Atlanta, one of the Southeast’s most vibrant and historically significant cities, is known for its dynamic mix of cultures and rich civil rights history. During the 1980s, this city was home to RuPaul, the iconic drag queen who honed his performance skills on public access TV, in bands, at bars, and in the 1987 cult film, “Starrbooty.” Today, Atlanta serves as a popular vacation and permanent residence destination for the LGBTQ community and hosts the world’s largest annual gay Black Pride celebration, drawing over 100,000 attendees.
In recent years, Atlanta has emerged as a significant hub for film and TV production in North America, with Marvel Studios as a major contributor. In the summer of 2021, filming for “Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever” began, while DC Comics worked on the “Shazam” sequel, adding to the city’s appeal for fans hoping to spot celebrities.
The Atlanta tourism office now affectionately refers to the city as “Yaas-lanta” on its LGBTQ web page. Visitors can explore historical LGBTQ landmarks through the Gay ATL Flashback website, which highlights key sites, including restaurants and bars that played roles in pivotal civil rights cases. For current and upcoming LGBTQ events and news, resources like Georgia Voice, Project Q Atlanta, and Q Atlus offer extensive coverage.
The Old Fourth Ward, known as O4W, has become Atlanta’s trendiest “gayborhood,” hosting events like the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival, which draws a large LGBTQ crowd. Midtown remains the city’s original gay destination, thriving with nightlife. RuPaul’s influence endures, with several Atlanta queens competing on “Drag Race” and “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula,” including “Drag Race” Season 7 winner Violet Chachki.
In 2021, the Atlanta Black Pride Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary with a week of concerts, parties, and other cultural events. Atlanta Pride, marking its 50th edition, takes advantage of the cooler October weather and sidesteps the national June Pride calendar, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees. The event counted Stacey Abrams as a Grand Marshal in 2019.
The Out On Film festival, dedicated to the LGBTQ community, also takes place in the fall, offering 11 days of films and discussions. As a city steeped in civil rights history, Atlanta features prominently on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. Highlights include the electric car tour by ATL-Cruzers, covering landmarks and sites like the rainbow-painted street crossings commemorating the Pulse Nightclub anniversary.
The Atlanta BeltLine, a transformative 22-mile loop of trails and green spaces, offers a taste of urban renewal, connecting 45 neighborhoods with parks, eateries, and art installations. Nearby attractions include the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which showcases exhibits on civil rights, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s private collection.
For fashion and art enthusiasts, the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film showcases rotating exhibitions and items like those from Ruth E. Carter and Albert Watson in 2021. On the retail front, Boy Next Door offers a curated selection of men’s fashion, while Charis Books & More stands as the South’s oldest feminist bookstore.
Atlanta’s LGBTQ nightlife is diverse, offering everything from vibrant clubs to cozy bars. Well-loved spots include Blake’s On the Park, My Sister’s Room (a rare remaining lesbian bar in the U.S.), Bulldogs with its dynamic crowd and music, and unique venues like Sister Louisa’s Church’s “Sunday Services.”
For classic Southern cuisine with a twist, visit LGBTQ-owned spots like Gocha’s Breakfast Bar and Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar. Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market provide a variety of dining and shopping experiences alongside local delight hot spots like Lips and BeetleCat.
When it comes to accommodations, Atlanta offers excellent boutique options rich in history. The Wylie Hotel and the Poncey-Highland Hotel Clermont provide a mix of old charm and modern comfort, each with its unique LGBTQ history. The downtown W Atlanta offers luxury and proximity to the city’s biggest attractions with stunning skyline views.
With its diverse culture, historical importance, and active LGBTQ community, Atlanta remains a welcoming, thriving destination for all.
