LGBT Atlanta Best Bets for Nov. 18 – 24

Friday, November 18 – 20

The LGBT Institute is pleased to host its first symposium, presented by Delta Air Lines. The symposium will focus on LGBT civil and human rights scholarship with an emphasis on intersectional research. It will also be a time for networking among academics and advocates, helping enhance coordination and communication to maximize impact. Symposium presentations will focus on one of the Institute’s three main areas: (1) Education & Employment, (2) Criminal Justice & Safety, or (3) Public Health & Wellness. Georgia State Student Center, 55 Gilmer St SE, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, www.facebook.com/events/1384151918265864

Friday, November 18

The LGBT Institute presents its Diversity in Business Forum to kick off its symposium weekend. The forum will explore how businesses in the South are navigating the terrain of inclusion in a time of increasing social change and acceptance of LGBT people. For more detailed information or to have your business sponsor the forum, visit: www.lgbtinstitute.org/forum, 1 – 4 p.m., National Center for Civil and Human Rights, 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd, Atlanta, Georgia 30313, www.facebook.com/events/1606265586344579

Dance your way into the season at “Swing Into the Holidays” at Hudson Grille Midtown. Atlanta Freedom Bands’ MetroGnomes host their second annual Fall swing dance, with all proceeds going to Pride School Atlanta, 7 p.m., $20, www.facebook.com/events/208849446203203

Let’s boogie again, ladies, and sweat to the songs that we all love. Women’s Outdoor Network will be playing old favorites and some new ones at their Disco Dance tonight. This is open to all women and no admission fee is required. 7 – 10 p.m., Heretic, www.hereticatlanta.com

Murmur presents the release party of WUSSY Mag’s first-ever print issue. The theme of this zine is “Bodies” and features work by Shannon Palumbo, Blane Bussey, MonteQarlo, Pierre Solomon, and other queer visual artists and writers from Atlanta and the greater Southeast. In conjunction with the release party, Atlanta-born photographer Andrew Lyman presents his expansive documentation of queer intimacy, vulnerability, beauty, and futurity in his new show, “Southern Comfort.” Andrew’s photographs follow his experience with queer youth as he watches his friends and loved ones grow and flourish in the spaces they navigate, command, and occupy together. 7 – 10 p.m., Murmur, 100 Broad St, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.facebook.com/events/1006976989413164/

“Spill: Scenes of Black Feminist Fugitivity” is a poetic libation and a meditation in honor of Black women seeking freedom. In the book, self-described queer black troublemaker and black feminist love evangelist Alexis Pauline Gumbs presents a commanding collection of scenes depicting fugitive black women and girls seeking freedom from gendered violence and racism. Gumbs is a poet, independent scholar and activist as well as the co-editor of “Revolutionary Mothering: Love on the Front Lines” and the founder and director of Eternal Summer of the Black Feminist Mind, an educational program based in Durham, North Carolina. She will be reading from the book from 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books, www.charisbooks.com

Harold Leaver returns in Horizon Theatre’s annual “The Santaland Diaries,” tonight at 8 p.m. running through December 31, www.horizontheatre.com

Saturday, November 19

Tonight is a benefit to help make the short film “Transit,” about homeless LGBT youth. The event is hosted by Dominique Danielle and Biotch Puddin’ and will also feature performances by Empress Konomi, Montre, Aspen, Kris O, Faith the Poet, Alissa Brooks and Audiwolfe. Tickets are $10 online at www.tranitshortfilmcom or $15 at the door. The red carpet event including art, music, comedy and drag begins at 4:30 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m., with five percent of the proceeds going to Lost-n-Found Youth, Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com

Sunday, November 20

The PFLAG support group for parents and families of LGBT children meets today from 2:30 – 4 p.m. at the Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta, 1730 Northeast Expressway NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30329

Monday, November 21

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. Whether silently or aloud, please come ready to consider your own gender in a transient world. This is a project of the Feminist Outlawz and is co-sponsored by Charis Circle’s Strong Families, Whole Children, 7 – 8:30 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

Bravo’s Andy Cohen is in town at the MJCCA Atlanta Book Festival for a conversation with “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Phaedra Parks about his new book “Superficial,” $28 for members/$33 for non-members/$75 for VIP, 7:30 p.m., MJCCA-Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338, www.atlantajcc.org/interior-pages/arts-and-culture-book-festival-2016

Tuesday, November 22

J’s Lounge is the home for Rainbow Tuesdays, with Dymond Onasis and Nicole Paige Brooks leading the fun and DJ Destin providing house music, 1995 Windy Hill Road #1, Smyrna, GA 30080

Wednesday, November 23

Every Wednesday come out for karaoke at My Sister’s Room, with no cover and all sorts of drink specials. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m., www.mysistersroom.com

Enjoy free pool and rotating DJs at Bulldogs, 893 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309

Thursday, November 24

The Pretty Girl Hideout Thursdays is tonight, hosted by Mook Dahost, Soul Bar at Pal’s Lounge, 254 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.traxxgirls.com

UPCOMING

Sunday, November 27

The first LGBTQ Rainbow Rocks Holiday event will held at the Georgia Aquarium, featuring an evening of fun-filled, family-friendly activities including the Aquarium’s special presentation of AT&T Dolphin Celebration! 4 – 9 p.m., www.facebook.com/events/1611299329174330/

Tuesday, November 29

Judy Collins sings “Send in the Clowns” and more at City Winery Atlanta tonight, 8 p.m., www.citywinery.com/atlanta/

Friday, December 2 – Saturday, December 3

For more than two decades of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus’ (AGMC) 36-year history, the annual concert at The Cathedral has become a cherished way to kick off the holiday season in style and regularly has been named a weekend “Best Bet” by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. This year’s concert, “Comfort and Joy,” will be held Friday, 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3 at both 2 and 8 p.m. Its musical trip through the holidays will include a first act comprised of new works and arrangements of old favorites written specifically for gay men’s choruses, including the AGMC. The Cathedral of St. Philip in Buckhead, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.voicesofnote.org/events/comfort-joy/