Friday, May 13
Join “Flora” artists Anne Elser, Drew Watts, Lucha Rodriguez and the staff of Kai Lin Art for wine and a discussion of the artwork in the exhibit, which runs through May 27. 5-7 p.m. at Kai Lin Art, 800 Peachtree St., Suite D, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.kailinart.com.
The 5th annual American Foundation For Suicide Prevention benefit includes Bucky Motter among the performers. 8:30 p.m. at Eddie’s Attic, 515 N McDonough St., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddiesattic.com.
Play softball with the Decatur Women’s Sports Leagues. Games on Friday evenings through May 20 at Kelly C. Cofer Park, 4259 N. Park Drive, Tucker, Georgia 30084, www.decaturwomenssportsleague.info.
The second season of Dragnigue ends tonight with a showdown among finalists Jaye Lish, Jaky Alba and Rapture Divine Cox. Special guests include Season 1 winner Janelle Brooks and runner-up Gunza Blazin. 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com.
Pop Night features recording artist Carly Krantz and “Shejay” Liz Owen. 10 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316,
www.mysistersroom.com.
DJ Steve James spins at Amsterdam Atlanta, 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.amsterdamatlanta.com.
“Nikky Finney & Pearl Cleage: Conversations on Art and Activism” features readings and discussions with both writers. Hosted by Charis Books, Charis Circle, ZAMI NOBLA, and the Auburn Avenue Research Library. 7 p.m. at the Auburn Avenue Research Library in the First Floor Reading Room. 101 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.chariscircle.org.
Friday, May 13 – Sunday, May 15
Gaylaxicon, the annual international LGBT science fiction, fantasy and horror convention, is hosted by Atlanta this year. The many guests include lesbian DJ Melissa Carter and Amber Benson from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” All weekend at the Holiday Inn Select- Perimeter, 4386 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30341, www.outlantacon.org.
The Cockpit, the new Atlanta gay bar, hosts a grand opening celebration with nightly giveaways all weekend. Includes DJ Diablo Rojo of the Manshaft spinning at 10 p.m. on Friday and a beer bust and free cookout with the Atlanta Bucks rugby club on Sunday. The Cockpit, 465 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, www.thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com.
This weekend is Bear Mayhem at the gay Rivers Edge Campground in Dewy Rose, GA. www.camptheriversedge.com.
The Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence — the community-building drag nuns who have become a staple at LGBT events — celebrate their Exequatur, or elevation, with a full schedule of events this weekend. Friday: Meet & Greet from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Oscar’s Atlanta, Dragnigue from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at Jungle, then the Heretic. Saturday: Picnic in Piedmont Park from noon – 3 p.m., dinner from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Einstein’s, followed by leather fashion show at the Atlanta Eagle. Sunday: Exequator Ceremony from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jungle, brunch at Las Margaritas at 2:15 p.m. http://atlsisters.org.
Saturday, May 14
ArtWalkFest Spring 2011 hosts 40 artists in multiple disciplines displayed in 40 open lofts, promising beautiful art, music and delicious food. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Studioplex Lofts, 659 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, GA 30312, www.artwalkfest.com.
DJ/Producer Wayne G, whose production work includes remixes of Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, Christina Aguliera, Celine Dion, Deborah Cox, Whitney Houston, Darren Hayes, Erasure and more spins at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com.
Help the Pink Cadets raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a leading breast cancer organization, with “Bats N Rouge 2,” featuring Atlanta’s drag queens and kings hitting the softball field. $20 donation for players; $5 for audience. Noon – 5 p.m. at Piedmont Park. Search “bats n rouge 2” on Facebook.
The gay National Flag Football League of Atlanta winds down its season with games at Candler Park, 1561 McClendon Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.nffla.com.
The Atlanta HRC Dinner features Oscar-winning actress Mo’Nique, director Lee Daniels and local award winners Paul Plate and Jeff Cleghorn. 5 p.m. at Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.atlantahrcdinner.org.
Out in the Garden is a fundraiser celebrating 25 years of PFLAG Atlanta with appetizers, drinks, music and raffle. 7-10 p.m. at a private Grant Park residence. www.pflagatl.org.
Southern Bears, dubbed “the friendliest bear organization in the South,” holds a monthly meeting from 7:05-8:05 p.m. at Amsterdam, , 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, followed by Southern Bears Bar Night at the Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.sourthernbears.org.
Go purple and “stop H8” with Purple Party Marietta, a benefit for the North Georgia Rainbow Coalition. 8 p.m. at the New LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30067, www.gopurplestoph8.org.
D’Wess Productions presents the Mr. and Miss Wessland Newcomer 2011 & Mr. Gay Wessland US of A 2011 6 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Rd., Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com.
The Saturday night Hot Mess party presents Dirtbag, a night of dirty disco, funk and rock with DJ Beardawg. 9 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com.
DJ Mike Pope spins at Mixx Atlanta, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309-3389, www.mixxatlanta.com.
DJ Lydia Prim spins at Bellissima, 560 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.myspace.com/bellissima_lounge.
Saturday, May 14 – Sunday, May 15
The gay Wilderness Network of Georgia hosts its own Amazing Race; teams start in Atlanta and get clues to their next destination somewhere in north Georgia where they will perform a task to receive another clue. No bug eating or extreme sports! Teams camp overnight and the race ends somewhere in Atlanta on Sunday afternoon. www.wildnetga.org.
The AIDS Vaccine 200, a bike ride across Georgia sponsored by Action Cycling Atlanta, benefits the Emory Vaccine Center. Cheer on the riders as they depart at 7 a.m. Saturday morning from Emory University. They then pedal to Eatonton, Ga., camp at Rock Eagle, then return Sunday for the Finish Line Celebration from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Emory School of Medicine, 1648 Pierce Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, www.actioncycling.org.
Sunday, May 15
The gay Hotlanta Softball League continues its spring season every Sunday at Southside Park, 3460 Jonesboro Road SE, Atlanta, GA 30354, www.hotlantasoftball.org. After games, the Rubber Ducks host an Extra Inning with $10 bottomless beer. 4-8 p.m. at FROGS Cantina, 931 Monroe Dr., Suite A107, Atlanta, GA 30308.
PFLAG Atlanta hosts its Third Sunday meeting. 2:45 – 5 p.m. at First MCC, 1379 Tullie Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329-2308, www.pflagatl.org.
“The Judas Kiss,” about gay playwright Oscar Wilde, opens tonight and runs through June 11 at Actor’s Express, 87 W. Marietta St. Suite J-107, Atlanta, GA 30318, www.actors-express.com.
Gay Men’s Fellowship meets the third Sunday of each month from 6-8 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of St. John, 3480 Main St., College Park, GA 30337, www.stjohnscollegepark.com.
“Mayday! Mayday! Cocktails Please!” for the Atlanta Cotillion T-Dance hosted by Delta’s in-flight crew and featuring DJ Todd Skelton. 5-9 p.m. at the upper deck of Shout, 1197 Peachtree St. NE # 526, Atlanta, GA 30361, www.atlantacotillion.com/mayday.
Monday, May 16
YouthPride hosts a full weekly schedule of support groups and activities for LGBT young people. Tonight, it’s Trans & Friends from 6:30-8 p.m. at YouthPride, 1017 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.youthpride.org.
Tuesday, May 17
The Atlanta Lesbian & Gay Chamber of Commerce and Atlanta Executive Network host a Business Builder Lunch. 11:55 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Hudson Grille, Brookhaven Station, 4046 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30319, www.atlantagaychamber.org.
The International Day Against Homophobia will be observed from 6-10 p.m. at Unity Fellowship Church, 9 Gammon St. SE, Atlanta, GA 30315,
www.unityfellowshipchurchatl.org.
MEGA Family Project hosts an Adoption Support Group for LGBT prospective adoptive parents. 7-8:30 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.megafamilyproject.org.
Wednesday, May 18
“Tape,” by Stephen Belber, opens tonight at 8 p.m. and runs through June 5, and includes GA Voice columnist Topher Payne in the cast. Presented by Pinch ‘N’ Ouch Theatre at 7 Stages Theater, 1105 Euclid Ave. , Atlanta, GA 30307, www.pnotheatre.org.
This month’s Faiths & Feminisms discussion focuses on “non-believing womanism,” with Charone Pagett, founder of Queer & Atheist Atlanta, and Dr. Annalise Fonza, a former minister of the United Methodist Church. 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.chariscircle.org.
Thursday, May 19
The gay Atlanta Executive Network’s Third Thursday Networking features Christina Cash, GA Voice publisher. 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Hudson Grille Midtown, 942 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.aen.org.
MEGA Family Project’s Coming Out Support Group, a free service for adults, meets 7-8:30 p.m. at the MEGA Family Project office space at 1530 Dekalb Avenue, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30307. The same night at the same time is the group’s “Waiting for the Stork” Prospective Parent Meet Up. www.megafamilyproject.org.
Etcetera! A Celebration of Art and Music, held Thursday nights, features Knyckolas Davis and DJ Shane V. 10 p.m. at Gilbert’s, 219 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.gilbertscafe.com.
DJ Karlitos spins Latin beats for Azuca Thursdays at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com.
Thursday, May 19 – Sunday, May 22
Ben Cohen, England Rugby World Cup winner, brings his “Acceptance Tour” to the United States, making Atlanta his first stop for fundraising for LGBT charities. Cohen is the first straight professional athlete to focus his charity efforts on gay causes, according to the Atlanta Bucks, the gay Atlanta rugby club hosting Cohen’s visit. Multiple events throughout the weekend. www.atlantabucksrugby.org.
Friday, May 20
Due to Memorial Day weekend, the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce moves its popular Fourth Friday Networking to tonight, the third Friday. 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Café, 215 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30303, www.atlantagaychamber.org.
A double-header of films about late lesbian writer Audre Lorde — “Edge of Each Other’s Battles” and “Litany for Survival” — screen at the Third Friday Film Series. Suggested donation $1-$10 sliding scale. Films start at 7:30 p.m. at First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta, 470 Candler Park Dr., NE, Atlanta, GA 30307.
Glitter Biscuits perform at 8 p.m. at Bellissima, 560 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.myspace.com/bellissima_lounge.
Night on the Boulevard, a fundraiser for YouthPride’s HIV prevention programs, is for those over age 25 and features a red carpet and showing of “Sunset Boulevard” and “Mildred Pierce.” Attendees are asked to wear “their most fabulous sleepwear or loungewear.” 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Ansley Park Playhouse, 1545 Peachtree St.m Atlanta, GA 30309, www.youthpride.org.
Kitty LeClaw’s Meow Mix gets the drag fur flying on Friday nights at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com.
Saturday, May 21
Drench, the W Downtown’s weekly summer Saturday pool party, has a “soft opening” with DJ Scorpio. 1-6 p.m. at the W Atlanta Downtown, 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30313, www.chriscolemanenterprises.com.
Electro art pop trio Lovers performs at 8 p.m. at Bellissima, 560 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.myspace.com/bellissima_lounge.
Folk-rock and women’s music legend Tret Fure performs at 7:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.chariscircle.org.
Woofs, the gay sports bar, hosts the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s only gay Man of the Year candidate, Eric Eason. Raffle, drink specials and wear your favorite team jersey. 4-8 p.m. at Woofs, 2425 Piedmont Rd., Atlanta, GA, 30345, www.woofsatlanta.com.
Join Mr. Atlanta Eagle 2011 Wayne Turpin for a cookout and beer bust to raise funds before he travels to Chicago to compete in IML this year. $5 for cookout and beer. 5-7 p.m. at Atlanta Eagle, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantaeagle.com.
The Atlanta Rollergirls play two roller derby bouts, at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Yaarab Shrine Center, 400 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantarollergirls.com.
Join the camp drag Armorettes for “Miss Barfly 2011: Mythical Madness,” where up and coming entertainers bring you an exciting night inspired by gothic creatures and Greek and Roman goddesses. 7-10 p.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com.
Bedlam presents H2(h)o, a pool party celebrating the monthly theme night’s one year anniversary. 9 p.m. at the W Atlanta Downtown, 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30313. www.BedlamPresents.com.
NV, billed as Atlanta’s only all night event, presents DJs Dave & Gerardo at 10 p.m. and DJ Twisted Dee at 2:30 a.m. Party continues until 7 a.m. at 714 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.chriscolemanenterprises.com.
Sunday Service, set for 6-11 p.m., is DJ Vicki Powell’s patio debut at Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium, 466 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30312.
Monday, May 23
Life Forward: Vaccine 101 is an educational forum about HIV vaccine studies. With information from the Hope Clinic of Emory University. Free event with dinner provided. RSVP required. 6-7 p.m. at the MISTER Community Center, 139 Ralph McGill Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.positiveimpact-atl.org.
Tuesday, May 24
The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Luncheon. 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Carpe Diem, 105 Sycamore Place, Decatur, GA 30030, www.atlantagaychamber.org.
Wednesday, May 25
The Queer Literary Fiction Book Group holds its monthly meeting; this month’s book is “Affinity” by Sarah Waters. 7 p.m. at Charis, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.chariscircle.org.
Sign up to compete by 9 p.m. as Jasmine Antionette and Cartier Paris host “Atlanta’s Got Talent” at the OTP gay bar LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30067, www.thenewlebuzz.com.
Thursday, May 26
Chris Coleman’s Indulge party is Thursday night from 9 p.m. to midnight at W Hotel – Midtown, 188 14th Street, Atlanta, GA 30361, www.chriscolemanenterprises.com.
Thursday, May 26 – Sunday, May 29
Mondo Homo, four days of queer music, art, spoken word, dance, film, politics, activism and more, gets underway tonight with an art opening in Castleberry. Friday and Saturday include music and performances at My Sister’s Room, HomoCon crafts and skillshares on Saturday during the day, Gay Day Camp on Sunday during the day, and Mondo Cinema on Sunday night. For details, see story on page 13 and visit www.mondohomo.com.