????️ Rest in power, Miss Major

Post-Pride bliss 

Oct. 16 — I don’t know about you, but I’m still recovering from spending the weekend celebrating at Atlanta Pride. It was an absolute treat to meet so many of you at the Georgia Voice booth in Piedmont Park and to see the throngs lining Peachtree Street for the parade. If you’re a new Crosswalk subscriber, welcome aboard! 

And now a few news briefs: 

 Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, the iconic transgender activist who took part in the Stonewall Riots, died Monday at age 78. Miss Major fought for Black trans women, trans women of color, and those who survived incarceration and police brutality. She was also an early voice and mobilizer for those with HIV/AIDS in the 1980s and was a mentor to trans people in prison. Rest in power. 

Another “No Kings” protest is set to mobilize millions nationwide on Saturday, Oct. 18, in defiance of the Trump administration. Rallies are taking place around the state, including Atlanta, Savannah, Columbus, Augusta, Athens, Statesboro, Rome, and many more cities. Find a rally near you.

Savannah Pride Center reports that a man tore down a Pride flag and made violent threats toward people attending its Queer Job Fair on Oct. 4. However, the police said they did not consider the incident a “credible threat.”  Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham penned an op-ed for the Voice about a million Georgians potentially losing their health insurance if Congress doesn’t extend tax credits before the end of the year.

After pulling her exhibition from the National Portrait Gallery over the Trump administration’s anti-trans censorship, Amy Sherald’s “American Sublime” will be on view at the High Museum of Art in 2026.

Early voting is underway through Oct. 30 for municipal elections across Georgia, as well as the Georgia Public Service Commission seats. The general election is Nov. 4. Find voting locations here. 

People have the power, 
Collin

Who says the office can’t be fun? Inspired by Dolly Parton’s hit movie, 9 to 5 The Musical is full of friendship and unforgettable songs! At Out Front Theatre from Oct. 23 – Nov. 8, Reserve your tickets here! SPONSOR MESSAGE

Thousands turn out for Atlanta Pride celebration

Georgia Voice and our parent company, Rough Draft Atlanta, were one of the sponsors of this past weekend’s Atlanta Pride celebration. Thousands turned out for fun and entertainment in Piedmont Park and lined Peachtree Street for the parade. 

Flo Milli, Bob the Drag Queen, Bentley Robles, and Perfume Genius were just some of the special guest entertainers over the weekend, while local businesses, nonprofits, restaurants, and social organizations were meeting the community in the park. 

 See photos and video from the weekend at our website and on Instagram.

Voices of Pride

 On These Shoulders We Stand: Early roots of Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ movement

 Reeling in the Years: A story of civil disobedience in Washington D.C. 

 That’s What She Said: More voices for the community

Savor the World in Chamblee

SPONSORED BY DISCOVER DEKALB

 In Chamblee, authenticity is always celebrated. The city welcomes creative expression, global tastes, and the rich spirit of inclusion. From world-class restaurants to cultural celebrations and our proud presence in the Atlanta Pride Parade, Chamblee is a community that welcomes every identity and all stories.

Come discover the city’s international cuisine, welcoming locals, and art, which will leave you inspired.

 Visit Chamblee, where every plate and every person is worthy of celebration.

Trans advocates slam SB 185 as cruel and unusual punishment

Contributor Zoey Laird takes a closer look at the repercussions of Senate Bill 185, which bans gender affirming care for inmates in Georgia’s prisons and jails.

Signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp in May, the ban is currently on hold while lawsuits from trans prisoners and advocates play out in court. 

Emily Early, associate director of the Center for Constitutional Rights Southern Regional Office, called the law and its backers “cruel and unusual and heartless” in their drive to “eliminate” trans people.

 Read the full report here.

Max Parker talks stepping into military shoes on ‘Boots’

Out actor Max Parker began his audition process for the new Netflix series “Boots” over Zoom – and didn’t meet anyone in person until the eighth round.

At first, the scripts he received were light on detail. But the more scripts came his way, the more he was convinced that Sergeant Robert “Bobby” Sullivan was a character he really needed to play. 

“I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to dive into that as well as play a queer character, something I have wanted to do,” Parker (pictured right) said in a recent interview with Georgia Voice contributor Jim Farmer.

Based on the memoir “The Pink Marine” by Greg Cope White, “Boots” is the story of a teenager who joins the military with his straight best friend in the ‘90s. He quickly realizes it’s not the best place to be, especially as a gay man in the pre-“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

 Read the full interview here. 

FILM REVIEW

Sammie Purcell sings the praises of Bill Condon’s adaptation of “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (and especially queer actor Tonatiuh) for its return to the lavish style of the old Hollywood musical.

Best Bets

 Ideas Festival Emory is Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Oxford College campus, featuring a day of scientists, scholars, musicians, filmmakers, and other creative minds. Musician Rosanne Cash will give the keynote address. 

Lesbian comic and actor Fortune Feimster is bringing her “Taking Care of Biscuits” comedy tour to Atlanta Symphony Hall on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m.

Charis Books & More in Decatur welcomes Jason Ezell in conversation with Yarrow Koning on Friday, Oct. 17, for a discussion of “For a Spell: Sissie Collectivism and Radical Witchery in the Southeast.”

 Check out our Instagram stories @thegeorgiavoice for even more events from around the state.

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