A personal perspective

To avoid the summer heat, Atlanta doesn’t host their Pride festival until October – the 12th and 13th this year – but if you can’t wait the five months until then, there are Pride festivals, parades, and events across the state, region, and country happening this month that will whet your appetite until then! Georgia Fervid Camraderie: Kiara Gilbert Exhibition  June 12-29 Hapeville Depot Museum Kiara Gilbert highlights the power of the queer community in South Fulton through an art show that features original, hand-printed pieces that reflect the strength of the local queer scene. They strive to incorporate Black LGBTQ history from the area, such as queer changemakers, and nightlife. Learn more at hapevilledepot.org/whats-on.  Gwinnett Stripers Pride Night  June 14, 7:05pm Coolray Field Join the Gwinnett Stripers as they celebrate the LGBTQ community and take on the Nashville Sounds for their fourth annual Pride Night. Purchase a Pride Pack and receive a Field Box ticket and a Stripers Pride Cap at fevo-enterprise.com/event/2024pride6.   Augusta Pride June 21-23 Augusta Common Enjoy the free main event with speakers, entertainers, music, and vendors before winding down with sponsor-hosted pool parties at the Metropolis Complex, the largest gay resort in the Southeast! Learn more at prideaugusta.org.  Smyrna Pride  June 22, noon to 6pm Smyrna Market Village Join Smyrna is Fabulous for the only Pride Festival in Cobb County! They will be covering Smyrna Market Village in rainbows with the help of 38 LGBTQ vendors, entertainment, and more. Learn more at smyrnaisfabulous.org.  Rome Pride  June 28-30 Ridge Ferry Park Rome Pride celebrates their third annual Pride with a kick-off party with drag, an artisan and vendor market, a march and parade, a Pride church service, and more! Learn more at romegapride.com/test.  Southeast New Orleans Pride June 7-9 Citywide – New Orleans, LA One of the most exciting annual traditions at New Orleans Pride is PrideFest, a block party