Most read stories of the week

5.) Charis to Gov. Deal: We will not comply with new immigration law

Lesbian-owned Charis Books & More is the first Atlanta business to sign on as a Buy Spot and Sanctuary Zone  to protest Gov. Nathan Deal’s recent signing of the controversial immigration bill HB 87.

“We are agreeing to be noncompliant,” programming director Elizabeth Anderson told CBS Atlanta on May 16. Deal signed the bill into law on Friday, May 13.

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4.) More LGBT businesses, organizations sign on to be ‘safe zones’ to protest Georgia immigration law

Radial Cafe in Atlanta

Radial Cafe, owned by gay businessman Frank Bragg, and the annual alternative queer arts fest Mondo Homo have signed on to be Buy Spots and provide Sanctuary Zones to protest Gov. Nathan Deal’s signing of the state’s controversial immigration bill.

Lesbian-owned Charis Books & More was the first business to sign on in early May. Deal signed HB 87 into law on May 13.

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3.) Atlanta police arrest 50 male prostitutes in ‘Operation Summer Heat’

Atlanta Police Chief George Turner

An undercover six-day vice and narcotics operation in Midtown Atlanta that ended Sunday night resulted in the arrests of 50 male and 11 female prostitutes, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

Most of the arrests occurred in the Peachtree/Cypress Street and Ponce de Leon corridors, areas known for prostitution.

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2.) Atlanta HRC Dinner tells ‘Our Stories’ to inspire fight for LGBT rights

Actress Mo'Nique was awarded the 'Ally for Equality' honor at the 2011 Atlanta Human Rights Campaign Gala Dinner

“Our Stories,” the theme for this year’s Atlanta Human Rights Campaign Gala Dinner, proved fitting May 14 as hundreds packed the ballroom at the Marriott Marquis for the annual black-tie fundraiser for the nation’s largest LGBT advocacy group.

From national award winners to local honorees and HRC members, personal stories wove a compelling narrative of the power of coming out and the need for full equality for LGBT Americans.

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1.) Rugby star and gay icon Ben Cohen selects Atlanta as home for his StandUp Foundation

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Atlanta will be the home for Ben Cohen’s StandUp Foundation as well as his StandUp brand, it was announced today.

Cohen, the hunky — and straight — rugby star (now retired) from England, has been in Atlanta this week as part of his “Acceptance Tour 2011” to bring awareness about bullying against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people and to find ways to stop it.

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