Gay agenda: Atlanta Pride 2011
Thurs., Oct. 6
Graphic Intervention @ MODA
?It’s going to be a weekend of debauchery, so best to start it off with a much-needed dose of history. The latest exhibit at the Museum of Design Atlanta explores the last 25 years of AIDS posters. Also on display, the AIDS Memorial Quilt memorializes the lives of those lost to the disease. $10. Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun. 12-5 p.m. 1315 Peachtree St. 404-979-6455. www.museumofdesign.org.
“On the Cusp of Equality” @ Philip Rush Center
?HRC and Georgia Equality host a Q&A about the state of LGBT issues and ask, “Are we at a tipping point in the LGBT movement?” Afterward, the organizations host a fundraiser next door at the gay-owned Radial Cafe. 6:30-7:45 p.m. 1530 Dekalb Ave. 404-688-2524. www.hrc.org/road-to-equality.
Commitment Ceremony @ W Atlanta, Midtown
?There may be a state amendment banning gay marriage, but at least you can affirm your commitment in style at the swanky hotel. Register for $25 in advance or $35 on-site to publicly pledge your love at this non-denominational ceremony. Business formal dress code encouraged, and couples will receive a commemorative certificate. Mazel tov! 6:30–7:30 p.m. 188 14th St. www.atlantapride.org
Out on Film Festival @ Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
?Hello, Dolly! Closing night of the 24th annual LGBT film festival screens “From Hollywood to Dollywood,” a documentary following twin brothers Gary and Larry Lane’s quest to get Dolly Parton to read their screenplay. A Q&A with the filmmakers follows. Also screening is the musical Leave It on the Floor, the supernatural drama Judas Kiss and the Best of Fest short films. An after-party at the W Midtown rounds out the night. $10. 3 p.m. - 12 a.m. 931 Monroe Dr. 404-671-9446. www.outonfilm.org.
Atlanta Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Pre-Pride Party @ Woofs
?Porn raffles and Jell-O shots at Atlanta’s first and only gay sports bar, hosted by the face-painted Order of the Flaming Sugarbakers. 6-9 p.m. 2425 Piedmont Rd. 404-869-9422. www.woofsatlanta.com
Friday, Oct. 7
Official Pride Kickoff Party @ The Georgia Aquarium
?Did you know that dolphins are just gay sharks? Following the VIP party (half-an-hour earlier that you didn’t get tickets to), DJ Corey Craig and former CL Lust List winner DJ Jay McCracken spin at the third annual kick-off. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” favorite Jujubee performs in her own private lounge with an open bar (tickets $75). $18-$25. 6:30–11:30 p.m. 225 Baker Street. 404-581-4000. www.georgiaaquarium.org
Kickoff After Party @ Jungle
?The party keeps going with DJ Ed Bailey at the nightclub off Cheshire Bridge Road. Word to the wise: Sex clubs Eros and Manifest4U are in the same complex. $15 ($5 with aquarium wristband). 9 p.m.–3 a.m. 2115 Faulkner Road. 404-844-8800. www.jungleclubatlanta.com
Taste the Rainbow @ My Sister’s Room
?DJ Annalyze spins at the East Atlanta lesbian bar’s first ever 18+ party. Nichole Paige Brooks of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fame performs. 10 p.m. 1271 Glenwood Ave. www.mysistersroom.com
Pride Warm Up @ The Eagle
?The site of the 2009 police raid is still going strong, with DJ Nat spinning at the predominately bear bar. 10 p.m. 306 Ponce de Leon Ave. www.atlantaeagle.com
Next: What to do Saturday and Sunday
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Saturday, Oct. 8
Marketplace @ Piedmont Park
?Spend the day cruising 200 vendors (and cruising other things as well) in the largest expo of its kind in the Southeast. Vendors include travel agencies with giveaways, LGBT-owned business and local nonprofits, plus the kettle corn is to die for. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. throughout weekend.
Voter registration @ Charles Allen Gate in Piedmont Park
?Register to vote with Georgia Equality so you can support LGBT issues like hate-crime legislation and employment non-discrimination. noon–5 p.m. throughout weekend
Literary Showcase @ Bud Light Stage in Piedmont Park
?Gayz kan rede? Local writer and poets read work and sign books. noon–2 p.m.
Atlanta Bucks vs. St. Louis Crusaders @ Coan Middle School
?Mmm gay rugby. ‘Nuff said. 1-3 p.m. 1550 Hosea L. Williams Dr. www.atlantabucksrugby.org
Trans March, Dyke March and Dance Party @ 12th St. Gate in Piedmont Park
?Putting the T in LGBT, trans people and allies march for visibility at 1:45 p.m. Lesbians have a pre-march crafting session (think sashes, ironic mustaches and clever signs) at 3 p.m. before marching at 6:15. Then DJ Speakerfoxxx spins at the Bud Light Stage from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. for the Post-Dyke March Dance Party.
Wynter Gordon and Deborah Cox @ Coca-Cola Stage in Piedmont Park
?Gordon (“Dirty Talk”) breaks out dance-floor bangers at 7:55 p.m., followed by the R&B anthems of Cox (“Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here”) at 8:35 p.m.
Peach Mega Dance Party @ Center Stage/The Loft
?It’s ladies who love ladies night as Curve magazine presents DJ Lisa Pittman and two dance floors. $15-$20 at door. 9 p.m.–2 a.m. 1374 West Peachtree St. 404-885-1365. www.centerstage-atlanta.com
[]Glitter Done! @ Mary’s
?Get out of Midtown and dress in your “glitteriest” for the free dance party in East Atlanta. DJ Ree De La Vega and DJ Fluff spin, the Atlanta Queer Cabaret Show performs, and fashionisto Tomik Dash hosts. Upstairs the loft will be blacked-out for sexy times, and a winner will be crowned in the Glitter Bombshell Contest downstairs. End the night with some meat in your mouth – head over to gay-owned Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand for a midnight snack. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. 1287 Glenwood Ave. 404-624-4411. www.marysatlanta.com.
Fruits of the Loom Underwear Party @ Primal
?Bedlam presents an arty and sleazy party (both in the best way) with DJ Shane V spinning. 9 p.m.–4 a.m. 960 Spring St. www.facebook.com/BedlamPresents.
Sunday, Oct. 9
Pride Parade @ Peachtree and 10th streets
?It’s what you’ve all been waiting for: tens of thousands of spectators line the streets in Midtown to celebrate the largest parade in Atlanta. If you’re willing to fight for a place, the corner of 10th and Piedmont is party central. HRC will host a Pride brunch at 5 Napkin Burger for prime parade watching, and DJ Richard Jones will be spinning outside Outwrite. DJ Vicki Powell plays at the Livingston at the beginning of the parade, which starts at 1 p.m. For the full route, www.atlantapride.org/parade.
God-Des & She and Ari Gold @ Coca-Cola Stage in Piedmont Park
?The hip-hop soul duo first caught national attention when they appeared on “The L Word.” Their political message is only outshone by She’s soulful voice when they take the stage at 5:30 p.m. The Orthodox Jewish-raised Ari Gold follows at 6:15 p.m. with sexy but personal dance numbers.
Starlight Cabaret @ Coca-Cola Stage in Piedmont Park
?Get the rare chance to see drag queens in daylight in this end of Pride tradition. 7–9 p.m.
Pride @ Sister Louisa’s Church
?It’s everyone’s favorite DJ’s birthday! Celebrate Vicki Powell’s day of birth and the end of Pride at this gay-owned but straight-inclusive Old Fourth Ward ping-pong bar. 7-11:30 p.m. 466 Edgewood Ave.
Official Closing Party @ Opera
?For the GTL gays and lesbians in Atlanta, close out Pride with DJs Chus + Ceballos. DJ Scorpio opens. $20. 8 p.m.-3 a.m. 1150 Peachtree St. 404-872-1150. www.operaatlanta.com