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As cities around the nation celebrate LGBT Pride the last weekend in June, Atlanta’s Stonewall Month winds down with several Pride-themed events. From sports to festivals and even a “Sugarbutch” blogger, there is plenty to do before the month wraps up.
Pride festivals are traditionally held the last weekend in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots, when patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, fought back against police harassment in what is widely seen as a turning point for gay rights.
But after being celebrated the last weekend in June in Piedmont Park for most of its history, Atlanta Pride was forced to move in 2008 when a record drought booted all large festivals from the park. After an unpopular July 4 festival in 2009, Atlanta Pride organizers announced future festivals would be held in Piedmont Park to coincide with National Coming Out Day, Oct. 11.
That puts this year’s Atlanta Pride on the weekend of Oct. 13-14. Yet the city still celebrates Stonewall Month in June, and several events retain “Pride” in their names.
Another big Stonewall Month event is the second annual “Out in the Stands” night at the Atlanta Braves. The June 27 game is a Wednesday night clash against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Proceeds from special tickets will benefit the StandUp Foundation, an anti-bullying advocacy organization founded by English rugby star Ben Cohen.
Based in Atlanta, the StandUp Foundation works to raise awareness of bullying, with an emphasis on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. It is also dedicated to decreasing homophobia in sports.
Doc Chey’s restaurant chain, which has hosted “Dine with Pride” days all month to benefit the Atlanta Pride Committee, hosts its final event June 27 at the Doc Chey’s in Morningside.