Prepare for an array of experiences to satisfy your appetite as JustUsATL hosts "Rainbow Jam" — its first major fundraiser that includes an open mic variety show and dinner from local restaurants. The Rainbow Jam Friday (tomorrow), Aug. 17.
JustUsATL, a youth-led and run LGBT organization for young people ages 13-28, formed earlier this year to provide a resource for teens and young adults seeking others to gather and share stories, support and friendship.
The Rainbow Jam is open to all people of all ages and is set for 7-11 p.m. at the Phillip Rush Center. Suggested donations are between $5 and $20 at the door.
Still thrilled about sitting on your couch and cheering for the women's Olympic basketball team playing in London either on NBC or your laptop?
You now have a chance to put your seats in a stadium see Dream star and Team USA star Angel McCoughtry in person while also supporting LGBT equality as part of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream very first LGBT Pride night on Aug. 30 when the Dream takes on the Washington Mystics at Philips Arena.
A gay man was attacked in Atlantic Station on Saturday night after being asked if he was gay by an unknown male who fled the scene on foot, according to a friend of the victim. The assailant has not yet been arrested, according to a statement from the Atlanta Police Department.
The victim was going to the Fenuxe Fire Party when he was attacked. The Fire Party was held at the Old Fox Grill at 261 19th St.
UPDATE:Organizers of this event have expanded it to name it National Marriage Equality Day and asking people to patronize numerous companies that support LGBT equality in addition to Starbucks on Tuesday. A full list can be found on the Facebook page.
Like your summertime Iced Coffee Venti served with some LGBT equality? Then Aug. 7 is the day for you.
Equally Wed cofounder and editor-in-chief Kirsten Ott Palladino is ready to strike back against the right-wing's successful Chick-fil-A's Appreciation Day and is asking LGBT people and allies to show their support for Starbucks on Aug. 7 as part of National Starbucks Appreciation Day.
Based in Atlanta where Chick-fil-A is also based, Equally Wed is a national online magazine dedicated to celebrating marriage equality.
In a statement, Ott Palladino expressed frustration with people supporting Chick-fil-A on Aug. 1 at the bequest of right-wing radio host and former GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee. The fast-food chain recorded record-setting sales on Wednesday. From Ott Palladino:
University campuses are joining political leaders and LGBT activists in criticizing the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain's outspoken stand against gay marriage.
Today, Emory University, known as one of the most LGBT-inclusive universities in the Southeast, issued a statement about the fast-food chain having a restaurant in the campus food court at Cox Hall. From Senior Vice President and Dean of Campus Life Dr. Ajay Nair:
Emory University has a long history of creating access, inclusion, and equity for Emory’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer students, faculty, staff and alumni. Recent public statements by Dan Cathy, president of Chick-fil-A, do not reflect Emory’s values as an institution.
Nevertheless, freedom of expression and an open exchange of ideas are also central tenets of the Emory community. Emory therefore respects the right of people to express their disagreement with Mr. Cathy by not patronizing Chick-fil-A. Emory’s vision statement calls for us to be 'internationally recognized as an inquiry-driven, ethically engaged, and diverse community, whose members work collaboratively for positive transformation in the world through courageous leadership in teaching, research, scholarship, health care, and social action.
The AJC is reporting that "significant issues" are occurring in Fulton County today as some voters are apparently being sent to the wrong precincts. The problems impact two races with gay candidates on the ballot.
The Secretary of State's office is also not getting "any cooperation" from Fulton County election officials, according to the report.
Alex Wan, the sole gay Atlanta City Council member, said today he is disappointed with Chick-fil-A's corporate leadership stating it opposes gay marriage and would oppose the restaurant chain's efforts to expand in the city limits.
"Of course, as a proud member of the LGBT community, I am incredibly disappointed in Dan Cathy's [president of Chick-fil-A] position opposing marriage equality. And regardless of the fact that Chick-fil-A is based in Atlanta, that position is, to me, completely incompatible with the values of the City of Atlanta, 'the city too busy to hate,' and the key role we played in the civil rights movement," Wan said.
A gay Atlanta voter filed an ethics complaint against Fulton Magistrate Judge Melynee Leftridge on Wednesday accusing Leftridge of an “apparent elaborate scheme to funnel some $18,500 to a company responsible for maintaining a website www.pirouettesexy.com” that features “pictures of scantly clad women.”
But Leftridge counters that the company she paid — Pirouette Companies — provides legitimate campaign services, and notes it has also been used by several other candidates, including openly gay State Rep. Simone Bell.
Leftridge faces openly gay attorney Jane Morrison in a non-partisan race for an open Fulton County State Court seat to be decided in the primary just five days away. Morrison could not immediately be reached for comment on the complaint against her opponent.
Valdosta Mayor John Gayle refused to sign a proclamation naming Sept. 15 as South Georgia Pride Day because he doesn't believe in gay marriage or the LGBT "lifestyle," according to a local activist and Pride organizer.
"He said he had strong personal convictions and beliefs and doesn't approve of my lifestyle or gay marriage," said Raynae Williams, a lesbian and assistant executive director of South Georgia Pride. Williams met with the mayor today and said the meeting lasted no more than five minutes.
Gayle did not return a call from GA Voice seeking comment but told a local TV station he could not sign the proclamation due to religious beliefs.
Valdosta is located approximately 230 milies south of Atlanta.
Tyra Sanchez of Atlanta, winner of "RuPaul's Drag Race" season two, is hoping you'll remember her name for reasons beyond her reality TV triumph. She's teamed up with gay filmmaker Björn Flóki to make a documentary called "Drag Dad" about balancing life as a drag superstar on stage and a single parent off.
During the "Drag Race" season that ran February through April 2010, rumors of Sanchez's life before the show littered the internet, some of which were true: James Ross, his real name, was homeless at 17. During the first week of his senior year of high school, when he "wasn't gay," he had a son, Jeremiah, with his best friend.The couple mutually agreed Ross would take custody.