As a semi-retired member of the drag troupe the Armorettes, Tony Kearney doesn’t don his heels and wigs as frequently as he used to. However, there’s a magic to the Starlight Cabaret that closes Atlanta Pride that makes him rush to his closet to unleash his drag alter ego, Wild Cherry Sucret.
“It’s just, when you look out and there’s a sea of people, and they’re every race, and color, and age,” Kearney said of the Starlight Cabaret, which takes place at 7:05 p.m. on the Coca-Cola stage Oct. 9. “There’s a lot of different kids that come to it who never get to see Atlanta’s drag shows.
“Atlanta used to be like the hub of drag in the country, and it’s kind of different now without the big bars and the big stages,” Kearney added. “It’s an opportunity for a lot of people to shine, and a lot of people come out who normally wouldn’t see them perform.”
It's time to start dusting off your gay apparel (and shoes) with more than a dozen events and parties planned for "Stride Into Pride" during the weeks and days leading up to Atlanta Pride set for Oct. 8-9.
From parties at Jungle and the W Midtown to a legal forum and an AIDS vigil, Atlanta Pride is offering numerous options for people to become involved before the weekend fest at Piedmont Park.
Included as part of "Stride Into Pride" is a public invitation to Yom Kippur services with Congregation Bet Haverim. Atlanta Pride this year is held during Yom Kippur, which led to talks between the Pride committee and members of the gay-founded Reconstructionist synagogue to find a way to honor the Jewish holy day during Pride.
"Stride Into Pride" steps up with numerous events before Atlanta Pride
Just as Atlanta Pride’s Stonewall Week is set to begin this weekend, the Pride Committee announces that the official kick off party for Atlanta Pride in October will once again be held at the Georgia Aquarium.
The party is set for Friday, Oct. 7, and includes entertainment from renowned DJ Corey Craig and Jujubee, who came to fame as the quirky and fierce finalist of Season 2 of Rupaul’s Drag Race as well as a professor on Rupaul’s Drag U. Also spinning at the party will be local favorite DJay McCracken.
The party kicks off the largest Pride fest in the Southeast held Oct. 8-9 in Piedmont Park to coincide with National Coming Out Day.
“Georgia Aquarium is thrilled to host the annual Official Kickoff Party for Atlanta Pride again in 2011,” said Will Ramsey, vice president of Group Sales, in a statement.