LGBT Atlantans join local Occupy Wall Street movement
It all began about a month ago, some 2,000 protesters rallied in Lower Manhattan’s Zuccotti Park against corporate greed, bank bailouts and the pervasive nature in which Wall Street investors make their money. The movement, known as Occupy Wall Street, has since taken hold among activists in cities across the world, even here in Atlanta, where protesters who made an encampment at the city’s downtown Woodruff Park are entering a second week.
Around a dozen members of the Radical Faeries have joined the local movement, while many more have offered support online. Several of the Faeries have been in Woodruff Park since the local protest began.
A Roara’ Thunder, from East Atlanta, said today that Occupy Atlanta’s organizers and participating protesters have been wholly supportive of LGBT participation.
AIDS Walk Atlanta attracts thousands to raise funds for area agencies
Thousands of people flocked to Piedmont Park on a gorgeous Sunday to participate in the annual AIDS Walk Atlanta and 5K Run, raising money for area agencies that serve those with HIV and AIDS.
Early estimates show the walk and run have raised more than $722,000 so far. People can donate until Nov. 30 to AID Atlanta.
“Sometimes those of us in the field feel alone, that the world has forgotten about HIV and AIDS, and then we have the walk and 10,000 people show up and remind us that they haven’t forgotten, that Atlanta still cares,” said Tracy Elliott, executive director of AID Atlanta, the organizer of the annual event.
LGBT Atlantans organize to face challenges of aging
It’s a recent Thursday morning and five women and one man are sitting around a table at the Phillip Rush Center in Candler Park, playing a derivation of Canasta called Hand and Foot. The game is quick-paced as the players lay one card down after another.
The players are members of the newly formed Atlanta chapter of SAGE USA, Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders. SAGE Atlanta meets every Thursday starting at 10 a.m. for cards and social hour with programming beginning at 11 a.m.
Ages of those seated around the table range from 60 to 74. All are active, able to drive and live fairly comfortably. But all also seek companionship with older people who are like themselves.