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Athens Pride & Queer Collective Presents Second Annual Parade

Credit: Sarah White

Dedicated to building a more inclusive environment and uplifting marginalized voices, the Athens Pride & Queer Collective has made significant strides over the past year towards its mission of advancing equity, affirmation, diversity and wellness for queer populations in Northeast Georgia. The organization, which was formally established through a merger of Athens Pride and Athens Queer Collective in 2022, supports historically marginalized communities through a variety of events and initiatives focused on education, advocacy and celebration surrounding LGBTQ+ culture. Its inaugural Athens Pride Parade held last summer, which will return to downtown this weekend, was an exciting and joyful celebration that brought together the community. 

“The event served as a powerful manifestation of unity, fostering a profound feeling of community and offering a space where individuals could experience love and affirmation,” says board president Danielle Bonanno.

A recent major milestone for the organization was the official launch of a Trans Healthcare Scholarship designed to alleviate financial barriers faced by individuals within the local trans community as they pursue gender-affirming healthcare. Recognizing the challenges of navigating life with extremely limited medical resources available in the region, this new program seeks to address these critical gaps in health care. Within its first year, APQC successfully raised sufficient funds to grant three recipients with scholarships for their gender-affirming surgeries. 

Sarah Ann White

“By providing financial support to individuals who face barriers to accessing gender-affirming care, we aim to ensure that transgender individuals can access the health care they need to live authentically,” says Bonanno. “This scholarship program exemplifies our dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by the transgender community and fostering a more equitable and affirming society.”

Last weekend at the 40 Watt Club, APQC hosted a drag show called Operation: Transformation! that raised a total of $13,000 to support the fund. Applications for the second round of scholarships will open in January, and anyone who has faced barriers in accessing gender-affirming care, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured, are encouraged to apply. 

The Trans Healthcare Scholarship is just one of several programs currently underway that support APQC’s mission. Last year, the organization conducted the first-ever LGBTQ community needs assessment in Northeast Georgia, a comprehensive survey that collected invaluable insights to inform future goals and priorities. Currently, the APQC is hoping to establish a physical community space to host gatherings and support group meetings and foster a deeper sense of belonging and empowerment. 

The second annual Athens Pride Parade will kick off at the corner of Washington and Hull streets promptly at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 3. The route will turn left onto Clayton Street, left onto College Avenue and right onto Hancock Avenue before culminating at the Classic Center’s 440 Foundry Pavilion. Running until 6 p.m., festivities there will include music by DJ Gregory and Sarah Mootz, performances by The League of Step and Canopy Studio, food trucks, kids’ activities and representatives from community resources. 

APQC will then join the Athens Burn Consortium for a Post-Parade Pride Dance Party at Little Kings Shuffle Club from 5 p.m.–12 a.m. In addition to belly dancing and fire performance arts, the event includes sets by Very Geary, Selah Samarah, Dick Loverboy, Catte Vest, Typhon and Shakti Sound. 

“One aspect that fills me with anticipation is witnessing the tremendous growth of our community’s visibility and support,” says Bonanno. “It’s a powerful feeling to see more and more allies joining us in this important event, marching alongside us and demonstrating their commitment to equality and inclusivity. The increasing presence of organizations, businesses and community members standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community is truly inspiring.”

Several other events will be held this weekend in celebration of Pride. On Thursday, June 1 at 11 a.m., the Pride Flag will be raised above City Hall in partnership with the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government. On Friday, June 2 at 9 p.m., APQC will host LOUD: A Pride Anthem Drag Show at Akademia Brewing Company. In addition to drag performances by Sadé Vidalle, Mama Faux, Lulu Mintaka, Jacqueline Daniels, Cola Fizz, Delerea Dae and Karmella Macchiato, Akademia will release “So Queer, No Fear,” a special fruity ale benefitting APQC. 

On June 3 from 3–8 p.m., Terrapin Beer Co. will donate a portion of proceeds from its Love is Love beer to LGBTQ+ organizations. That night at Hendershot’s from 8–11 p.m., Athens Showgirl Cabaret will present Drag For All, an all-ages performance featuring Kellie Divine, Jean Sparx, Alice D, Billy Jean, Kai Hudson and several other entertainers. The weekend will close out with a Pride Tie-Dye Party & Queer Trivia at Athentic Brewing Co. on Sunday, June 4 from 3–7 p.m. 

“What I am truly most excited about is the overwhelming sense of love, acceptance, and belonging that permeates the atmosphere of the Pride Parade,” says Bonanno. “It is a moment where we can come together as a community, celebrate our identities, and be surrounded by people who genuinely embrace and support us for who we are.”

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