Global Black Pride (GBP) is set to be hosted in Atlanta this year. This decision marks the first-ever host city in the United States. People are understandably very excited for the event due to its celebration of Black members of the LGBTQIA + community. But there is also a buzz for travelers to check out Atlanta. The city is already considered a Black mecca and (unofficial) queer capital. This means that Global Black Pride should be exceptional this year due to its location.
Technically, it is only the second time that the event has been held in person since in Toronto in 2022. Although many different prides are celebrated year-round, this Pride event is incredibly significant on a multicultural level. This is because attendees get to engage with others in the community with vastly different backgrounds. Locals and travelers alike are anticipating Global Black Pride to be the event of the summer season that attracts travelers in droves.
Global Black Pride
Global Black Pride is a global platform that was founded in 2020. It celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community. GBP is the first global Pride organization for the Black community and the world’s largest Black Pride event. The non-profit serves the community by educating, empowering, and advocating for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people. Its initiatives aim to celebrate Black culture and provide platforms for activists and other community-based efforts on a large scale. But this mission extends beyond the Global Black Pride event. The organization provides support to the Black LGBTQIA+ community all year.
The Schedule for the Celebration
The upcoming Global Black Pride event is scheduled to happen during the summer. From Aug. 27 to Sept. 2, travelers can participate in the Pride festivities. While the timing of specific events has yet to be announced, travelers can check Global Black Pride’s website for updates. Events for Global Black Pride are expected to last all day and be located in the central areas of Atlanta. Since the dates for Global Black Pride have been announced, travelers should try to book their accommodations early. This will help travelers avoid last-minute price increases and plan activities as more details are publicized.
What Can Travelers Expect From GBP?
While the event lineup has not been completely solidified, attendees can expect Black Pride kickoff parties, political leader events, festivals, and empowerment brunches organized for the weeklong event. Even the iconic My Sister’s Room (MSR), Atlanta’s number-one lesbian bar, is hosting an event as an official welcome for Global Black Pride visitors. Atlanta’s nightlife, art, fashion, and even culinary scenes will come to life for this celebration of communal Pride.
But these events are not everyone’s cup of tea, depending on a visitor’s preferences. Travelers who want to attend a kickback in the city for Pride are in luck. ALT ATL is a popular Atlanta-based organization that was founded by Black queer friends that saw the need for a diverse community. They are popular for hosting unique events and activations throughout the year for Black members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The city of Atlanta has Black queer communities that visitors of Global Black Pride can appreciate.
Pride visitors will have plenty of things to do while in Atlanta. Supporting Black queer artisans and shops is a great way to explore while out on the town. Travelers can also check out exhibits by Black queer artists. Don’t forget to head to the famous rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue for a popular Pride photo opportunity.
How To Get Around Atlanta During Global Black Pride
There are sure to be many different activities occurring during GBP so travelers should account for getting around the city. Every Pride event is not guaranteed to be within walking distance of each other since the Atlanta metro is a bit spread out by nature. For one, locals and travelers should expect traffic when they visit Atlanta for Global Black Pride. Atlanta is already a bustling city with a somewhat walkable central area.
The public transportation in Atlanta is not considered top-notch. Despite this, visitors to the city should be able to operate the MARTA system relatively easily. Throughout Atlanta, there are MARTA buses, trains, and para-transit vehicles. Other than the somewhat sparse public transportation, many people use ridesharing apps to get around. Travelers should be prepared to pay for parking in the city if they rent a car. They may even have to deal with higher ridesharing prices (especially at night or during rush hour).
