Friday, Aug. 17
JustUsATL, a group for LGBTQQA youth, hosts the Rainbow Jam, a fundraiser emceed by aRoara Thunder with live performances, raffles and more. 7 – 11 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, http://on.fb.me/Rqlhi3, www.justusatl.org
The Third Friday Film Series presents “For Colored Girls.” $1-$10 sliding scale donations. Doors at 7 p.m., movie at 7:30 p.m. at First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta, 470 Candler Park Dr., NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, http://on.fb.me/Il753W
Writer/director/producer/activist/comic Del Shores, known best for “Sordid Lives,” performs his new standup show “Naked. Sordid. Reality.” Two shows, 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. at Onstage Atlanta, 2597 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033, http://delshores.tix.com
Gay playwright Johnny Drago is one of four authors who’ll share true tales and artifacts from their pasts at “True Story.” 8 p.m. at Kavarna, 707 East Lake Drive, Decatur, GA 30030, http://on.fb.me/N8TajT
Manhunt presents “Dirty,” an underwear party at Heretic with free entry if you show your m.manhunt.net profile on your phone. DJ Lydia Prim spins and pants come off at midnight. 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com
Mary’s annual Madonnarama returns with videos, remixes, mash-ups and live performances from the vault of DJ Diablo Rojo. 10 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com, http://on.fb.me/HTQVSN
Saturday, Aug. 18
Voted the 2012 GA Voice “Best New Restaurant,” the Fifth Ivory hosts a five-course brunch to benefit Lost-n-Found Youth. 12:15 to 2 p.m. at the Fifth Ivory, 794 Juniper Street, Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/N8rzgR
DJ Manny Lehman brings house down with a special performance by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Phoenix. 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30306, www.jungleclubatlanta.com
The Atlanta Rollergirls play two roller derby bouts starting at 5 p.m. at Yaarab Shrine Center, 400 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantarollergirls.com
SAGE Atlanta, a service organization committed to LGBT elders, hosts a lesbians age 50 and up potluck and social. Bring a dish to share and a beverage for yourself. Doors at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. at the Philip Rush Center, 1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.sageatl.org
Gay singer/songwriter JL Rodriguez hosts a showcase of talent singing songs from his personal collection to raise funds for recording fees and music production costs. 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show at the Mint Moose, 248 Josephine St., Atlanta, GA 30307, http://on.fb.me/Ntnt8d
“The Armorette Follies!” benefits GLAAD 8 – 10 p.m., then country dancing ‘til midnight, then a dance set by DJ Mike Pope ‘til 3 a.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com
J.O.E. Entertainment presents “It’s That Time of the Month,” a night of women’s comedy to celebrate the things all ladies have in common. 8:30 – 10 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, http://on.fb.me/RLx1NI
Saturday, Aug. 18 – Sunday, Aug. 19
Don’t call gay singer/songwriter Jay Brannen a “gay singer/songwriter,” just join the model-hot pop singer for his “Rob Me Blind” record release celebration. 7:30 p.m. both nights at Eddie’s Attic, 515-B N. McDonough Road, Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com
The Piedmont Park Summer Art & Crafts Festival, a part of the gay-owned and operated Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces series of festivals, offers local arts and crafts from up to 200 artists. Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in Piedmont Park, 11071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.piedmontparkartsfestival.com
Sunday, Aug. 19
Cuervo Margarita and beer fest fundraiser? Yes, please. A $10 suggested donation at the door benefits GLADD and gets you three drink tickets and beats by DJ Travis. 3 – 6 p.m. at Zocalo, 187 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, http://on.fb.me/PRJIVp
East Atlanta’s newest gay-friendly restaurant/bar Asylum brings Kitty LeClaw out of the cathouse for a “Meow Mix 2.0” show. T-Dance at 5 p.m., show at 9 p.m. at Asylum, 543 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, GA 303116, www.asylumatl.com
She Speaks, Inc. presents “The Brown Sugar Vibe: Spoken Word & Live Music at its Best” with Lakara Foster hosting and DJ E spinning. 7 p.m. at Kat’s Cafe, 970 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, http://on.fb.me/NwJIpS
Monday, Aug. 20
“T&F Transitionz: a Project of the Feminist Outlawz” is an open forum to discuss gender and facilitating dialogue and activism. 7 – 9:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Oscar’s Atlanta celebrates the anniversary of its facelift with a 2nd Year Anniversary Party hosted by Ruby Redd featuring food, drinks, DJ Darlene and shooter boys. 8 p.m. at Oscar’s, 1510 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.oscarsatlanta.com
Tuesday, Aug. 21
The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a prix fixe Business Builder Luncheon. $20, cash only, RSVP to louis.a.gary@ampf.com. 11:55 a.m. at Hudson Grille, Brookhaven Station, 4046 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30319, www.atlantagaychamber.org
Tuesday, Aug 21 – Wednesday, Aug. 22
Meak Productions, in partnership with the Tenth Amendment Media Group, presents the second annual History of Black Gay Atlanta press conference at Black Gay Pride. The two-night event showcases many of Black Gay Pride’s organizers and promoters with business networking to follow. Tuesday: 7 p.m. at the Melia Hotel Atlanta, 590 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, http://on.fb.me/MQzSo0 Wednesday: 7 p.m. at MetroPlex Atlanta, 1959 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30315, http://on.fb.me/NZoT5F
Wednesday, Aug. 22
The Atlanta Dream takes on the Chicago Sky. 7 p.m. at Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, www.wnba.com/dream/
Charis Books and More, Lost-n-Found Youth and JustUsATL host a discussion about the state of resources and options for Atlanta’s LGBTQ youth. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Thursday, Aug. 23
The Atlanta Executive Network, billed as Atlanta’s longest running LGBT networking group, hosts a 20th anniversary party and awards celebration. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Kai Lin Art Gallery, 3096 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.aen.org
Thursday, Aug. 23- Sunday, Aug. 26
Self-proclaimed “non-corporate, no-bullshit music festival” Nophest 2012 takes over stages all over East Atlanta for tons of independent local music, including Amber Taylor and the Sexual Side Effects. Full schedule and locations at www.nophest.com
Friday, Aug. 24
Join AID Atlanta’s Gay Outreach for a coffee talk. 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Starbucks, 2571 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/Nsm7Iq, for more info: steven.igarashi@aidatlanta.org
SKIN: Be Free to Love is the Atlanta stop of the “global movement encouraging unity, acceptance and transformation” that also includes bringing greater awareness to bullying, inequality and discrimination. DJ Scorpio spins. Proceeds benefit the Atlanta Mission. 7 – 10 p.m. at Opera, 1150 Crescent Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.chriscolemanenterprises.com, www.theskinfoundation.org
Real Bois Talk, a discussion group for butch-identified women of color, hosts a screening of “The Aggressives,” a documentary on the “secret club culture of New York lesbians living as aggressives.” 7 – 9:15 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.thehealthinitive.org
Enjoy an evening of queer fiction with Eric Sasson, author of “Margins of Tolerance,” the 2011 Tartt First Fiction Award runner-up about characters as they “navigate their way through a minefield of challenges both internal and external.” 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
It’s the last foam party of the year at Club Rush/Rush Lounge, and this one promises to be even bigger and better than the last. 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. at Club Rush, 2715 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30305, http://on.fb.me/RF77cZ
Saturday, Aug. 25
The 2012 Pride Ride takes riders on the Arabia Mountain Trail for 10 or 20 miles and raises funds for the annual festival. Assembly at 7:30 a.m., ride begins at 8:30 a.m. at Stonecrest Mall near the Food Court. www.atlantapride.org/events/pride-ride
Join an expected 5,000 of your closest LGBT friends for Rainbow Days at Six Flags. Admission is discounted and includes an evening buffet and performances by Tiffany and Cazwell. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Health Initiative, MEGA Family and Pets Are Loving Support. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. at Six Flags, 275 Riverside Parkway SE, Austell, GA 30168, www.rainbowdaysatsixflags.com
The Atlanta Bucks gay rugby hosts a “Rugby 101” clinic, offering the basics of their rough and rumble sport. Drinks afterwards, but the location will be announced at the clinic. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Coan Middle School, 1550 Hosea Williams Dr., Atlanta, GA 30317, www.facebook.com/atlantabucks
Help one of the country’s oldest feminist bookstores with a Cash Mob. It’s like a flash mob but with cash, and instead of an unsuspecting crowd, it’s a local business who needs your support. 12 – 3 p.m. at Charis Books and More, 1189 Euclid Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, http://on.fb.me/PPopiR, www.charisbooks.com
Burkhart’s favorite Savannah Leigh is heading to the Miss Continental drag pageant in Chicago, but she needs your help to reach the top. Join her and an all-start cast for an early show to benefit her journey. 6 – 10 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.burkarts.com, http://on.fb.me/ODHgPC
The Atlanta Dream takes on the Minnesota Lynx at a For the Kid in All of Us night. Purchase tickets at the special link (listed here) and 33 percent goes to For the Kid, which hosts the annual Toy Party and Backpack in the Park. 7 p.m. at Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303, http://on.fb.me/R6143F
Ladies: Have you had the chance to see “Pariah” yet? It’s a wonderfully told coming out story about a young lesbian struggling with a mother adamantly against her sexuality. Now’s your time to catch it on a big screen with Atlanta’s Every Womyn. Donations at the door go to Lift Up Atlanta. 7 – 10 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, http://on.fb.me/NMxR93
Local boy DJ Sean Mac leads the Bear Invasion with headliner DJ Bryan Reyes delivering a set for the bears and their boys. 8 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com, http://on.fb.me/Qjawy8
Each month, ladies who love ladies gather for FLIRT, a women’s event with DJ Ree De La Vega, cheap cocktails and “flirtinis.” 9 p.m. at Slice Westside (WestSide Pie), 1133 Huff Road, Atlanta, GA 30318, http://on.fb.me/NslGhq
After a long day of coaster rides at Rainbow Days at Six Flags, head over to GA Voice’s 2012 “Best Place to Meet Women” for the official women’s after party. 10 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com
Jungle brings the boys together after Rainbow Days at Six Flags where DJ Phil Dabeatz makes his Atlanta debut with Debby Holiday live in concert. Reduced admission with wristband from Rainbow Days. 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleatlanta.com
Monday, Aug. 27
Writing With Intent is open to writers of fiction and creative non-fiction; group offers motivational exercises, constructive criticism and more to keep you on track. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com
Jeffrey Fashion Cares is an annual big-ticket fashion fundraiser to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Atlanta AIDS Fund. Expect a pre-show cocktail reception, live auction and fashion show at the main event, then a “Fashion Fair” after party with DJ Vicki Powell, live performance by Tom Hill & The Midnight Suns, carnival games and petting zoo. Fashion Cares: 7 p.m. at the American Cancer Society, 250 Williams St., Atlanta, GA 30313. After party: 9 p.m. at Opera, 1150 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.jeffreyfashioncares.com
Tuesday, Aug. 28
Lesbian social networking group Fourth Tuesday hosts the dinner on the day of its namesake every month. This month, it’s Agave. 6 – 10 p.m. at Agave, 242 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, www.thehealthinitiative.org, http://bit.ly/N4t58F
Wednesday, Aug. 29
Asylum hosts its first “Freakshow,” a drag and costume party that promises to free attendees from the “same old drag shows you see everyday.” DJ Cody Nation spins. 10 p.m. at Asylum, 543 Flat Shoals Ave., Atlanta, GA 303116, http://on.fb.me/N8NCpC, www.asylumatl.com
Wednesday, Aug. 29 – Monday, Sept. 3
Thousands of African-American LGBTs make the annual pilgrimage to Atlanta for Black Gay Pride. While In the Life Atlanta is the official planning body, offering everything from pool parties to literary cafes and workshops, tons of local promoters are offering an unbelievable array of events for all. Start your planning at www.inthelifeatl.org
Thursday, Aug. 30
The Atlanta Dream takes on the Washington Mystics for a special LGBT Pride Night. Proceeds help support Georgia Equality and Atlanta Pride. 7 p.m. at Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303. Buy tickets at this link for Georgia Equality: http://bit.ly/PjlTTX; buy tickets here for Atlanta Pride, http://bit.ly/RHLJUz
GA Voice teams up with Traxx Atlanta and Traxx Girls for “Welcome to Atlanta 2012” a Pureheat Labor Day Weekend Black Gay Pride event. Complimentary cocktails and $5 entry from 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. at XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaprideweekend.com
Thursday, Aug. 30 – Monday, Sept. 3
OK, gay nerd herd, it’s time to join your people. DRAGON*CON takes flight over Labor Day weekend. Saturday’s costume parade is not-to-be-missed and might even offer up a few scantily clad fan girls and boys for your LGBT pleasure. More info on all the events at www.dragoncon.org