This stunning southern city is home to a thriving and diverse gay community. Whether you like fine arts, festivals, eclectic restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, history, outdoor recreation, or all of the above, Atlanta truly has something for everyone. It’s not hard to see why Atlanta has been declared the “Gay Capital of the South”.
Atlanta began as a railroad town, a city initially established at the end of the Western & Atlantic Railroad Line in 1837. It was named Atlanta after the railroad, and it remains a quickly growing city and thriving transportation hub even today. Widely known as the capital city of the Southeast, Atlanta is simultaneously a thriving modern-day metropolis, yet also a city of Civil War history, with strong ties to its past. During the Civil War, Atlanta served as a distribution hub for the Confederacy, until in 1864, Sherman and the Union troops set it on fire and destroyed much of the city. Despite this, Atlanta rebuilt and has continued to grow rapidly since that time, becoming home to many major businesses. Atlanta now has a thriving art and cultural scene, comprised of many diverse neighborhoods, each with their own personality and character.
A Few Fun Facts About Atlanta
Check out more fun facts about Atlanta here.
The LGBTQ Community in Atlanta
Atlanta has a very diverse, thriving, and incredibly welcoming LGTBQ community. A few of only many community groups and resources available include:
PFLAG Atlanta is Atlanta’s chapter of PFLAG National. PFLAG is a national support, education, and advocacy organization for LGBTQ people, as well as their families, friends, and allies. It is the largest grassroots-based family organization of its kind, with over 200,000 members and supporters, and local organizations in more than 500 communities across the United States, and abroad.
The Health Initiative provides education, advocacy, support, and improved access to care to Georgia’s LGBTQ community. It is the largest non-profit organization in the southeast that is dedicated solely to the health and wellness of LGBTQ people.
Georgia Equality’s mission is advancing fairness, safety, and opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and their allies throughout the state.
The Phillip Rush Center, established in 2008 is a community meeting space for a variety of LGBTQ organizations in Atlanta, including, among others, The Health Initiative, Georgia Equality, and Atlanta Pride.
Atlanta Weather – Experience All Four Seasons
Atlanta has a temperate, humid, subtropical climate, which means that residents will experience all four seasons – beautiful leaves changing color in the fall, flowers blooming in the spring, hot summers, and chilly winters. It has consistently hot and humid summers from June through September, with temperatures regularly reaching up to 90°, and cooler winters from November through early March, with temperatures averaging about 53°. July is typically the hottest month, and January the coldest, with occasional snow and ice storms.
Events You Won’t Want to Miss
The Atlanta Pride Festival, typically held in October, is the largest pride festival and celebration in the Southeast. Including numerous parades, events, and parties, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss!
Out on Film is one of the oldest LGBTQ film festivals the country. It celebrates cinema by, for, and about the LGBTQ community. Its mission is to showcase emerging artists, create a sense of community, and create a transformative forum.
Atlanta is considered to be somewhat of an epicenter for African-American gays, and it is known for holding one of the biggest Black Pride festivals in the world each year from the end of August through the beginning of September.
The Best Neighborhoods in Atlanta
Atlanta is a city known for having a wide variety of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique flavor and personality. Here are only a few of many of the neighborhoods which are welcoming to LGTBQ people:
Midtown is considered by many to be Atlanta’s original gayborhood. The intersection of 10th and Piedmont Avenue is considered to be the heart of Midtown. It is known to be the core of LGTBQ life and the cultural hub of Atlanta, as well as the home for much of Atlanta’s gay nightlife. The median sales price of a home in Midtown is currently about $327,400.
Grant Park is the city’s largest historical district, and Cabbagetown, very nearby, is a place where industrial roots meet the modern age for a trendy, eclectic feel. Both have plenty of gay and lesbian-owned shops and restaurants, and thriving, welcoming LGBTQ communities. The median price of homes currently listed in Grant Park is $420,000.
Decatur is widely considered to be the most politically progressive part of Atlanta and is consistently ranked among the top ten cities with the highest percentage of same-sex couples according to U.S. Census data. With both a rich history and a progressive vibe, Decatur is a wonderful neighborhood to call home. The median sales price of a home in Decatur is currently about $413,000.
Ready to look at some "for sale" homes in Atlanta? Connect with a top Atlanta Gay Realtor today!
Atlanta Arts and Entertainment
A former movie palace, the Fox is iconic Atlanta and hosts more than 300 performances yearly. With so many shows to choose from, everyone is certain to find something they love.
Out Front Theatre is Atlanta’s only LGBTQ theater company, and its self-described mission is, “[T]o strengthen the LGBTQIA+ community in Georgia by exploring and celebrating the universal human experience through the lens of gender and sexuality.”
Parks and Recreation
The World of Coca-Cola is a museum showcasing the history of the Coca-Cola Company, which was founded in Atlanta. In addition to learning fascinating history about Coca-Cola and Atlanta, guests can participate in a variety of interactive exhibits, and sample over 100 beverages from around the world, at this state-of-the-art, 20-acre complex.
Centennial Olympic Park is iconic Atlanta – a 22-acre greenspace in the heart of downtown that now commemorates the legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games, held in Atlanta. Whether you’re cooling off and enjoying the Fountain of the Rings, walking, skating, or simply enjoying the sunshine, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.
Atlanta Nightlife
Woofs is Atlanta’s only gay sports bar. In addition to simply being a fun place to hang, Woof’s is very involved in the LGBTQ community, and regularly hosts charity events for local LGBTQ organizations, as well as welcoming the local Atlanta queer sports teams.
Mary’s is one of the most celebrated gay bars in Atlanta. Named one of the top 50 gay bars in the world by “Out” magazine, you won’t want to miss it.
