.” The movie stars Tim Curry as Dr.

Frank-N-Furter in his film debut. Curry died on Aug. 25 at the age of 80 of heart disease. “He was a dream to work with,” Campbell said. “He was a lot of fun; he was intelligent and witty and completely not a diva. He was quite, I suppose, shy, reserved – certainly a lot more reserved than Frank-N-Furter.” “I know that he wanted to hide behind these characters and create,” Bostwick said. “He just wanted to disappear, which I

think he was able to do, but I don’t think any of my memories of Tim will ever disappear.” Tickets for “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Spooktacular Tour” at ASO begin at $71.10. VIP tickets are available and include a meet-and-greet with Bostwick and Campbell, photo and autograph opportunities, a special seating section, and an exclusive “Rocky Horror” VIP laminate. Tickets can be purchased at aso.org.

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Queer Latinx dance party La Choloteca marks decade milestone By Katie Burkholder Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, an annual celebration of the history and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people. For La Choloteca, Atlanta’s queer Latinx dance party, this month also represents its 10th anniversary. La Choloteca was born out of the desire from advocacy organizer and co-founder Josephine Figueroa – aka DJ La Superiorrr – to marry the worlds of queer nightlife and sexual education. “Music encourages us to move our bodies in a very primal way, and sometimes that’s sensual and sometimes that’s sexual, but at no point is that shameful,” she said. “I think we have been taught, especially through Catholicism and conservative ideologies, that these things are bad. I wanted to shift the culture of nightlife because I saw it as this important, beautiful thing.” At every La Choloteca dance party, community organizers provide educational resources and free HIV testing to decrease the stigma around and increase accessibility to sexual health and wellness. Figueroa, who is Peruvian, grew up without any Latinx peers and felt confused and ashamed of her identity. That is, until she traveled to Peru at 15

and felt a kind of belonging she had never before experienced. This sense of belonging is what she hopes to foster at La Choloteca parties. Figueroa is one of three resident La Choloteca DJs, along with DJ Brian Rojas and Brook Sprickman, aka DJ Nena Linda. All music at La Choloteca parties is by Latinx artists spanning genre, and the parties themselves are expressions of the community-oriented culture Figueroa says is characteristic of the Latinx community. “We’re social beings,” she said. “We want to bring everyone in, we want to feed you, we want to dance with you, we want to laugh.” An anniversary party is currently in the works and can be expected later this year. Figueroa also produced a short documentary film with director Aubri Escalera that premiered at Out on Film in September. “Eight Heels and a Hard Truth” follows Mexican-born trans woman Jenny Sin Censura who survived silence, violence, and erasure in the Deep South’s world of bail bonds before reclaiming her voice and joining other Atlanta leaders. More information and updates on La Choloteca can be found at lacholoteca.com and on Instagram @lacholoteca.

DINING Copenhagen cafe culture coming to Midtown at Danish cafe and bakery

A rendering of the interior of The Danish Cafe. (Courtesy Freddy Adkins)

By Katie Burkholder When Freddy Adkins and Mikkel Jensen got married in 2024, they merged cultures: Adkins is an American from the South, and Jensen moved to Atlanta from Denmark to be with him. As the couple established their new life together in Midtown, they quickly realized they couldn’t find the dishes and baked goods they loved eating at cafes in Copenhagen. Adkins and Jensen want to change that, and plan to open The Danish Bakery & Smørrebrød Café in Midtown, styling it after Copenhagen’s bakery-cafe culture. “In Copenhagen, where [Mikkel] came from, in a one-mile radius there’s 10 to 12 very successful bakery-cafes, because it’s just the culture,” Adkins told Georgia Voice. “That was what we wanted to bring to Atlanta, that [Copenhagen] cafe culture.” While they submitted a letter of intent on a Juniper Street space for The Danish, the lease ended up going to another business. Adkins said he and Jensen are now actively searching for another Midtown space to open their bakery-cafe. What to expect

Photo courtesy La Choloteca

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Like the couple’s relationship, The Danish will marry Copenhagen and Southern cultures, bringing together the authenticity of Danish cuisine and the warm familiarity of Southern hospitality. People can start their morning with coffee and baked goods like spandaur and kanelsnegl (think American danish

and cinnamon roll, respectively). At lunch, Adkins and Jensen will serve a variety of smørrebrøds, open-faced sandwiches piled high with toppings like salmon, roast beef, or potatoes. Everything will be made with high-quality ingredients, Adkins said, including butter imported from Denmark. Adkins stressed that The Danish will also offer a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, something inspired by Denmark’s ethos of inclusion. “Denmark was the first country in the world to legally recognize same-sex partnerships in 1989,” said Adkins. “That’s baked into how Danish public rooms work [in Denmark]: you are welcome, you do not have to explain yourself, and you can stay. Midtown deserves a room that runs on the same rule.” For Adkins and Jensen, The Danish will serve as a gathering place in Midtown, where people can “slow down, have some coffee, and meet some friends.” As they continue the search for a new space for The Danish, Adkins and Jensen are working to secure an equity partner to finish up the final funding on the business. Their hope is to have The Danish open in Midtown early next year. “[Atlanta] is such a foodie city, I think it’s going to really be a big hit,” Adkins said. Follow The Danish at thedanishatl. com to keep updated on the new cafe space. THEGAVOICE.COM

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Courtyard Decatur Downtown/Emory 130 Clairemont Ave Decatur, GA 30030

Powerlifting Meet November 21, 2026 9 am DNA Strength Gym

3039 Amwiler Rd, Suite 112 Doraville, GA 30360 https://IATBP.org

iatbp.official

Photos by Ames Studios

Matt Wochele

Answers for puzzles on page 40

CBI, BCBB company@preferredbrokers.com 404-863-2200

PreferredBrokers.com

44 | OCTOBER 2026

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