LGBT Atlanta Best Bets for Dec. 16 – 22

Friday, December 16

Topher Payne’s “Let Nothing You Dismay” returns to Stage Door Players, tonight at 8 p.m. and running through December 18, 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338, www.stagedoorplayers.net

Nobody does picture books for adults quite like The Punany Poets. The lyrical lesbians of the world-renowned troupe have bound their passions in a new edition of “Punany: The Hip Hop Psalms – Secret of the Pearl!,” the fourth edition of their coffee table-styled poetry and picture book that put Punany on the tongues across the world when they first appeared on HBO’s “Real Sex.” Get a little taste of their provocative prose at this intimate read and release party in Atlanta. Dedicated to women who love women, readers will enjoy this special lesbian and female-focused anthology of erotic tales and slippery streams of consciousness written by Jessica Holter and guest poets, models and photographers. Come celebrate and take the autographed book home. Suggested donation is $15 which will go to support the work of the artists and the space of Charis Books, 7:30 – 9 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

Enjoy Disco Dance Party with DJ Moose tonight from 10 p.m. – 3 a.m., Atlanta Eagle, www.atlantaeagle.com

Saturday, December 17

Atlanta Freedom Band’s 2016 holiday concert celebrates the sense of happiness, joy, and wonder surrounding the season. “Jubilance! Songs of Joy and Celebration!” features some favorite seasonal tunes, some toe-tapping holiday hits, and a few other musical surprises, including a piece for the bassoon trio and concert band. A festive reception follows the concert. Tickets for this musical celebration of the holidays are $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors, and $5 for students. Free parking is available at the church (front and back) and the next door library and bank branch parking lots. 8 – 9:30 p.m., Druid Hills Presbyterian Church. 1026 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30306

Rough Language presents Game of Thrones, with music by Mia Laquan, Eva Kennedy, Chavis Flagg and DJ Knodat as well as a poetry slam and live body painting, 9:15 p.m. at Apache Café, www.apachecafe.info/

The Heretic has been serving this Atlanta community for 25 years now and still going strong! Come join DJ Mike Pope and DJ Tony Moran and the rest of the Heretic staff to mark this landmark night, 10 – 3 p.m., www.hereticatlanta.com

Sunday, December 18

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

Monday, December 19

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, 7 – 8:30 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

Tuesday, December 20

Grab a meal at the lesbian-owned Twisted Soul, which has just reopened in West Midtown, 1133 Huff Road, Atlanta. GA 30318, www.deborahvantrece.com

Wednesday, December 21

The Dragettes put on a Holiday Spectacular drag show every Wednesday at Lips Atlanta, 3011 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.lipsatl.com

Thursday, December 22

With 1,098 wins and eight national championships, Tennessee Lady Volunteers coach Pat Summitt left a remarkable legacy of perseverance, leadership and passion for the game – but her victories on the court aren’t the only legacy she left in her wake. In “The Final Season: The Perseverance of Pat Summitt,” Maria M. Cornelius tells the story of the head coach’s last season through the eyes of those who knew her best, from players to support staff to Summitt’s closest friends and advisors. Cornelius will be reading from and signing the book, 5 – 7 p.m., Charis Books, www.charisbooksandmore.com

UPCOMING

Monday, December 26

Get ready for a special holiday tradition – the fifth Annual Beards, Bears, and Otters on Ice. All are welcome. Come skate or just hang out to celebrate the season with a fantastic group for a great cause. Entry fee is an unwrapped LEGO set between $15 and $20 to help out the “Little Bricks of Hope” program. When purchasing tickets, enter “BBO” in the promo code field for $5 off the regular ticket price. To purchase visit www.xorbia.com/e/therink/20161226/xt/?referral=xt-buy-tix, Park Tavern Ice Skating Rink, 500 10th St, Atlanta, Georgia 30309