Out in the Archives
Gender and Sexuality Collections at Georgia State University

Pride

Organized by Georgia’s Gay Liberation Front, Atlanta’s first Pride march took place on June 27, 1971.

“We tried to get a permit from the ACLU. They turned us down flat: we weren’t a minority, they said, and they couldn’t help us. And the city also refused a permit. So we had to have our march down the sidewalks and stop at every light, unless we had the green light, of course. We had, by actual count, 125 people. And I do know that because I was the marshal and counted them myself – twice!”
Berl Boykin, From Stonewall to the Millennium Panel, June 2000

“There was a bunch of us just running downtown. Maria Dolan was in a wheelchair for some reason, and we were all dressed as aliens. And we said, “We deserve our rights.” (laughter) It was so stupid, but we had so much fun. We’re pushing a wheelchair, and she’s going, “Faster! Faster!” Yeah, I loved those early marches. Now they’re like corporate, corporate, corporate.”
Stephanie Miller, December 11, 2015

Newspaper clipping — “The Christopher street story,” Pride March announcement, in the Great Speckled Bird, June 21, 1971
Photograph –Atlanta Pride parade marchers with a sign that reads “It takes a fairy to make something beautiful,” 1977
Photograph — Pride parade participant with a bag over their head and a sign reading “I must cover my face to cover my ass,” 1977
Photograph — Pride parade participant with a sign reading “Born again and proudly gay!” 1977
Photograph — Workers World Party group marching in the Atlanta Pride parade with a sign reading “Gay and straight unite. Smash gay oppression,” 1977
Photograph — Pride parade participant Maria Helena Dolan (in wheelchair), with Stephanie Miller, 1977
Photograph — Digging Dykes of Decatur at Atlanta Pride march
Newspaper clipping — “Gay pride week”, June 26, 1972

Pride Expands

In 1983, the first Dyke March was held during Pride weekend. Today, Pride celebrations also include a Trans March, and a Bi and Pan March (held for the first time in 2019).

Photograph — Participants in the first Atlanta Dyke Parade in Piedmont Park, 1993
Flyer — Atlanta Dyke March 2011
Flyer — Stonewall 2009 Transgender Rights Now March 

Black Pride

Atlanta Black Pride was formed in 1996. Held over Labor Day weekend, it continues to be one of the largest black pride celebrations in the world.

“Pride Celebration wasn’t doing anything for the African-American people: it looked lily white. People of color needed to connect with other people of color to understand that our issues weren’t the same as everyone else’s issues. People think Pride is all about a party. But it’s also about recognizing where you came from, what you need to be proud about, and who in your community or in the world is making accomplishments for people who look like you and talk like you.”
Rickie Smith, March 10, 2017

Program — 2005 Atlanta Black Gay Pride
Logo — “ITLA celebrating the black lesbian/gay bisexual/transgender”
Guide for Atlanta Black Gay Pride
Flyer — “In The Life Atlanta. Celebrating the Black Lesbian/Gay Bisexual/ Transgender Community”. “Get Out And Vote in 2004, Register Today!” 

Southern Fried Queer Pride

Established in 2014, Southern Fried Queer Pride (SFQP) emerged to address the needs of Atlanta-based queer and trans individuals who felt that they were not being represented at the traditional Pride festivals. “SFQP is arts and politically based and serves to provide an annual intersectional and radically inclusive festival.” 

Newspaper clipping — “Southern Fried Queer Pride: Takin’ it Back to Our Roots”, Historically queer portions served at annual festival”