LGBT Atlanta Best Bets for Nov. 13 – 26

Friday, November 13

The Third Annual National Trans Health Symposium continues today from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. with a full day of events at the Loudermilk Conference Center, www.someonecaresatl.org

Blake’s hosts DJ Bill Berdeaux and the Deadly Vixens drag show, 11 p.m., www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Saturday, November 14–Sunday, November 15

If you need some post-Halloween gore in your life, check out the Buried Alive Film Festival, featuring a slate of independent horror films, Synchronicity Theatre, www.buriedalivefilmfest.com

Saturday, November 14

Come out tonight as “Manly Men” compete to crown P.A.L.S. Manly Miss America. This is not your typical drag show—contestants raise money for P.A.L.S. (Pets Are Loving Support) by putting on wigs and makeup. 6 p.m., Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com

Steve Yockey’s new play, “The Thrush & the Woodpecker,” a suspense thriller offering mystery, power and theatricality, directed by Melissa Foulger, runs in rotating repertory with Yockey’s play, “Blackberry Winter,” through November 22. 8 p.m. tonight, www.actors-express.com

The Levi-Leather Edition of Manshaft is tonight at 9 p.m. with DJ Neon and DJ Diablo Rojo taking over at 11 p.m., Heretic Atlanta, www.hereticatlanta.com

Bear Night at the Atlanta Eagle promises plenty of cubs and otters and other wildlife, 10 p.m.–3 a.m., www.atlantaeagle.com

Oscar Velasquez spins at Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com

Sunday, November 15

The PFLAG Atlanta support group meets today from 2:30–4 p.m. at the Spiritual Living Center, 1730 Northeast Expressway NE Atlanta, GA 30329

Monday, November 16

Trans and Friends is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender, and aspiring allies. Charis provides a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources and activism around social issues. This is a project of the Feminist Outlawz and is co-sponsored by Charis Circle’s Strong Families, Whole Children. Donations are accepted. 7–8:30 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

Brush up on your Cher and Katy Perry as Kyle Kirkland hosts Blue Monday Karaoke, 10:30 p.m., Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

Tuesday, November 17

Under the artistic direction of Travis Wall, and co-created with Nick Lazzarini, Teddy Forance and Kyle Robinson, “Shaping Sound” is an electrifying mash-up of dance styles and musical genres brought fully to life on stage by a dynamic company of contemporary dancers seen on the likes of “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing With the Stars.” Audiences of all ages will experience the exhilarating collaboration of these visual musicians whose explosive choreography, dynamic rhythm, speed and physical strength give shape and form to sound. 7:30 p.m., Fox Theatre, www.foxtheatre.org

Wednesday, November 18

DJ Stan Jackson hosts Warp Zone Wednesdays at the Heretic, 7 p.m., www.hereticatlanta.com

Thursday, November 19

SAGE Atlanta hosts its weekly social hour and potluck, 10 a.m., Phillip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.com

Expand your professional circle at MAAP’s (Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals) monthly networking at TEN Atlanta, 6 p.m., tenatlanta.com

Enjoy Country Night at Woofs tonight, 7 p.m., www.woofsatlanta.com

The Alliance Theatre opens “A Christmas Carol,” running through December 27, with a 7:30 p.m. performance tonight, www.alliancetheatre.com

Charis and Cliterati pair up to present an inviting and fierce open no-mic & reading series on the third Thursday of every month. November’s featured performer is groundbreaking artist and activist Tim’m West. Tim’m will share works from his brand new record, “ICONography,” as well as his new book of poems, pre|dispositions: affirmations on loving. 7:30–9 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

Friday, November 20

Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara and Sarah Paulson star in the acclaimed lesbian drama, “Carol,” directed by out director Todd Haynes, TBD theaters.

The Transgender National Day of Remembrance “We Will Not Be Denied” 2015 Vigil is today, sponsored by Lambda Legal, Human Rights Campaign, EM Design Group, Transgender Housing Atlanta Program, Peach State Conference, Extreme Entertainment Catering, Alternative Perspectives Radio and Juxtaposed Center for Transformation, 7 p.m., Saint Mark United Methodist Church, www.stmarkumc.org

Join Charis in welcoming a rising voice in contemporary literary fiction: Dasha Kelly, author of “Almost Crimson.” In the book, CeCe has taken care of herself for as long as she can remember. With her father gone and her mother broken by chronic depression, CeCe struggles to find fulfillment in the sacrifice required to keep their lives together. As her mother’s condition worsens, CeCe is forced to stay close to home and stifle her dreams. 7:30–9 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

It’s a holiday tradition: David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries,” the autobiographical tale of a gay man working as a department store elf opens at Horizon Theatre starring Harold Leaver, with an 8 p.m. performance tonight, through December 31, www.horizontheatre.com

Adult film director and DJ Chi Chi LaRue presents Mo Circus of the Stars, with Brent Star, Angelica D-Page, Wild Cherry Sucret, adult star Boomer Banks and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, benefiting prostate and testicular cancer, 10 p.m.–3 a.m., Heretic Atlanta, www.hereticatlanta.com

The Pilgrims and Turkeys event at the Atlanta Eagle will be a fundraiser for Leather Heart Foundation, 10 p.m., www.atlantaeagle.com

Saturday and Sunday, November 21 – 22

The LGBT Institute hosts the two-day Teach for America Deep South LGBTQ Education Summit, featuring LGBTQ-inclusive professional development, community engagement, social networking, and brave testimonies. 9 a.m. each day, www.lgbtinstitute.org

Saturday, November 21

Jungle Atlanta hosts the Fantasy Girls event, with Destiny Brooks, Dynasty St James and many more, 9 p.m., www.jungleatl.com

Celeste Holmes hosts the festive Boys of BJ’s event, 9 p.m., BJ Roosters, 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324

Enjoy Taboo at Lips Atlanta with the immortal Charlie Brown at a midnight show, www.lipsatl.com

Sunday, November 22

Dee Martello, aka Twisted Dee, spins at Xion Atlanta, 3 a.m., www.facebook.com/Xion-162659260451683

Eat and drink (heavily) at Sunday Funday Brunch, with $3 mimosas and $5 Bloody Marys, noon to 4 p.m., My Sister’s Room, www.mysistersroom.com

Monday, November 23

Join KJ RoseMarie for Karaoke Monday, 7–11 p.m., Faces Lounge, 138 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30060

Monday night is the Pride kickball after party event at Blake’s at 7:30 p.m. followed by trivia at 10 p.m. with weekly guest hosts, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Come watch Monday night football at Bulldogs, 893 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA, 30308

Tuesday, November 24

Tuesdays are Latin Industry Nights as well as Papi’s Tuesdays with $2 tacos and $3 tequila shots at Las Margaritas, lasmargaritasmidtown.com

Phoenix hosts Jungle’s Got Talent on Tuesdays with a wide array of talent, 10 p.m., www.jungleatl.com

Wednesday, November 25

It’s Piano Night as well as Happy Hour evening from 4–9 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, www.mixxatlanta.com

Thursday, November 26

Not bloating on turkey and stuffing today? Come jam with the Dance Floor Divas at Burkhart’s, beginning at 11:30 p.m., www.burkharts.com

UPCOMING

Friday, November 26 and Saturday, November 27

In anticipation of December’s worldwide release of “Star Wars—Episode VII: The Force Awakens,” the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Delta POPS! series presents three performances of “Star Wars & More: The Music of John Williams,” including scores for “Superman,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Jurassic Park,” “Saving Private Ryan” and other favorites with Principal Pops conductor Michael Krajewski. The Saturday matinee performance is a 75-minute family-friendly event for all ages. Both evenings at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. Saturday performance, www.atlantasymphony.com

Sunday, November 29

The queer-inclusive Atlanta Bar Church meets tonight for Bar Church, Word and Sacrament, Smith’s Olde Bar, 7 p.m., www.atlantabeerandhymns.com

Tuesday, December 1

Enjoy trivia and games with Jason Walker every Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. at The Hideaway, www.atlantahideaway.com

Join Georgia Equality in commemorating World AIDS Day in 2015 with a policy-focused luncheon at the Center for Civil & Human Rights. This year’s theme is “Getting to Zero: Zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.” At this luncheon, the Youth HIV Policy Advisors, who are youth living with HIV in the Metro Atlanta area, will present their 2016 Youth HIV Prevention & Care policy agenda to elected officials, community leaders and the media. 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., www.civilandhumanrights.org

Wednesday, December 2

The 2015 Dave Koz and Friends Christmas tour will feature Dave along with three special guests: Jonathan Butler, who has earned accolades in the R&B, contemporary jazz and gospel fields, Dutch saxophone star Candy Dulfer, who was introduced with the smash pop single, “Lily Was Here,” and the legendary Bill Medley, co-founder of The Righteous Brothers, who will be touring with Koz for the first time. 8 p.m., Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, www.cobbenergycentre.com

The fourth annual Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC) Out in the Kitchen event is tonight, featuring bites and tasting from some of Atlanta’s best chefs, including Shean Suter from Trace and Patric Bell-Good, as well as a live DJ, 6 – 8 p.m., Atlanta W Midtown, www.atlantagaychamber.org

Thursday, December 3

Passion for Paws and Two Tailz Rescue present their “Jingle Tailz Holiday Celebration & Fundraiser” tonight. The evening will be full of fun and FUNdraising and will include live music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, silent and live auctions, and a wine pull, all benefitting Two Tailz Rescue, which rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes abandoned, neglected and homeless dogs in Georgia.  6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at W Atlanta – Midtown, www.twotailzrescue.org/event/jingletailz

Saturday, December 5

Tony Award-winning musician/performer Levi Kreis returns to Atlanta for his festive Home for the Holidays concert, 7 p.m., Spiritual Living Center, 1730 Northeast Express NE, Atlanta, GA 30329