Kristin Beck, a transgender former Navy SEAL, visits Atlanta Aug. 3-4 for two events sponsored by First Metropolitan Community Church. Beck drew national headlines in June when she came out as transgender with the publication of her memoir, “Warrior Princess.”
“It’s an amazing story of loving yourself as God loves you,” says Rev. Dr. Paul Graetz, senior pastor of First MCC. “Our true spiritual journey can only begin when we discover self-acceptance. God loves us just as we are and we are called to discover that kind of love for ourselves.”
Beck served in the Navy for 20 years as Chris Beck, including serving in combat and earning the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Beck decided to transition to living fulltime as female after retiring in 2011.
First MCC will host a wine and cheese welcome reception for Beck on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. at the church. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
Beck will also speak at the church’s 11 a.m. service on Sunday, Aug. 4. Everyone is welcome to attend, according to Graetz.
Atlanta Pride offers special VIP package
The Atlanta Pride Committee recently announced a VIP program for this year’s festival, which is set for Oct. 12-13 in Piedmont Park. Tickets start at $175 when purchased in advance but jump to $200 if purchased the weekend of the festival.
Atlanta Pride remains a free festival, but the VIP tickets will provide buyers with a private seating area for the main stage in Piedmont Park’s meadow, private restroom facilities and other goodies. Passes purchased in advance also include entry into the VIP/Sponsor Party at the popular Atlanta Pride Kickoff Party at the Georgia Aquarium, which takes place Oct. 11.
“APC is excited to offer a new way for community members to experience our festival,” Executive Director Buck Cooke said in a press release. “As our festival has grown and expanded, we want to offer a more robust VIP experience for our supporters.”
VIP passes are available online at www.atlantapride.org.
JustUs ATL hosts Rainbow Jam to support youth-led group
JustUs ATL, an organization for LGBTQQA young people, hosts its second annual Rainbow Jam on Friday, Aug. 9. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event runs until 9 p.m. at the Arts Exchange.
Entertainment provided by the youth includes dance, comedy, music, poetry, acting, visual arts and more. Suggested donations for admission are $18 for adults, $6 for youth and $3 for children. Contributions go to JustUS ATL’s goal of opening a youth community center.
JustUs currently offers weekly discussion groups at Positive Impact’s MISTER Center and group and individual counseling on the second, fourth and fifth Thursdays of the month at the Phillip Rush Center.
Details of the group’s services and the Rainbow Jam can be found at www.justusatl.org.