Destination: Gay Atlanta - Atlanta's First Official Lgbt Travel Guide

Destination Gay Atlanta, produced by the Georgia Voice in conjunction with the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau. Included are neighborhood descriptions, bar maps and guides to restaurants and shopping in gay Atlanta. For more information, please visit http://www.gay-atlanta.com.
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SPA. DINE. NIGHTLIFE. AT W ATLANTA - MIDTOWN, WE’RE OUT TO SHOW YOU A GOOD TIME. INSIDER-ONLY RATES AWAIT AT WATLANTAMIDTOWN.COM/GAVOICE destination: GAY ATLANTA A project of the GA Voice in partnership with the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau • The Georgia Voice 1904 Monroe Dr., Suite 130 Atlanta, GA 30324 404-815-6941 www.thegavoice.com Publisher Christina Cash [email protected] Associate Publisher Timothy Boyd [email protected] Editor Laura Douglas-Brown [email protected] Deputy Editor Dyana Bagby [email protected] Art Director Bo Shell [email protected] Web Manager Ryan Watkins [email protected] Sales Executives Marshall Graham [email protected] Robert Pullen [email protected] Contributors Ryan Lee, Mike Ritter 7 9 12 18 22 36 50 54 64 68 7 9 12 18 Welcome: Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed Welcome: Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau History: Gay ATL’s historic moments Events: The year’s biggest happenings Neighborhoods: A quick peek around town Neighhorhoods Map: Metro Atlanta at a glance 22 33 36 50 54 64 68 Nightlife: Where to Party Nightlife Map: Get your bearings Dining: Where to Eat Retail: Where to Shop Lodging: Where to Stay Organizations: Where to get help and volunteer Religious Groups: Where to worship 72 76 5 A WORD FROM OUR MAYOR Greetings: As the 59th mayor of Atlanta, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the city of Atlanta. Atlanta is a truly vibrant and diverse city and we are fortunate to have such a thriving gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender population. I am proud to be both a resident and the mayor of a city that embraces the LGBT community so fully. Our city stands as a strong beneficiary of the many outstanding contributions of Atlanta’s proud gay and lesbian residents. It’s no wonder that last year The Advocate designated Atlanta as the gayest city in the United States. Every year, we attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from all across the world for the largest Pride festival in the Southeast. Atlanta has some of the most progressive and gayfriendly corporate and philanthropic organizations in the country. And our unique neighborhoods including Midtown, East Atlanta and others have a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes which are enjoyed by not just those in the gay community but by broader Atlanta. While in our city, I encourage first time visitors to explore the many attractions Atlanta has to offer including the Martin L. King, Jr. Center, Underground Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium, the World of CocaCola, CNN Center, Centennial Olympic Mayor Kasim Reed Park, Woodruff Arts Center, the High Museum, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Piedmont Park. I invite you to share in our Southern hospitality, sample cuisine at our many fine restaurants and enjoy the rich and diverse heritage of our city. On behalf of the people of Atlanta, I welcome you to the city. Sincerely, Kasim Reed 7 SOUL OF THE SOUTH Centennial Olympic Park houses the new World of Coca-Cola, Inside CNN Atlanta Studio Tour and the Georgia Aquarium. Already internationally known for its whale sharks, the aquarium has some new inhabitants, dolphins. The multi-million dollar AT&T Dolphin Tales exhibit opened in April, complete with a 25-foot-long underwater viewing window, live theatrical shows, and an 1,800-person theater. There’s more development coming. In 2013 the National Center for Civil & Human Rights and the College Football Hall of Fame open in Centennial Olympic Park, building on the city’s already stellar reputation as a city that educates and entertains. Look beyond the gleaming high rises to discover the soul of the South. Atlanta’s dozen or so inside-the-beltway neighborhoods build an attractive quality of life that keeps people moving and visiting here. These communities blend residential streets with gotta-find-it boutiques and the best chef-owned eateries. If all you do is drive by Atlanta, you may think the city is all glass, steel, and traffic, but its heart is green, where locals are more likely to walk and bicycle for a gelato or coffee than add to traffic. Atlanta’s extensive art scene and rich history create cultural offerings unmatched in the South. Visitors can enjoy art, music, theatre and more at award-winning venues throughout the city. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, whose recordings have earned 27 Grammy Awards, plays more than 200 concerts per year. Atlanta is also home to 52 playhouses and theatres, including the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre. Need a dining recommendation? Just ask the locals. Dining is one of our favorite past times. As a result, 45 new restaurants opened in our downtown area alone since 2008. Atlanta boasts more than 700 Zagatrated restaurants from traditional Southern fare to upscale gourmet cuisine to locally- If you haven’t been to Atlanta in the last few years, you have missed a lot. The city is brimming with growth. Just look at the area surrounding Atlanta’s most visited attractions. owned establishments with an emphasis on farm-to-table dining. The city’s nightlife is diverse, with each neighborhood offering a different vibe — from Virginia-Highland’s laid-back atmosphere to the chic style of Buckhead to the trendy, cosmopolitan scene in Midtown. Atlanta’s after-hours scene offers something for everyone, whether looking for a place to dance the night away, kick back and relax to some smooth jazz or enjoy a late-night coffee and dessert. That’s just a taste of what Atlanta has to offer. Rated as “one of America’s gayest cities” by The Advocate, Atlanta has something for every visitor. We look forward to showing you a bit of Southern hospitality in the most welcoming city in the world. Let us help plan your visit: www.gay-atlanta.com Sincerely, William Pate President and CEO Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau 9 Atlanta: The word gay was not commonly used to describe homosexuals until after the middle of the twentieth century, but the homosexual society in Georgia’s capital was vibrant and revolutionary enough to warrant a nightlife magazine called Gay Atlanta in the 1930s and establish gay-affirming congregations by the 1950s. Gay people existed everywhere in Atlanta, whether among the black aristocracy that helped finance the Civil Rights Movement or the women of the Atlanta Tomboys softball program, the bohemian vanguard on Baltimore Block or the military vets returning from World War II. A gay man named Bayard Rustin was a key adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., counseling him on non-violent resistance and co-founding the Atlanta-based Southern Christian Leadership Conference with King. Prior to the Stonewall Riots, much of Atlanta’s gay and lesbian culture was limited to restaurants, house parties and nightclubs, but the city’s first Gay Pride parade in 1971 (which included about 150 participants) signaled the beginning of passionate activism. In 1971, a group of activists formed an Atlanta chapter of the Gay Liberation Front, and a year later the Atlanta Lesbian Feminist Alliance was created. Gay organizing and activism gained significant momentum during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, as gay and lesbian Atlantans launched rigorous protests to spur the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention into action. Also during the ’80s, the first U.S. Supreme Court challenge to anti-sodomy laws arose from Atlanta when resident Michael Hardwick appealed his arrest for engaging in consensual oral sex with another adult male in the privacy of his home. The Su- a birthplace of civil rights Long considered the birthplace of the African-American Civil Rights Movement, Atlanta has a spirit of opportunity and freedom that has also made the city a hotbed of gay rights progress in the conservative South. preme Court justices upheld sodomy laws in Bowers v. Hardwick, a ruling that would later be harshly chastised by the majority in the landmark case Lawrence v. Texas. When the Cracker Barrel restaurant chain fired several Atlanta workers in 1991 for not adhering to its policy that employees practice “normal heterosexual values” in 1991, Atlanta activists engaged in a 12-year boycott that drew national attention (including a segment on the Oprah Winfrey Show). The organizing behind the Cracker Barrel boycott established the mold for pressuring corporations to adopt gay-friendly stances, and in 2002 the restaurant chain rescinded its anti-gay policy. Gay and lesbian Atlantans scored an even more impressive victory in the mid-1990s, winning a gold medal in activism leadingup to the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. The controversy centered on the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games’ decision to hold the women’s volleyball tournament in Cobb County, where the county commission had recently approved a resolution stating that homosexuality was incompatible with the community’s standards. ACOG was initially adamant that the women’s volleyball tournament would 12 2008 rally against California’s Prop 8 decision at the Georgia Capitol. (Photo by Bo Shell) not be moved, but after six months of guerilla activism and highly embarrassing episodes for Olympic organizers, Cobb County was stripped of women’s volleyball for the Olympic Games. “It says something about resistance and outcome, and how you don’t know what’s going to happen,” says Pat Hussain, who was one of the lead organizers of Olympics Out of Cobb. Gay Atlanta continued to achieve remarkable successes toward the end of the century, electing openly gay and lesbian officials to city, county and state offices, and enacting domestic partner benefits policies in almost a dozen jurisdictions throughout the state. Challenges and setbacks remain, such as in 2004 when 76 percent of Georgia voters approved a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. However, strides toward gay, lesbian and transgender liberation take place everyday throughout Atlanta, where LGBT residents have established themselves as an integral thread in the city’s fabric. ATLANTA'S GAY HISTORY TIMELINE 14 13 ATLANTA'S GAY HISTORY TIMELINE 1957 1971 The Southern Christian Leadership Conference is founded in Atlanta by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Bayard Rustin, a gay adviser. The Atlanta Gay Liberation Front is established and hosts the city’s first Gay Pride Parade. Bayard Rustin 1982-86 1993 Atlanta gay resident Michael Hardwick is arrested in his home for engaging in consensual oral sex with another man. He appeals his conviction all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which upholds anti-sodomy laws in Bowers v. Hardwick. 1997 Cathy Woolard becomes the first openly gay or lesbian elected official by winning a seat on the Atlanta City Council. More than a dozen openly gay candidates have won office since. 1998 The city of Atlanta becomes the first municipality in Georgia to approve domestic partner benefits for gay and lesbian city employees. The Georgia Supreme Court strikes down the state’s anti-sodomy law that was upheld in Bowers v. Hardwick. The state court’s decision comes five years before the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Lawrence v. Texas. An ad hoc group of gay and lesbian activists known as Olympics Out of Cobb pressures the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games to withdraw competition from anti-gay Cobb County. 1994 2010 The city of Atlanta pays a $1.025 million settlement to patrons of the Atlanta Eagle who were subjected to harassment during a misguided police raid on the bar in 2009. jOG YOuR MEMORY: See the in-depth timeline at www.theGaVoice.com 14 Your financial needs are unique. Whether you want to provide for your loved ones, support the organizations that are important to you, or plan for your own comfortable retirement, I can help you plan for your goals. I’ll look at all aspects of your finances, then find solutions that are right for your unique needs. And as your goals and needs change, I’ll be there to adjust your plan and help put your dreams within reach. Our Advisors. Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACH® Call me today at 404-591-2450 extension 207 Leslie Cook, CDFATM, CFP®, JD Financial Advisor 825 Juniper Street Atlanta, GA 30308 404-591-2450 [email protected] ameripriseadvisors.com/leslie. a.cook Ameriprise Financial is proud to be recognized with another perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © 2010 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. Gay days Human Rights Campaign Dinner May 14, 2011 | www.atlantahrcdinner.org Raising well over a quarter-million dollars a year for the Human Rights Campaign, the Atlanta HRC dinner is a standard-bearer throughout the nation. The annual blacktie affair features the leading activists and entertainers advancing LGBT rights, and honors local LGBT leaders and allies for their work to make Georgia more accepting. Mondo Homo May 25-30, 2011 | www.mondohomo.com Summers in the GayTL get a jump start each Memorial Day weekend with Mondo Homo, a multi-day festival featuring queer musicians, spoken-word artists and delightfully eclectic bad-asses. Currently in its fifth year, the Mondo Homo festival is committed to promoting creative indie energy among Atlanta’s LGBT residents. Joining Hearts July 23, 2011 | www.joininghearts.org An extra dose of “fun” is added to “fundraising” each summer during the Joining Hearts party, which donates 100 percent of proceeds to HIV/AIDS services. The annual pool party regularly features fireworks, freeflowing drinks and plenty of shirtless boys, and has raised more than $1.15 million to fight AIDS over the last two decades. Black Gay Pride Sept. 2-4, 2011 | www.inthelifeatl.com What began as informal house parties has grown into the largest Black Gay Pride celebration in the world. The masses of black LGBT individuals who gather in Atlanta each Labor Day weekend is incomparable, as are the mind-blowing parties Photo by Dyana Bagby Photo by Dyana Bagby Atlanta’s greatest LGBT celebrations Atlanta’s LGBT calendar is brimming with social, philanthropic, sports and political events year-round. Here are 10 of the city’s largest and most popular LGBT events. Nicki Minaj at Traxx for Black Gay Pride 2010 and community-empowerment seminars. Atlanta’s reputation as a black gay mecca is magnified during the first weekend of September, especially when thousands gather in Piedmont Park on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Southern Comfort Conference Sept. 20-25, 2011 | www. sccatl.org Founded in 1991 in Atlanta, the Southern Comfort Conference has grown to one of the largest and most diverse transgender gatherings in the country, drawing hundreds for seminars, health services, high-profile speakers and plenty of social events. 18 Photo by Dyana Bagby The Starlight Cabaret at the 2010 Atlanta Pride Festival (Photo by Laura Douglas-Brown) 2010 Toy Party Out on Film | Sept. 29-Oct. 6, 2011 www.outonfilm.org The most entertaining and provocative selections in LGBT cinema are showcased during the Out on Film festival each fall. Approaching its silver anniversary, Out on Film is one of the oldest LGBT film festivals in the country, and strives to bring multicultural films and other titles that otherwise would not receive big-screen distribution. Atlanta Pride Oct. 8-9, 2011 | www.atlantapride.org There is not a more powerful reminder of the progress of LGBT Atlantans than the annual LGBT Pride festival, which attracts an estimated 300,000 attendees each year. Having survived a move from the last weekend in June to the cooler month of October, Atlanta Pride continues to draw thousands to its Piedmont Park marketplace and parade down Peachtree Street. AIDS Walk Atlanta Oct. 16, 2011 | www. aidswalkatlanta.com The spirit of community and purpose is always on display at AIDS Walk Atlanta, when thousands gather in Midtown to remember those lost in the epidemic and pledge solidarity against the disease. Now in its third decade, AIDS Walk Atlanta has raised millions of dollars for local non-profits combating HIV/AIDS. Toy Party Dec. 4, 2011 | www.forthekid.org One of the most poignant signs of LGBT Atlantans’ commitment to their city and neighbors is the mound of toys on display each December at the annual Toy Party. In less than a decade, the event has grown into one of the largest social events of the year, and has collected thousands of presents for needy children during the holidays. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Jan. 16, 2012 No city celebrates Dr. King’s birthday like the great civil rights leader’s hometown, and Atlanta’s black gay clubs enjoy their second-busiest weekend of the year during MLK weekend. The citywide march honoring Dr. King also always features an LGBT speaker. PLAN YOUR GAY-CATION: Pick up a GA Voice or go to www.theGAVoice.com for today’s events. 19 Local Life Gay-friendly areas extend open arms One of the unique elements of Atlanta is that LGBT life is not restricted to a single neighborhood, but rather found in the gayaffirming churches of Decatur, the gay and lesbian businesses in East Atlanta and the gay clubs in Mechanicsville. Vibrant gay populations can be found in every corner of the city, from redeveloped areas like West Midtown and Glenwood Park to established communities like Buckhead and Sylvan Hills. Atlanta’s reputation as a gay mecca was cemented during the 1970s and ‘80s with the rebirth of the Midtown neighborhood. Thousands of LGBT residents who were often outcasts from their families and communities flocked to Atlanta and found a welcoming environment in the heart of the city, even if the neighborhood was widely dilapidated and abandoned. Dozens of gay bars — including the once legendary 24-hour nightclub Backstreet — transformed the neighborhood into one of the most exciting areas in the South for LGBT individuals, and eventually the community’s libertine freedoms were complimented by a decidedly queer affinity for civic beautification. By the 1990s and 2000s, LGBT residents and business owners had lifted Midtown from its downtrodden blight and made it into the crown jewel of Atlanta neighborhoods. Midtown’s residential, commercial and cultural resurgence has made it a desirable location for an array of diverse residents and businesses, sometimes at the expense of gay traditions and institutions. Although Midtown continues to be the center of gay life in Atlanta and one of the most renowned gayborhoods in the South, LGBT residents are now visibly dispersed throughout the entire city. It’s easy to feel among family virtually anywhere in Atlanta, which is why so many thousands of LGBT residents call the GAY-T-L home. Photo by Bo Shell Brushstrokes in Ansley Mall Ansley Mall/Cheshire Bridge As Midtown has gentrified, the area that includes Ansley Mall and Cheshire Bridge Road has emerged as one of the most popular neighborhoods for LGBT residents and partygoers. While technically part of Midtown, the Ansley Mall and Cheshire Bridge area continues to have an abundance of affordable housing options for young gay people and singles, as well as nightlife and entertainment options. The Ansley Square shopping complex is a virtual gay courtyard, featuring the popular gay variety store Brushstrokes, the adult bookstore Capulets, and the gay bars Burkhart’s, Felix’s, Mixx and Oscar’s all sharing the same 22 Mixx Atlanta in Ansley Mall (Photo by Bo Shell) parking lot. While neighboring Ansley Mall has more mainstream shopping venues, the queer presence is so strong that the Starbucks is lovingly referred to as Bearbucks, the Kroger has been renamed Krogay, and the LA Fitness is known for its buffet of gay eye candy. Cheshire Bridge holds the crown as Atlanta’s reigning gay party district, with dance clubs such as Jungle and the Heretic located along the strip. The go-go dancers at BJ Roosters are indicative of the overall spirit of the Cheshire Bridge strip, which has an innocent red-light reputation with gay Atlanta. The two-mile road is peppered with adult bookstores and novelty shops, bong depots, strip clubs and members-only gay gentlemen’s spas such as Eros and Manifest. The Cheshire Bridge strip is also known for its variety of dining options, including numerous ethnic restaurants and gayowned joints. Among the gay-popular establishments along the strip are Latin-themed Las Margaritas and Taco Cabana, and Roxx Tavern, which serves up American classics. Another highlight of gay dining in this neighborhood is located across the street from Ansley Mall, as Cowtippers provides quality steaks and burgers, while its patio in known to sizzle with sexy LGBT diners during warmer months. Buckhead/West Midtown Considered one of Atlanta’s wealthiest neighborhoods, Buckhead has veered toward a more staid persona after a decade of being known as Atlanta’s party district. It remains the city’s busiest shopping district, anchored by the upscale Phipps Plaza and neighboring Lenox Mall. One of the most vivid examples of Atlanta’s organic gayness occurs each Saturday afternoon in Lenox, when hundreds of LGBT residents and visitors descend on the mall to flirt and show off their fashions (and presumably do some shopping). Neighborhoods 24 23 Buckhead/West Midtown (cont.) One of the few nightlife establishments to survive in Buckhead is the city’s only gay sports bar, Woofs, which continues to draw crowds for poker nights and viewing parties. While Buckhead has a reputation for million-dollar homes, there are also countless reasonably priced apartment complexes and communities that have sizeable LGBT populations. The neighborhood also has the honor of being the part-time home of Sir Elton John, who has owned a condo on Peachtree Road since 1990, and named his 2004 album after the famous street. West Midtown is one of the freshest neighborhoods in Atlanta, with its recent revitalization highlighted by the development of Atlantic Station. The mixed-use Atlantic Station combines metropolitan living with big-city shopping, and has quickly become one of the most popular venues in Atlanta. Atlantic Station has become a cultural hub with programming that includes Dialogue in the Dark, Bodies: The Exhibit and Cirque du Soleil, but the development has also been criticized for being commercially generic. The complex was recently purchased by new owners who promised to replace some of the chain franchises that predominate Atlantic Station with locally owned businesses in order to infuse the essence of Atlanta into the neighborhood. Among the locations in West Midtown where LGBT people gather en masse are Ikea and LA Fitness in Atlantic Station, and Swinging Richards, a male strip club on Northside Drive. Courtesy photo Christmas in Atlantic Station Cunningham, an African-American lesbian, has served as a Decatur City Commissioner. As the hometown of the Indigo Girls, Agnes Scott College, the Feminist Women’s Health Center and dozens of quaint neighborhoods, Decatur and Dekalb County have long been known as one of the top destinations for lesbian residents. Although Decatur has experienced an exodus of its top two lesbian clubs, DeKalb County continues to have a vibrant nightlife with spots like Phase 1, crème and Scores. The area is also home to an incredibly diverse spectrum of LGBT-owned businesses and enterprises, from law firms and real estate companies, to pet crematories and even an LGBT organic gardening club. Downtown Downtown Atlanta and surrounding neighborhoods such as Old Fourth Ward, Mechanicsville and Castleberry Hills are in the midst of a turnaround, and as usual, LGBT residents are helping lead the way to neighborhood revitalization. Young LGBT professionals are seizing deals to become homeowners, creating new gayborhoods in the process. The overall nightlife scene in downtown has waned over the years, but a handful of clubs such as Rain, Django and the new Xcess Ultra Lounge draw massive black gay crowds each weekend. The downtown culture is centered around tourism and the events that take place at Philips Arena, the Georgia Dome and the Tabernacle. In less than a decade, the Georgia Aquarium has become the city’s top tourist destination, and boasts the larg- Decatur and DeKalb County LGBT life in metro Atlanta extends far beyond the city limits. In fact, the city of Decatur might be considered an even gayer city than Atlanta since it is among the top 10 cities with the highest percentage of same-sex couples, based on analysis of U.S. Census data. Decatur is considered the most politically progressive area in Georgia, and enjoys a reputation for tolerance. The city and county government have consistently promoted gay rights initiatives, and since 1999, Kecia 24 Mary’s in East Atlanta (Courtesy photo) est collection of marine life in the country. Other popular downtown destinations include the rechristened World of Coke, Underground Atlanta, the nearby Martin Luther King Center, Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN headquarters. East Atlanta/Little Five Points The east side of Atlanta is known for its alternative sensibilities, and LGBT hipsters are a vital part of trendy neighborhoods such as Little Five Points and East Atlanta Village. A mix of eclectic stores and restaurants, charming houses and duplexes, and nightlife options create a vintage vibe in this area of town. Little Five Points is particularly known as a hippie ‘hood, and is home to notable record stores, a community-owned natural foods store, and thriving indie music and theater scenes. Adding to the neighborhood’s indie street cred is Charis Books & More, a lesbian and feminist bookstore that has persevered for decades and continues to draw bestselling authors for readings and signings. Gay establishments are an even greater part of the scene in the revitalized East Atlanta Village, with LGBT-owned bars, home décor stores and hair salons helping energize the area. My Sisters’ Room, one of the most popular lesbian bars in the city, moved to the East Atlanta Village a few years ago and continues to draw big weekend crowds. A few doors down from My Sisters’ Room is Mary’s, an offbeat gay bar that features legendary karaoke and themed-parties, and which was selected as the best gay bar in America a few years ago. The unpretentious attitude among the crowd and friendly staff makes Mary’s one of the coziest places to enjoy a night out on the town. The bohemian spirit of the East AtNeighborhoods 26 25 East Atlanta/Little Five Points (cont.) lanta Village is also captured in the collections found in Traders, a gay-owned home furnishing store that features classic pieces and quirky knick-knacks. The East Atlanta Village and Little Five Points are both leaders in an overall revitalization of the east side of Atlanta that includes the gentrifying neighborhoods of Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, Inman Park and Candler Park — all of which have significant LGBT populations. A pair of LGBTowned breakfast spots — Ria’s Bluebird in Cabbagetown and Radial Cafe in Candler Park — have attracted loyal followings due to their creative cuisine and commitment to their surrounding communities. Midtown The city’s original gayborhood, Midtown is still the core of LGBT life in Atlanta. The intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue is considered the crossroad of gay Atlanta, with the venerable Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse serving as an informal gay community center for Atlantans, and a starting point for many LGBT visitors to the city. Nearby Piedmont Park, one of the marquee recreational venues in Atlanta, is brimming with gay patrons, sports leagues and special events year-round. The almost 200-acre park is the site of large annual gatherings such as Atlanta Pride, Black Gay Pride and AIDS Walk Atlanta, as well as popular fundraising parties like Joining Hearts (a pool party that raises money for HIV/AIDS organizations) and Backpack in the Park (which collects school supplies for underprivileged children at the start of each school year). While the neighborhood has gotten more conservative in recent years due to the influx of affluent residents and families, it remains a concentrated gay party district, with almost a dozen bars and nightclubs calling Midtown home. The neighborhood’s nightlife options epitomize the diversity of LGBT Atlanta, with Bulldogs drawing the hip-hop crowd, Bellissima serving lesbians and the Eagle entertaining leather enthusiasts. Lake Clara Meer in Piedmont Park Photo courtesy projectqatlanta.com Photo by Bo Shell Joining Hearts at the Piedmont Park Aquatic Center Other Midtown favorites are Blake’s on the Park, which features the city’s top drag queens seven nights a week, and Amsterdam Atlanta, a video bar and cafe that features creative drink and menu specials. LGBT foodies have plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious meals while supporting gay and lesbian-owned businesses, including the popular Joe’s on Juniper; the upscale Aurum, Einstein’s and Steel; the MedNeighborhoods 28 26 The Fabulous Fox Theatre (Courtesy photo) Midtown (cont.) iterranean cuisine at Gilbert’s Cafe; and the healthy variety at Metrofresh. Another sign of Midtown’s staying power as the LGBT base of Atlanta is that for almost 15 years, the neighborhood has been represented by the only openly gay member of the Atlanta City Council. Lesbian Cathy Woolard first claimed the District 6 city council seat in 1997, and was succeeded by lesbian Anne Fauver in 2001. After Fauver retired in 2009, openly gay candidate Alex Wan bested a field of six to win the council seat. Midtown also remains the cultural center of all of Atlanta, with thousands flocking to the neighborhood to attend shows at the Fox Theatre, enjoy the symphony at The Woodruff Arts Center and view exhibits at the High Museum of Art. Old Fourth Ward Neighboring downtown, the Old Fourth Ward is another neighborhood that has experienced a great turnaround in recent years and attracted an influx of LGBT residents. A couple of commercial strips are bringing new energy and street life to the historic neighborhood, including the trendy bars, restaurants and boutiques located on Edgewood Avenue. Food aficionado Matt Ruppert, one of the original founders of the Big Gay Supper Club, turned his love of grub into one of the best Italian restaurants in Atlanta. The delicious food and ambiance of Noni’s has quickly turned it into a neighborhood gem, and on weekends the spot transitions into a latenight party with a widely diverse crowd. Also along Edgewood Avenue are The Sound Table, a mixed club that hosts lesbian parties and regularly attracts lots of ladies, and Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium, a delightful spirtually-themed bar more commonly known as Church. Old Fourth Ward is also home to Central Park, a somewhat sketchy park that nevertheless draws large numbers of gay tennis players. The gay bar Cockpit, a neighborhood bar off Boulevard, recently celebrated its grand opening, offering another queer outlet for this bustling part of town. Neighborhoods 30 28 29 Ria’s Bluebird Cafe (Photo by Dyana Bagby) Reynoldstown/Cabbagetown Just south of Old Fourth Ward is Cabbagetown, an eclectic neighborhood where old factories were converted to hip lofts and businesses, where a historic cemetery hosts offbeat events, and where LGBT residents and businesses are helping the area carve a new identity. The area’s main commercial strip, Memorial Drive, is lined with businesses and restaurants that pay homage to the neighborhood’s industrial roots with their facades. Among the places to eat on Memorial Drive is the lesbian-owned Ria’s Bluebird Cafe, a breakfast joint with a loyal following, and Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, which always attracts LGBT crowds with its food and drinks. Another gay-popular eatery worth checking out is Agave on Boulevard Avenue, which is considered one of the best places in the city for southwest cuisine. Adjacent to Cabbagetown is Reynoldstown, another neighborhood with di- verse and affordable housing options that has drawn many LGBT residents, many of whom can be seen at the Edgewood Shopping Plaza on any given day. The ‘Burbs LGBT life in metro Atlanta extends far beyond the city limits. In addition to Decatur, other cities in metro Atlanta have made similar accomplishments in gay progress and acceptance, whether elected officials in East Point and Doraville, or gay bars in more conservative areas such as Marietta. Lithonia is home to one the largest black, gay-affirming churches in metro Atlanta, and Riverdale was the first city in the South to elect an openly transgender candidate to its city council. The energy that spurred LGBT advancement and a better quality of everyday life in Midtown has consistently gained momentum and spread in all directions of metro Atlanta, and allows gay culture to thrive in the conservative South. 30 32 NEIGHBORHOODS Ansley Mall/ Cheshire Bridge One of the most popular areas for LGBT shoppers and bars Atlantic Station Mixed-use development home to IKEA and other retail and restaurants Buckhead Lenox Mall and upscale Phipps Plaza are key shopping destinations Cabbagetown / Reynoldstown Eclectic neighborhood of old factories converted to hip lofts and businesses Decatur Known for shops, restaurants and large population of LGBT residents Downtown Epicenter for tourist attractions like Georgia Aquarium centered on Centennial Park East Atlanta Alternative LGBT crowd with bars including Mary’s and My Sisters’ Room East Lake East Lake Golf Club is Atlanta’s oldest, home to famed golfer Bobby Jones Inman Park Historic neighborhood of restored Victorian homes Little Five Points Hippie vibe and home to feminist bookstore Charis Midtown ATL’s original gayborhood, still the core of LGBT life North Druid Hills Dekalb County neighborhood close to Emory University Old Fourth Ward Trendy bars, restaurants and boutiques located on Edgewood Avenue Virginia-Highland Excellent restaurants and shopping DISCOVER MORE: Visit www.gay-atlanta.com 33 BElliSSiMA Atlanta’s diverse collection of hot spots boasts a variety of nightlife options seven days a week. No matter your tastes – ladies, leather, hiphop or dance floors–you name it, we’ve got it. AMSTERDAM 502-A Amsterdam Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-892-2227 www.amsterdamatlanta.com Mostly a guys’ spot, you’ll probably find a few women mixed in with this typically middle-aged to older crowd. See sports, music videos and gay TV faves on the many flat screens around the bar. The Fishbowl Fridays are a great way to start your weekend, just as the Sunday afternoon brunch is a great way to wrap it up. 560 Amsterdam Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 404-917-0220 myspace.com/bellissima_lounge Bellissima continually attracts the most beautiful women, and some men, in the city while holding some of the most unique parties gay Atlanta has to offer. Expect anything from comedy and live music to dance parties and performance art. The eclectic programming appeals to many tastes, so there’s always a woman who fits your style. Best of Atlanta: Best Place to Meet Women ATlAnTA EAglE 306 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-873-2453 www.atlantaeagle.com Home of Atlanta’s leather community. Masters, Slaves, Daddies, Bears and Cubs all dancing in the den. Great patio and weekly theme nights. Leather shop on site for all of your naughty needs. Pool table. Great patio that’s always ripe with burly men, especially on Saturday nights. 36 PARTY Burkhart's Blake's on the Park 227 10th St. | Atlanta, GA 30309 404-892-5786 | www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com A nightlife institution for more than 20 years, Blake’s on the Park is a must-do for most gay male travelers. There’s not much of a dance floor, but Blake’s attracts a beautiful mix of men of all ages, as well as some of the city’s most legendary drag queens. Conveniently located in the middle of the Midtown “gayborhood,” there’s no denying the neighborhood vibe Blake’s always boasts. Best of Atlanta: Best Place to Meet Men, Best Neighborhood Pub 893 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-872-3025 www.burkharts.com Equally appealing to scene queens and the casual crowd, Burkhart’s has something for everyone: a wide range of glam and camp drag keeps the energy going in the main area, an upstairs with pool tables and balcony overlooking the performance area and perhaps the best patio in Midtown. Head there after work and you’ll even find a dinner crowd filling up from Burkhart’s full menu of tavern favorites. In total, there are four bars manned by friendly staff serving affordable cocktails. Best of Atlanta: Best Drag Show BJ roosters 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-634-5895 myspace.com/bjroostersatl Neighborhood go-go boy bar with pool, videos and more. Cowtippers (Photo by Bo Shell) Bulldogs 893 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-872-3025 An ATL destination since 1978, Bulldogs is located in the heart of Midtown. Great DJs spinning house and hip-hop; heavyhanded bartenders assure you get your money’s worth. Patio. ChaParral 2715 Buford Hwy Atlanta, GA 30324 678-568-9657 www.chaparralatlanta.com Very popular mixed, Latin, Caribbean, and Hip-Hop dance club Where to PartY 38 37 FeLix's on the square 1510 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-249-7899 A friendly small gay neighborhood bar in the Ansley Square strip mall. Fun for early evening drinks and hanging out with friends. Friends on ponCe CoCkpit 465 Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30312 thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com New speakeasy bar in East Atlanta for men who seek men for scruffy good times. Smokefree interior with a large covered patio. Full kitchen. Free Pool. 736 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-817-3820 www.friendsonponce-atl.com A super-friendly neighborhood bar, Friends is a no-attitude bar with inexpensive drinks and pool tables that has become a first-choice for the alt-gay dive bar crowd. Quiet, easygoing spot with large patio, and a great choice if you’re new in town looking for a bar off the beaten path. Free wi-fi, too! JungLe 2115 Faulkner Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-844-8800 www.jungleclubatlanta.com Huge dance club that hosts a variety of events, most notably Monday’s “Stars of the Century” drag show that appeals largely to an African American audience and Saturday’s dance night with big-name DJs and a younger crowd. One of Atlanta’s few 18 to party, 21 to drink clubs. heretiC 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-325-3061 www.hereticatlanta.com If you’re looking to dance with a mix of the shirtless and light leather crowds, the Heretic is definitely the place to go. You’ll find a diverse mix on weekends, but don’t miss Wednesday’s Dress Code Night, when leather, military gear, latex/rubber or going shirtless is required to hit the dance floor. It’s a butch bunch, but you’ll find all types scattered about the Heretic’s labyrinth layout. LeBuzz 585 Franklin Road Marietta, GA 30067 770-424-1337 www.thenewlebuzz.com LGBT people outside the Perimeter know how to party every day of the week thanks to the Marietta bar, LeBuzz, which holds regular drag queen and king shows. Best of Atlanta: Best Bar Outside Atlanta Where to partY 42 38 Mixx Photos via mysistersroom.com My sisTer's rooM 1271 Glenwood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30316 678-705-4585 www.mysistersroom.com Lesbian bar My Sister’s Room is located in the heart of thriving East Atlanta Village with an indoor space made for dancing and a stage for live music and entertainment. The spacious back deck allows for mixing and mingling and is one of the top hot spots for young women seeking fun and excitement in Atlanta. Ansley Square 1492 Piedmont Ave. #B Atlanta, GA 404-228-4372 www.mixxatlanta.com Atlanta’s premiere video venue hosts three different lounges for socializing with friends or hosting a party or an event. Main bar and lounge area are smoke free; outdoor patio smoking lounge. High energy and videos plus dance floor. Photo via Facebook Inset courtesy photos Model T 699 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-872-2209 www.modeltatlanta.com Quintessential neighborhood bar with nightly events including Keno and Lotto. Pool, jukebox, video games and wi-fi. Mary's 1287 Glenwood Ave. | Atlanta, GA 30316 404-624-4411 | www.marysatlanta.com Mary’s has been the hip bar of choice for alt-gays for years. Proudly called East Atlanta’s gay dive bar, don’t miss Maryoke held every Tuesday. Large weekend crowds and kitschy theme parties are tradition. The bar has won acclaim from LOGO TV and OUT Magazine. Best of Atlanta: Best Karaoke opus 1 1086 Alco St. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-634-6478 Neighborhood bar with a devoted local following; no pretention here. Plus, it’s right across the street from the gayest Waffle House in town! 42 OscAR's MARTini BAR 1510 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-874-7748 www.oscarsatlanta.com Recently reopened with a new look and feel in the same location. Don’t miss show tunes on Tuesday nights. Video on demand. Closed Sundays. PARTY sWinging RicHARds 1400 Northside Drive Atlanta, GA 30318 404-352-0532 www.swingingrichards.com Legendary men’s strip club acclaimed for its huge stable of totally nude hunky dancers. A particularly fun adventure for a group of friends looking to celebrate and cut loose. Courtesy photos WHERE TO PARTY 47 43 44 46 the hideaway PARTY 1544 Piedmont Ave Atlanta, GA 30324 404-874-8247 Midtown’s oldest neighborhood gay bar. Free Pool and WiFi. Opens 2 p.m. daily. Located behind Cook’s Warehouse at Ansley Mall. traXX atlanta 253 Auburn Ave. | Atlanta, GA 30303 1-866-602-5553 | www.traxxatlanta.com Urban Hip Hop and House Music parties since 1988. Saturday night only. A legendary spot known for packing in thousands for Black Gay Pride, but popular throughout the year. Stars such as Nicki Minaj, Lil’ Kim, Danity Kane and the cast of Noah’s Arc are just a few of the big names to hit the club. tripp's Bar 1931 Piedmont Circle Atlanta, GA 30324 404-724-0067 Cozy unassuming bar with karaoke, darts and free Wi-Fi. Xs UltraloUnge 708 Spring St. Atlanta, GA 30308 678-705-5537 www.xcessultralounge.com One of the city’s newest bars, but from experienced leaders in Atlanta’s black LGBT nightlife scene. Located in a recently renovated space with ample seating and VIP sections. Designed for the “grown and sexy” crowd. The perfect place for an after work drink and dance. The “sexxy” go-go dancers make it all the better. wooFs 2425 Piedmont Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-869-9422 www.woofsatlanta.com Photo courtesy projecqatlanta.com Atlanta’s only gay sports bar, Woofs hosts a pretty regular bear crowd with little elbow room on game days. The weekly line-up includes trivia, poker, sports on 21 screens, pool, darts and a popular menu of bar grub. prepare to party: Karaoke? Drink specials? Find out what’s happening tonight at www.theGAVoice.com 47 Nightlife Map 1. Amsterdam 502-A Amsterdam Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-892-2227 www.amsterdamatlanta.com 2. Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce de Leon Ave Atlanta, GA 30308 404-873-2453 www.atlantaeagle.com 3. Bellissima 560 Amsterdam Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 404-917-0220 myspace.com/bellissima_lounge 4. BJ Roosters 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-634-5895 myspace.com/bjroostersatl 5. Blake’s on the Park 227 10th St. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-892-5786 blakesontheparkatlanta.com 6. Bulldogs 893 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-872-3025 7. Burkhart’s Pub 1492 Piedmont Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-872-4403 www.burkharts.com 8. Chaparral 2715 Buford Hwy Atlanta, GA 30324 678-568-9657 www.chaparralatlanta.com 9. Cockpit 465 Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30312 thecockpit-atlanta.blogspot.com 10. Felix’s on the Square 1510 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-249-7899 11. Friends on Ponce 736 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-817-3820 www.friendsonponce-atl.com 12. Heretic 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-325-3061 www.hereticatlanta.com 13. Jungle 2115 Faulkner Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-844-8800 www.jungleclubatlanta.com 14. LeBuzz 585 Franklin Road Marietta, GA 30067 770-424-1337 www.thenewlebuzz.com 15. Mary’s 1287 Glenwood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30316 404-624-4411 www.marysatlanta.com 16. Mixx 1492 Piedmont Avenue, #B Atlanta, GA 404-228-4372 www.mixxatlanta.com 17. Model T 699 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-872-2209 www.modeltatlanta.com 18. My Sister’s Room 1271 Glenwood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30316 678-705-4585 www.mysistersroom.com 19. Opus 1 1086 Alco St. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-634-6478 20. Oscar’s Martini Bar 1510 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-874-7748 www.oscarsatlanta.com 21. Swinging Richards 1400 Northside Drive Atlanta, GA 30318 404-352-0532 www.swingingrichards.com 22. The Hideaway Ansley Mall 1544 Piedmont Ave Atlanta, GA 30324 404-874-8247 23. Traxx Atlanta 253 Auburn Ave. Atlanta GA 30303 1-866-602-5553 www.traxxatlanta.com 24. Tripp’s Bar 1931 Piedmont Circle Atlanta, GA 30324 404-724-0067 25. Woofs 2425 Piedmont Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-869-9422 www.woofsatlanta.com 26. XS Ultra Lounge & Bistro 708 Spring St. Atlanta, GA 888-633-8982 www.xcessultralounge.com Find your new favorite party space 50 8 25 4 19 13 24 12 22 16 20 7 10 14 21 1 3 26 6 5 2 11 17 23 9 18 15 52 Take a break from the usual with Atlanta’s famous local grub. The South is known for its BBQ, burgers and country cooking, and all our favorite places come with a side of gay. ApreS DieM 4th & Swift 621 North Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 678-904-0160 www.4thandswift.com Located in the trendy Old Fourth Ward in a chic industrial setting, 4th & Swift offers New American comfort food with a farm-to-table menu of seasonal delights. Don’t pass up the sticky toffee pudding. 931 Monroe Dr. | Atlanta, GA 30308 404-872-3333 | www.apresdiem.com For a romantic night out, you can’t beat Apres Diem. Among the bistro’s perks are its candlelit ambience, expansive patio, great wine choices and wait staff who never seem in a hurry to bustle customers out the door. The roasted lamb and Moroccan salmon are great, but save room for the decadent desserts. Best of Atlanta: Most Romantic BAkeShop 903 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-892-9322 www.bakeshopatl.com A working bakery in the heart of Midtown providing a fresh and diverse menu in an impressive industrial space. ` CAfe Sunflower 2140 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30309 404-352-8859 5975 Roswell Road Atlanta, GA 30328 404-256-1675 www.cafesunflower.com Food for the vegetarian connoisseur. AtlAntA Diner 2071 N. Druid Hills Road Atlanta, GA 30329 404-633-0024 www.atlantadiner24hours.com Food, food and more food. Every kind at any time of the day or night. Open 24/7. CAfe interMeZZo ` 1845 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30309 404-355-0411 www.cafeintermezzo.com It may have a full menu, but the desserts make it a top-flight destination. It’s your favorite place to go with a sweet tooth – tarts, tortes and oodles more beckon. Free wi-fi, too. Second location in Dunwoody. Best of Atlanta: Best Dessert ` BABette’S CAfe 573 North Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-523-9121 www.babettescafe.com Rustic European fare at its finest. Chef Marla knows not only how to cook but how to make you come back time after time. The restored 1916 bungalow is part of the appeal along with veal picatta for dinner and shrimp and grits for Sunday brunch. 54 ` Caramba CafE 349-E Decatur St. Atlanta, GA 30312 404-525-0525 www.carambacafe.com Daily specials (try the Poblano Verde), incredible margaritas and a relaxed welcoming atmosphere since 1988. Photo by Bo Shell EAT ThE ColonnadE CoWTIPPErS 1600 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-874-3751 cowtippersatlanta.com Bar food with a Southwestern flair done right: steaks, burgers, nachos and margaritas to live for. Part of the super-gay Metrotainment family of restaurants. The spacious patio practically spills gay clientele on to Piedmont Avenue. People watching at its finest! doC ChEY'S noodlE hoUSE Multiple locations www.doccheys.com Pick up spring rolls, dumplings, curries and stir fries — or stay in and have them delivered. Three area locations (Midtown, Decatur and Grant Park) make it easily accessible. Peace. Love. Noodles. Best of Atlanta: Best Takeout/Delivery WhErE To EaT 58 1879 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-874-5642 www.colonnadeatl.com The gays mingle with the grays at this Atlanta landmark of southern food served up the way you want it. This place gives tomato aspic a good name. Metrotainment Cafes Illustrator 6 eps file www.metrocafes.com 55 EATS 600 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-888-9149 www.eatsonponce.net Quick, conveniently located and won’t put a dent in your finances. Pasta dishes and good ole jerk chicken, plus the likes of green beans and baked sweet potatoes. Best of Atlanta: Best Meal Under $10 Flying biScuiT 1655 McLendon Ave. | Atlanta, GA 30307 | 404-687-8888 1001 Piedmont Ave. | Atlanta, GA 30309 | 404-874-8887 www.flyingbiscuit.com Founded in Atlanta and now a franchise, breakfast is served all day (with lip-smacking omelets) and there are salads, sandwiches, desserts and entrees for everyone. Expect weekend lines, but the wait is worth it. Head to the original location in Candler Park, or the Midtown location near the corner of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, perhaps the gayest intersection in Atlanta. Best of Atlanta: Best Breakfast/Brunch EinSTEin'S Flip burgEr bouTiquE 1587 Howell Mill Road Atlanta, GA 30318 404-352-3547 3655 Roswell Road Atlanta, GA 30342 404-549-3298 www.flipburgerboutique.com Bravo TV’s Richard Blais accurately describes his burger concept as “fine dining between two buns.” Don’t leave without a Krispy Kreme milkshake. Hobnob 1551 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-968-2288 www.hobnobatlanta.com Southern twist on tavern food. The likes of fried green tomatoes and collard greens go toe-to-toe with hamburgers and other traditional/classic dinner ideas. Beer pairings bring a unique flair to the diverse menu. Great patio at the busy intersection of Piedmont and Monroe. Best of Atlanta: Best New Restaurant 1077 Juniper St. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-876-7925 www.einsteinsatlanta.com Still going strong at its Midtown spot after oh so many years, Einstein’s is a terrific place for a quick bite to eat while meeting with clients/colleagues, or for a lovely brunch or dinner with friends, with a menu that never seems static. Best of Atlanta: Best Business Lunch F.r.o.g.S. cAnTinA 931 Monroe Drive Atlatnta, GA 30308 404-607-9967 www.frogsmidtown.com Inexpensive, build-your-own Tex-Mex just steps away from Piedmont Park. irwin STrEET MArkET 660 Irwin St. Atlanta Ga 30312 678-705-7945 www.theirwinstreetmarket.com Various vendors offer everything from delicious breakfast at Candi’s for Breakfast, to robust coffees, to wonderful soups, salads and sandwiches and the world’s best ice cream at Jake’s. Tastes for every palette here. wHErE To EAT 61 El AzTEcA 939 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 404-881-6040 www.elaztecaponce.com When locals look for order-bynumbers Mexican, they head to El Azteca. The patio is perfect for cheese dip and margaritas. gilbErT'S 219 10th St. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-872-8012 www.gilbertscafe.com Cozy atmosphere with authentic Mediterranean fare in the heart of Midtown’s gayest section. Try the Zorba sampler! 58 60 HOLY TACO 1314 Glenwood Ave. SE Atlanta, GA 30316 404-230-6177 Unique taqueria focused on sustainable local ingredients. Best chips for cheese dip and salsa on the planet and you’d best have a glass of white wine sangria. EAT LAndmArk diner www.landmarkdiner.com Four locations–Buckhead, Cheshire Bridge, Georgia State University and Virginia Avenue Airport — all serving up major comfort diner fare. jOe's On jUniPer 1049 Juniper St. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-875-6634 joesatlanta.com/juniper meTrOfresH 931 Monroe Drive, Suite A-106 Atlanta, GA 30308 404-724-0151 www.metrofreshatl.com A “world food” restaurant that delivers fresh fare fast and gives back to its community. Fundraisers for AID Atlanta and PALS are just a few of its generous gestures. LAs mArgAriTAs 1842 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-873-4464 www.lasmargaritasatlanta.com Two generations of Latin families serve up margaritas, food, fun and a way gay-friendly atmosphere. Great for celebrations of any kind. Make one up so you can go. Joe’s is the must-stop restaurant of choice for travelers looking for a gay dining experience: sassy waiters, popular music and a wide variety beyond bar food. It’s THE patio to see and be seen on good weather days. Variety of programming including trivia and BINGO during the week. Best of Atlanta: Best Patio miLLer UniOn 999 Brady Ave. Atlanta, GA 30318 678-733-8550 www.millerunion.com Rustic Southern fare made with local organic ingredients. Harvest Dinner is especially lip-smacking and fun. LiTTLe BAngkOk 2225 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-315-1530 www.littlebangkokatlanta.com Asian fare, with tangy Thai and Chinese food. This perennially well-populated restaurant has an almost endless array of appetizers and entrees. Don’t miss the lunch specials: affordable, delicious and fast. Best of Atlanta: Asian mAjesTiC diner 1031 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 404-875-0276 www.majesticdiner.com “Food That Pleases Since 1929” and the most colorful clientele one can find, Majestic is open 24/7 with good, Southern food that makes late-night eating an even guiltier pleasure. nAnCY's PizzA 265 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-885-9199 www.nancyspizza.com Born in Chicago, the “Home of the Original Stuffed Pizza.” mArY mAC's THe LiVingsTOn 659 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-897-5000 www.livingstonatlanta.com The perfect place for cocktails before catching a show or for dinner afterwards. Located in the Georgian Terrace Hotel just across the street from the Fabulous Fox Theatre. 224 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-876-1800 www.marymacs.com Established in 1945 and only gets better. Business folk, celebrities and families of every stripe love the Tea Room. With chicken and dumplings, collard greens with crackling bread and Georgia peach cobbler on the menu, it’s understandable. nO mAs! CAnTinA 180 Walker St Atlanta, GA 30313 404-574-5678 www.nomasatlanta.com Classic Mexican favorites and more than 60 tequilas to try. And you can shop at their furnishings gallery after you eat! WHere TO eAT 62 61 NoNi's BAR & DELi 357 Edgewood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30312 404-343-1808 www.nonisdeli.com Some say it’s hard to find good Italian in town, but between the risotto of the day and lasagna bolognese, Noni’s takes the cake. Best of Atlanta: Italian, Best Bar with Food oNE MiDTowN KiTchEN ` RADiAL cAfE 1530 Dekalb Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-659-6594 www.radial.us TAquERiA DEL soL Multiple locations www.taqueriadelsol.com Local fave for tacos, burritos and enchiladas. Locations near Cheshire Bridge, Decatur and Westside. Best queso, too. Best of Atlanta: Mexican 559 Dutch Valley Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-892-4111 www.concentricshospitality.com A perfect place to spend an evening noshing on fine food. The appetizers, wine and desserts don’t disappoint either. Best of Atlanta: Overall One of the most environmentally responsible joints around, its creative menu includes the likes of veggie sausage, vegan gravy and apple pie vegan pancakes. Best of Atlanta: Vegetarian/Organic ThE vARsiTy sAucED 753 Edgewood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-688-6554 www.saucedatlanta.com Chef Ria Pell offers Southern with a twist, like blackeye pea fritters, sticky fingers and sweet tea ice cream milkshakes. 61 North Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-881-1706 www.thevarsity.com Get wasted on greasey classics at the the largest drive-in in the country. Be wary of game-day traffic: sports fans by the busload. PARKER's oN PoNcE 116 East Ponce de Leon Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 404-924-2230 www.parkersonponce.com Located in the heart of historic downtown Decatur, Parker’s calls itself a steakhouse, but it is much more. It’s hard to pass on the salmon, sea scallops and calamari. ThE voRTEx 438 Moreland Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-688-1828 878 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30309 www.thevortexbarandgrill.com The Holy Grail of hamburgers, Vortex is known for its no-nonsense attitude and intense grill selections. Dont’ forget the tots! soTTo soTTo 313 N. Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-523-6678 www.sottosottorestaurant.com Authentic Italian place with dishes like Tortelli di Michelangelo and Naked Ravioli. Heavenly. 100 percent Italian wine list, too. RiA's BLuEBiRD 421 Memorial Drive Atlanta, GA 30312 404-521-3737 www.riasbluebird.com Retro and tiny with an all-day breakfast menu chocked full of killer huevos and pancakes. souThERN swEETs 186 Rio Circle Decatur, GA 30030 404-373-8752 www.southernsweets.com You can find Southern Sweets’ desserts in numerous Atlanta restaurants. They also offer a lunch menu along with awardwinning sweets. wATERshED 406 West Ponce de Leon Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-4900 www.watershedrestaurant.com Owned by Indigo Girl Emily Saliers, this Decatur icon specializes in Southern seasonal fare made with local, organic ingredients. Roxx TAvERN 1824 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-892-4541 Known for its burgers, gay male crowd and friendly atmostphere. 62 63 From massive malls to quirky independent shops, Atlanta has plenty to offer for shoppers with budgets large and small. For highend retail stores in a posh mall setting, visit Phipps Plaza in Buckhead. Lenox Mall, also in Buckhead, offers major department stores and smaller shops. Atlantic Station, a mixeduse development on the site of an old steel mill near Midtown, offers an excellent mix of shopping plus the city’s IKEA store. AtlAntA WAter GArdens BOy next dOOr 1447 Piedmont Ave. | Atlanta, GA 30309 404-873-2664 | www.boynextdoor.biz Boy Next Door near Piedmont Park recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. Boy Next Door carries a full line of men’s clothing from socks, underwear, jeans, and swimwear to dress slacks, dress shirts and designer blazers. Best of Atlanta: Best Clothing Store for Men BrUsHtrOKes And CApUlets 1510 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-876-6567 www.brushstrokesatlanta.com Known for offering anything and everything gay-related, Brushstrokes has gained a sterling reputation as a longtime community business, and offers apparel, DVDs, books, collectibles and calendars. Just two doors down and run by the same gay owners, Capulets caters specifically to the adult audience with toys, media and much more. Best of Atlanta: Best Gift Shop CHArIs BOOKs & MOre 2165 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-235-0739 www.atlantawatergardens.com Providing “serenity to the city,” Atlanta Water Gardens offers fountains of every size, sculpture, statuary, and garden accessories. A stroll through the outdoor showroom alone will relax you for the rest of the day. Great gifts, too. 1189 Euclid Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 404-524-0304 www.charisboooksandmore.com At 36, Charis is both the oldest and the largest feminist bookstore in the Southeast and carries a wide range of titles from feminist, to queer to transgender. Writing groups, author visits and signings, book discussions and more. Plans are underway for a feminist center in 2012. 64 Heliotrope 248 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 404-371-0100 www.heliotropehome.com More than shopping, a visit to Heliotrope is an eclectic adventure. Packed to the ceiling with unique home accessories, gifts and cards — you absolutely cannot leave without something for yourself and someone special. This quaint boutique in downtown decatur was voted best gift store by Atlanta Magazine in 2010. SHOP poster Hut nandina HoMe 245 N. Highland Ave., #120 Atlanta, GA 30307 404-521-9303 www.nandinahome.com Fine home furnishings, rugs, lighting, accessories, art and gifts. Custom draperies, upholstery and bedding. Interior design service available. Melrose on ponce 345 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-1013 www.melroseonponce.com If cute is your thing you will find nirvana at Melrose. The most precious birthday, wedding, baby and seasonal gifts in the city. Monogramming is a specialty. 2175 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-633-7491 An Atlanta institution for more than 40 years, Poster Hut offers way more than posters. Adult items, novelties, cards, clothing and more to be found at this “unique boutique.” WHere to sHop 66 65 rawhide Leather Inside the Atlanta Eagle 306 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-881-0031 Get all your leather needs met here and go show them off upstairs at Atlanta Eagle. the Pet set 976 Piedmont Ave. (near Piedmont Park) Atlanta, GA 30309 404-249-6668 2480 Briarcliff Road Atlanta, GA 30329 404-633-8755 www.thepetset.com Don’t go home without something for Fido! Pet Set carries an extensive line of pet toys and accessories. If Fido is traveling with you, take him in for a day spa or grooming. Pampering from a very pet-loving staff at two locations. Outwrite BOOkstOre & COffeehOuse 991 Piedmont Ave. | Atlanta, GA 30309 404-607-0082 | www.outwritebooks.com Opening in 1993, Outwrite has served the LGBT community as the unofficial center of gay Atlanta for nearly 20 years. Outwrite was the 2010 GA Voice “Best of Atlanta” winner for best bookstore, as well as the best place to take out of town guests. If you want an inside look at gay Atlanta, Outwrite is the place to start. Best of Atlanta: Best Bookstore, Best Place to Take Out of Town Guests traders NeighBOrhOOd stOre 485-B Flat Shoals Ave. Atlanta, GA 30316 404-522-3006 www.tradersatlanta.com Located in the East Atlanta Village, Trader’s offers an eclectic collection of home furnishings and décor from upscale to fun and naughty. tOwer Beer, wiNe & sPirits triLOgy BOOkstOre 2161 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324 404-881-0902 www.towerwinespirits.com Tower is not just a package store. The Greenbaum family has been in the business since the 1930s and has learned much about spirits and customer service as well. In spite of being #1 in volume sales for the entire state of Georgia, Tower offers personalized service to each customer to help you find just the right drink for every occasion. Wine consultants are always on hand. 126 N. Avondale Road Avondale Estates, GA 30002 404-228-3828 www.trilogybookstore.com Books and more for inspiration, spiritual growth and the healing of mind, body and spirit. Tarot Tuesdays and Pyschic Wednesdays might help you with decision-making as well. wOrthmOre JeweLers 500 L-3 Amsterdam Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306 404-892-8294 117 E. Court Square Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-1013 www.worthmorejewelers.com With a slogan like “enlarging your family jewels since 1994,” you know to expect more than just your average jewelry store. A wide array of wedding and commitment rings, watches, necklaces and custom work at two locations. LearN mOre: Explore Atlanta in video and photos: www.gay-atlanta.com 66 We've got the rings, give us the finger! Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, watches and accessories of gleaming brushed stainless steel accented by precious stones, fine woods, sleek rubber and more. Fine jewelry, watches and aRt... of best anta! l t gay a Amsterdam Walk + 500 Amsterdam Ave. + Atlanta + 404/892-8294 Decatur Square + 117 East Court Square + Decatur + 404/370-3979 Visit www.worthmorejewelers.com for our stores' hours. 67 Atlanta is the hub of the South, and when it comes to luxury accommodations, we’ve got the perfect place for your pillow. From big hotels to bed and breakfasts, Atlanta is your home away from home. Artmore Hotel GeorGiAn terrAce 659 Peachtree St. | Atlanta, GA 30308 800-651-2316 | www.thegeorgianterrace.com Across the street from the Fox Theatre, the Georgian Terrace is more than a century old and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. The Georgian Terrace hosted the premier gala for “Gone With the Wind” and can claim countless celebrities as its guests. Very LGBT-friendly. Glenn Hotel 1302 West Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30309 800-548-5631 / 404-876-6100 www.artmorehotel.com In the heart of Midtown’s arts district, this independent boutique hotel boasts a lovely renovation of a 1924 architectural landmark building. MARTA and the High Museum of Art are across the street. 110 Marietta St. Atlanta, GA 30303 866-40GLENN / 404-521-2250 www.glennhotel.com 110 rooms of intimacy, comfort and personalized service in downtown Atlanta. Luxurious and organic guest amenities. Unique series of meeting suites and neat roof-top lounge. Four SeASonS Hotel 75 14th St. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-881-9898 www.fourseasons.com/atlanta The only 5-star 5-diamond hotel in the city. Chic urban meets Southern tradition in this neoclassical wonder of polished marble and sweeping staircases. High Museum and Margaret Mitchell House only a short walk away. GrAnd HyAtt 3300 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30305 404-237-1234 www.grandatlanta.hyatt.com Located in Buckhead with easy access to luxury shopping at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. Views of Stone Mountain, Downtown and a Japanese Zen Garden. Elegant Southern cuisine. International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association approved. 68 Hilton AtlAntA Airport 1031 Virginia Ave. Atlanta, GA 30344 404-745-5000 www.hilton.com/atlantaairport Perfect for the busy business traveler with tons of business amenities and a barber shop, beauty salon, laundry and valet, pool and fitness room. STAY Hotel indigo inn At tHe peAcHtrees 683 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30308 877-270-1392 www.hotelindigo.com Midtown boutique hotel with free wireless throughout the property. Close to the Fox Theatre and very pet-friendly. 330 W. Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30308 800-242-4642 innatthepeachtrees.com An affordable yet modern alternative to big downtown hotels. Complimentary breakfast and buffet; free wireless internet and meeting rooms. Very LGBT-friendly. renAissAnce MidtoWn 866 West Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30308 678 412-2400 renaissanceatlantamidtown.com A way gay-friendly boutique hotel in the heart of Midtown. Close to MARTA and all Midtown attractions. HyAtt regency 265 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-577-1234 www.atlantaregency.hyatt.com Downtown location with easy access to Georgia World Congress Center, CNN Center and the Georgia Aquarium. The world’s first contemporary atrium hotel, built in 1967, has undergone a recent major renovation. King-KeitH House B&B ritz-cArlton AtlAntA 181 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-0400 www.ritzcarlton.com Luxury, first-rate service and an excellent location for business and downtown tourist fun. inMAn pArK B&B 100 Waverly Way Atlanta, GA 30307 404-688-9498 www.inmanparkbandb.com Built in 1912 as a residence of Coca-Cola magnate Robert Woodruff, this lovely B&B has been lovingly restored and is on the National Register for Historic Places. All rooms have private baths. Very LGBT-friendly. 889 Edgewood Ave. Atlanta, GA 30307 800-728-3897 / 404-688-7330 www.kingkeith.com This 1890 Victorian charmer is one of the most photographed houses in the city. Located in Inman Park, Atlanta’s oldest neighborhood, it offers complimentary breakfast and free wi-fi. Close to MARTA and Georgia State University. ritz-cArlton BucKHeAd 3434 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30326 404-237-2700 www.ritzcarlton.com A second Ritz-Carlton in upscale Buckhead is the perfect getaway for luxury shopping at nearby Phipps Plaza. WHere to stAy 70 69 sTonehursT Place B&B 923 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30309 404-881-0722 www.stonehurstplace.com A very romantic B&B with the comforts of a small inn and the amenities of a large hotel. Very eco-friendly and LGBT-friendly. The ellis hoTel w aTlanTa Twelve hoTel & residences Centennial Park 400 West Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-418-1212 Atlantic Station 361 17th St. Atlanta, GA 30363 404-961-1212 www.twelvehotels.com Condo-style lodging with two locations, Atlantic Station in Midtown and Centennial Park Downtown. Buckhead 3377 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30326 678-500-3100 watlantabuckhead.com W Atlanta Downtown 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd Atlanta, GA 30308 404-582-5800 watlantadowntown.com W Atlanta Midtown 188 14th St. Atlanta, GA 30361 404-892-6000 watlantamidtown.com Three excellent locations in Atlanta each with its own charm and the W stamp of quality. The W Atlanta Midtown is walking distance to Piedmont Park, where Atlanta Pride is held each October. 176 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30303 877-702-1085 / 404-602-0563 www.ellishotel.com Superb service and an excellent location. Rated #1 business hotel in Atlanta by TripAdvisor. wesTin Buckhead 3391 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30326 866-716-8128 / 404-365-0065 Sweeping skyline views and close to upscale shopping The Mansion on PeachTree 3376 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30326 800-238-0767 / 404-995-7500 rwmansiononpeachtree.com Over the top luxury and pampering at the exclusive 29 Spa at this boutique hotel close to Lenox and Phipps Plaza. wesTin PeachTree Plaza 210 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-1400 www.westin.com A business traveler’s dream location 70 Let the Artmore take care of you. The Artmore Hotel is an LGBT friendly hotel in midtown Atlanta, conveniently located near Piedmont Park, fantastic restaurants, and the best gay nighlife Atlanta has to offer. The Artmore is also TAG approved. 1302 WEST PEACHTREE STREET ATLANTA, GA 30309 www.artmorehotel.com BUSINESS Atlanta Executive Network (AEN) P.O. Box 78821, Atlanta GA 30357-2821, www.aen.org Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce 2107 N. Decatur Road, Suite 190 Decatur, GA 30033 404-377-4258 www.atlantagaychamber.org Atlanta is home to dozens of organizations serving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents and visitors. Here is a sampling. For extensive listings, visit thegavoice.com, pull down the “Community” menu and click “Organizations.” ADVOCACY / POLITICAL Atlanta Stonewall Democrats Search “Atlanta Stonewall Democrats” on Facebook.com Georgia Equality State’s largest LGBT advocacy group. 1530 DeKalb Ave. NE, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30307 404-523-3070 www.georgiaequality.org GA Log Cabin Republicans P.O. Box 78835, Atlanta, GA 30357, www.lcrga.com Human Rights Campaign Atlanta Steering Committee www.atlanta.hrc.org Lambda Legal Southern Regional Office 730 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 1070, Atlanta, GA 30308 404-897-1880 www.lambdalegal.org/sro GetEQUAL GA Local chapter of national direct action group. 404-939-0627 www.getequal.org Queer Justice League of Atlanta Local grassroots activism. www.queerjusticeleague.net Our Song Mixed gay and lesbian chorus. 575 Pelham Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-487-8717 www.oursongatlanta.com Out on Film Plans annual fall LGBT film festival. 456 Kensington Parc Drive Avondale Estates, GA 30002 404-671-9446, www.outonfilm.org CULTURE / ARTS Atlanta Freedom Bands 1579-F Monroe Dr. #173 Atlanta, GA 30324 www.atlantafreedombands.com Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus 1379 Tullie Road, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30329 www.agmchorus.org Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra PO Box 11508 Atlanta, GA 30355 www.atlantaphilharmonic.org Atlanta Pride Committee Plans Stonewall Week in June and annual October festival. 1530 DeKalb Ave. NE, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30307, 404-382-7588 www.atlantapride.org Atlanta Queer Literary Festival Plans annual festival, set for June in 2011, other readings and performances during year. atlqueerlitfest.blogspot.com Charis Circle Hosts feminist events and educational programming. 1189 Euclid Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-522-9912, www.chariscircle.org In the Life Atlanta Sponsors Black Gay Pride over Labor Day weekend. 678-824-ITLA www.inthelifeatl.com Mondo Homo Plans Memorial Day weekend alternative queer festival. www.mondohomo.com FAMILY / YOUTH Evolution Center Safe space for young gay, bi and trans men of color, ages 16-28, a project of AID Atlanta. 583 Juniper St. Atlanta, GA 30308 404-524-5441, www.evolutionprojectatl.org MEGA Family Project Support and events for LGBT parents and prospective parents. 1530 Dekalb Ave, Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30307, 404-808-3350, www.megafamilyproject.org PFLAG Atlanta Support for parents, families and friends of LGBT people. 1379 Tullie Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, 770-662-6475, www.pflagatl.org YouthPride Center for LGBT and questioning young people ages 13-24. 1017 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, 404-521-9711, www.youthpride.org HEALTH Alcoholics Anonymous And other 12 step groups. The Galano Club Inc. 585 Dutch Valley Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-881-9188 www.galanoatlanta.org AID Atlanta HIV testing with same-day results, education, support, groups targeting gay men and gay men of color. 1605 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 404-870-7754 www.aidatlanta.org 72 AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta Free HIV and STD testing; HIV research trials. 131 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE Suite 130, Atlanta, GA 30308 404-876-2317 www.arcatlanta.org Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative Support groups, Weight Watchers, events, health fund and physician directory. 1530 DeKalb Ave. NE, Suite A Atlanta, GA 30307 404-688-2524 www.thehealthinitiative.org Emory Hope Clinic HIV vaccine trials. 603 Church St. Decatur, GA 30030 877-424-HOPE medicine.emory.edu/id/hopeclinic Feminist Women’s Health Center Supportive and affordable gynecological, trans health services. 1924 Cliff Valley Way, Atlanta, GA 30329, 404-728-7900 www.feministcenter.org National AIDS Education & Services for Minorities, Inc. Focuses on HIV services and outreach in communities of color. 2140 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Atlanta, GA 30310 404-691-8880 www.naesm.org Open Hand Meals for homebound people with HIV and critical illnesses. 176 Ottley Drive, NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-419-3301 www.projectopenhand.org Pets Are Loving Support Pet care for people with HIV. 2115 Liddell Drive NE Atlanta, GA 30324 404-876-PALS www.palsatlanta.org Positive Impact / MISTER HIV and STD testing, discussion groups, education and mental health services. 139 Ralph McGill Blvd. Suite 301 Atlanta, GA 30308 404-589-9040 www.positiveimpact-atl.org SPORTS Atlanta Bucks Rugby Club www.atlantabucksrugby.org Atlanta Front Runners www.eteamz.com/ frontrunnersatlanta Atlanta Gay Bowling Various local leagues listed at www.igbo.org/news/ report_region8.cfm Atlanta Gay Sports Alliance www.atlantagaysports.com Atlanta Rainbow Trout www.atlantarainbowtrout.com Atlanta Team Tennis Association www.atta.org Decatur Women’s Sports League decaturwomenssportsleague.info Georgia Dyno’Mos Queer rock-climbing. www.queerclimbing.com Hotlanta Soccer www.hotlantasoccer.com Hotlanta Softball League www.hotlantasoftball.org Hotlanta Volleyball www.hotlantavolleyball.org National Flag Football League of Atlanta www.nffla.com Southern Softpaw Softball League www.southernsoftpaw.com Wilderness Network of Georgia www.wildnetga.org Women’s Outdoor Network www.wonatlanta.com Fourth Tuesday Lesbian networking and events. www.thehealthinitiative.org/ 4thTuesday.php Rainbow Center at Jewish Family & Career Services 4549 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA, 30338 770-677-9471 www.therainbowcenter.org Southerners on New Ground (SONG) Working class, people of color, immigrants, rural LGBTQ people. 250 Georgia Ave., Suite 201 Atlanta, GA 30312, 404-549-8628 southernersonnewground.org Trikone For LGBTQ South Asians. P.O. Box 18638, Atlanta, GA 31126, www.trikoneatlanta.org United 4 Safety Domestic violence support. P.O. Box 29458 Atlanta, GA 30359 Help line 404-200-5957, www.united4safety.org ZAMI NOBLA Black lesbians 40 and older. www.zami.org or on Facebook. TRANSGENDER Atlanta FTM groups.yahoo.com/group/ Atlanta_FTM/ Atlanta Gender Explorations Open gender support group. www.atlantagender.org Juxtaposed Center for Transformation Advocates for equal rights for transgender and non-gender conforming people. www.thejct.org Someone Cares, Inc. of Atlanta www.someonecaresreal.org Southern Comfort Conference Plans annual transgender conference, held in September. www.sccatl.org T.I.L.T.T, Inc. (Transgender Individuals Living Their Truth) www.tiltt.org SUPPORT / SOCIAL / Community SERVICE American Veterans for Equal Rights – Georgia chapter P.O. Box 2115, Decatur, GA 30031 www.avergeorgia.org Asians & Friends Atlanta, LYC www.anfatlanta.com 73 74 What is Out on Film? Out on Film is Atlanta’s own LGBT film festival. We’re in our 24th season. Out on Film was created in 1987 to inform, entertain, educate and enrich the regional LGBT community by recognizing the creative work of LGBT artists and professionals. When is the event? September 29 – October 6, 2011 What films will be shown? Out on Film selects a variety of films for our LGBT audiences, including comedies, dramas, romances and documentaries. In addition, we screen multiracial and multi-cultural films. Atlanta’s 24th Annual LGBT Film Festival September 29 - October 6, 2011 Landmark Midtown Art Cinema Where is the event? The majority of films are shown at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta GA 30308. Additional screenings will be held at other local venues. How do I buy tickets? Tickets can be purchased at www.outonfilm.org, the Landmark theater, and online at the Landmark’s website. Please visit www.outonfilm.org for more ticket information. Are there other activities? Yes. Out on Film schedules opening and closing night parties plus events before and after select films, including Q&As with filmmakers. How can I learn more? www.outonfilm.org has complete details about films and schedules, including trailers, special events, and volunteering. ore M Comedy ore M Camp ore M Drama ore M Desire www.outonfilm.org Celebrating Pride at the Movies Circle of Grace Meets at Philip Rush Center 1530 Dekalb Ave. Suite A Atlanta, GA 30307 www.circleofgraceatlanta.org Dozens of Atlanta congregations are gayled or welcome LGBT worshippers. Here are a few to consider. For extensive listings, visit www.thegavoice.com, pull down the “Community” menu, click “Organizations” and choose “Religious.” All Saints Episcopal Church 634 W Peachtree St. NW Atlanta, GA 30308 404-881-0835 www.allsaintsatlanta.org Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road NW Atlanta, GA 30305 404-365-1000 www.stphilipscathedral.org Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 48 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW Atlanta, GA 30304 404-521-1866 www.catholicshrineatlanta.org Central Congregational Church of Christ 2676 Clairmont Road NE Atlanta, GA 30329 404-633-4505 www.central-ucc.org Central Presbyterian Church 201 Washington St. SW Atlanta, GA 30303 404-659-0274 www.cpcatlanta.org Church in the Now 1877 Iris Drive SE Conyers, GA 30013 770-922-5334 www.churchinthenow.org Saint Mark United Methodist Church 781 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-873-2636 www.stmarkumc.org St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church 1790 LaVista Road NE Atlanta, GA 30329 404-634-3336 www.stbartsatlanta.org St. John’s Lutheran Church 1410 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30307, 404-378-4243 www.stjohnsatlanta.org. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 435 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30308 404-873-7600 www.stlukesatlanta.org Tabernacle Baptist Church 475 Boulevard NE Atlanta GA 30308 404-876-3777 tbcatlanta.squarespace.com The Power Center 156 Selig Dr., Atlanta, GA 30336 404-549-6611 www.thepowercenter.org Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta 1911 Cliff Valley Way (off I-85 N Access Road) 404-634-5134 www.uuca.org Unity Fellowship Church 9 Gammon St. Atlanta, GA 30315 404-798-1725 unityfellowshipchurchatl.org Victory for the World Church 1170 N. Hairston Road Stone Mountain, GA 30083 678-476-6000 www.victoryfortheworld.org Virginia-Highland Church 743 Virginia Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-348-4830 www.vhchurch.org Vision Church of Atlanta 704 Ormewood Drive Atlanta, GA 30312 404-622-9470 www.thevisionchurch.org Congregation Bet Haverim Meets at Central Congregational United Church of Christ 2676 Clairmont Road NE Atlanta, GA 30329 404-315-6446 congregationbethaverim.org Decatur United Church of Christ 109 Hibernia Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 404-373-2933 www.decaturucc.org First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta 470 Candler Park Drive NE Atlanta, GA 30307 404-378-5570 www.firstexistentialist.org First MCC of Atlanta 1379 Tullie Road Atlanta, GA 30329 404-325-4143 www.firstmcc.com Gentle Spirit Christian Church Worships in Candler Park Mailing address: 601 West Ponce de Leon Ave. Decatur, GA 30030 404-604-8124 www.gentlespirit.org Oakhurst Baptist Church 222 East Lake Drive Decatur, GA 30030 404-378-3677 www.oakhurstbaptist.org Ormewood Park Presbyterian Church 1071 Delaware Ave. SE Atlanta, GA 30316 404-627-2216 www.ormewoodparkpres.org New Covenant Church of Atlanta 2091 Faulkner Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404-929-1400 www.newcovenantatlanta.com 76 The Perfect Partnership Nalley BMW the LGBT Community Proudly Supports 1606 Church Street Decatur, GA 30033 866-416-8811 www.NalleyBMW.com