Here in Atlanta, we pride ourselves on love, acceptance, and creating a culture where “y’all” includes all, served with a side of good ol’ Southern hospitality. The South gets a bad rap, but we’re here to put the myths to rest. In truth, the South is a vibrant and diverse region to live. Did you know that more LGBTQ people — one in three! — live in the South than any other American region? Of course, there are plenty of nasty people here, just like in any other place, that are full of hate and prejudice (unfortunately, some of them have the power to introduce and make laws), but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to find yourself a place here where you can be loved for who you are. Atlanta is that place.
Our city is one with a rich LGBTQ history, and it’s because of this history and the work of those who came before us that we are able to call ourselves the gay mecca of the South. This history isn’t a pretty one; it is one of tragedy, but it’s also one of triumph. That’s because when something needs to be done, Atlantans get it done.
The South isn’t just home to the most LGBTQ Americans; it’s home to more than half of Black Americans as well. So, we would be remiss if, when discussing the work queer Atlantans have put in to fight for our right to life, freedom, and joy, we didn’t highlight the role Black queer Atlantans have taken on at the forefront of this fight.
In 1980, the Gay Atlanta Minority Association was founded and sponsored a forum called “Black Lesbian/Gay/Transperson Survival in the ‘80s.” Of course, the ‘80s would come to bring tragedy that would threaten the survival of LGBTQ Atlantans for decades to come. In 1981, what would later become known as HIV first came to public awareness through a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report. Even today, Black LGBTQ people are disproportionately impacted by HIV.
Out of this tragedy, though, emerged Black LGBTQ organizations dedicated to creating community and bolstering solidarity in the face of adversity. These organizations include ZAMI NOBLA, Second Sunday, Southerners on New Ground, Brothers Back 2 Back, and In the Life Atlanta.
LGBTQ activists, particularly Black activists and other people of color, have made Atlanta — and Georgia —a household name nationwide with their dedication to not only LGBTQ issues, but racial and gender equality, combatting police brutality, the eradication of HIV, advocating for voting rights, and more. They are truly the backbone not only of this city, but this state and country. As you peruse both this travel guide and our beautiful city, know that both are what they are only because of the work of these individuals, now and throughout history.
Georgia Voice is proud to produce Destination Gay Atlanta, a travel guide with everything you need to know about exploring the city: where to shop, what to eat, where to stay, what to do… everything. We’re dedicated to providing Atlanta’s visitors and locals alike with the most up-to-date and LGBTQ-friendly guide to exploring our beautiful city.
For those new here, Georgia Voice is the oldest and largest LGBTQ publication in Atlanta with roots tracing back to the ‘80s, a period rife with LGBTQ activism. When this publication was launched, it was with the mission of fighting to be a voice of gay Atlanta, and we continue this mission today. We pride ourselves on creating a safe haven for all Georgians and those around the region and country who want to experience a taste of Southern culture without fear.
As Georgia Voice continues to cover the issues affecting our community, locally and nationally, we’d like to take on a journey back in time to see how our state and city have evolved over the years.
Georgia’s LGBTQ History
In 1817, Georgia enacted its first anti-sodomy law. A few years later, in 1833, the law was expanded to outlaw “carnal knowledge and connection against the order of nature by man with man, or in the same unnatural manner with woman.” The punishment? A sentence of life imprisonment with labor.
The law existed for more than 50 years before the U.S. Supreme Court heard and overturned Georgia’s first-ever conviction of sodomy in 1884. However, the law was still in place. In 1949, the penalty was reduced to one to 10 years in prison, something Michael Hardwick faced after being caught having consensual sex with his partner after the police raided his home on a warrant for failing to appear in court on a charge of public drinking. The warrant was deemed invalid because Hardwick had already paid the fine, and Hardwick challenged the anti-sodomy law in court, deeming it an infringement on his right to privacy.
In 1986, the Supreme Court finally ruled in Powell v. State that an individual’s right to privacy trumped the law, effectively making homosexuality legal in Georgia. After fear of arrest was eliminated for LGBTQ Georgians, LGBTQ presence in Atlanta and beyond grew exponentially — and with it, LGBTQ activism.
Now that you’ve got a crash course in Georgia LGBTQ history, it’s time to see what Atlanta and our surrounding communities have to offer while you’re here in our great city! We’re so glad to have you here, enjoy y’all!
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