Meet the Best of Atlanta 2019 Winners: Arts and Community

Here at the Georgia Voice, we love celebrating the BEST that Atlanta has to offer, especially when it comes to servicing our LGBTQ community!

The more than 70 categories highlight what makes Atlanta the top LGBTQ-friendly city in the country with food, nightlife, services, events, and pet care that cater to our community.

Long have we searched for a city where inclusion is part of everyday life, and no matter where we frequent, we’re given the same respect as our hetero counterparts!

We give a big thank you and congratulations to the winners and runners-up in this year’s awards line-up for emphasizing equality for our Atlanta LGBTQ siblings!

THEATER: OUT FRONT THEATRE COMPANY

Out Front takes the three-peat win for best theater! Established in 2016 to tell stories of the LGBTQ experience and community, Out Front gives voice to LGBTQ artists through theatre. Out Front is committed to inclusivity by implementing internal policies of color-conscious casting, including female playwrights and playwrights of color in programming, and employing minority creative teams.

Runners-up are Actor’s Express and Serenbe Playhouse

 

LGBTQ NON-PROFIT: RAINBOW HOUSE

Rainbow House works to eliminate homelessness in the LGBTQ community by providing new and innovative affordable housing for those experiencing homelessness. They believe that safe affordable housing is a right, not a privilege – and they’re dedicated to fulfilling that right by whatever means possible.

Runners-up are Sister Love and Jerusalem House 

 

HIV/AIDS NON-PROFIT: THE ARMORETTES

This legendary camp drag organization has raised over $2.2 million for those living with HIV/AIDS since its inception 40 years ago. The Armorettes have been stepping up to do what’s right since the height of the AIDS epidemic during the late ’70s and early ’80s, and will continue to do so until a cure has been found.

Runners-up are Positive Impact and Open Hand

 

LGBTQ EVENT: THE ARMORETTES EASTER DRAG RACE

There’s a new winner in town for Atlanta’s top LGBTQ event! It’s a celebration of Easter with performances from Armorettes queens, an Easter Bonnet contest, cocktails, games like Drag Race, Tops N Bottoms, Musical Chairs, Snap Your Weiner, an egg hunt, and more! Proceeds from the event benefit those living with HIV/AIDS.

 

Runners-up are Atlanta Pride and Out on Film

 

SPORTS TEAM/LEAGUE: ATLANTA BUCKS RUGBY

Atlanta’s only inclusive gay rugby team whose mission is to provide a fraternal, discrimination-free environment for gay and diverse communities through the sport of rugby. Most recently, the Bucks won the 2017 Independence Cup at the IGR NA East Championship.

Runners-up are National Flag Football League of America and Hotlanta Volleyball Association

 

HOUSE OF WORSHIP: ST. MARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

It’s the third consecutive win for this diverse congregation of believers who welcomes all, no matter who they are or where they’ve been. The church takes pride in opening their doors to all ages, races, and life situations, a dedication obviously seen in their motto: “Love, Accepting, and Serving.”

Runners-up are New Covenant Church of Atlanta and Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta 

Find this rest of this year’s winners here.