Controversial YouthPride ED named to city of Atlanta’s working group to reduce prostitution
Several gay Atlantans have been named to a working panel to try to find ways to reduce prostitution in the city following backlash over a proposed ordinance to “banish” prostitutes.
Some on the list will not come as surprises to those who followed the controversy, including Peggy Denby, president of the Midtown-Ponce Security Alliance — the only person who spoke out in favor of banishing prostitutes at public hearings. Denby has said she has a particular problem with “men” prostitutes. These include cross dressers and transgender people.
[UPDATED] Ga. House approves resolution honoring gay Atlanta Freedom Bands
The Ga. House approved today a resolution honoring the Atlanta Freedom Bands, a day after a Republican lawmaker blocked a vote on the measure lauding the LGBT organization.
Rep. Matt Ramsey (R-Peachtree City) initially blocked the resolution introduced by openly gay state Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), asking a vote be delayed until Friday.
Rainbow Days at Six Flags announce 2013 event dates
The annual Rainbow Days at Six Flags Over Georgia announced today the dates for its 2013 event. The LGBT day at the theme park will take place Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Organizers hope to attract more than 3,000 to Six Flags for the event’s fourth year.
Atlanta gay cop needs your help to catch a dream
Officer Brian Sharp, one of the two Atlanta Police Department’s LGBT liaisons, is asking for your help. Not to track a thief, but to fund a record album already titled “Against the Grain” he hopes to make this summer.
Sharp unveiled his Kickstarter campaign on Facebook and Twitter on Tuesday and is seeking to raise $5,000 in two months to record an EP with at least six songs on it. He’s asking people donate in $25, $150 and a $1,000 VIP gift. Those who give at all levels will receive a signed copy of the CD, those who give $150 will also get a t-shirt. And those who donate $1,000 will get to go to Nashville, Tenn., with Sharp and watch as he records his debut CD.
Phillip Rush Center to unveil expansion plan
Since the Phillip Rush Center’s inception, organizers have shied away from using the term “community center” to describe the Candler Park LGBT facility where dozens of groups meet and numerous town hall forums have been held.
Several attempts at an LGBT community center in Atlanta had failed and Linda Ellis, executive director of the Health Initiative, and Jeff Graham, executive director of Georgia Equality, administrators of the Rush Center, wanted to avoid any kind of “curse” the title may have.