When you’re celebrating pride in the South, you need to be dressed for scorching summer heat. With former Fresh Chalk Community Advocate Jordan Cook as your guide to LGBTQ-owned businesses in Atlanta, not only will you find great places to pick up your Pride look, plus food, drinks, and entertainment, you’ll also find incredible resources and organizations that support LGBTQ youth and mental health.
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Truly a much better buzz. I love hard-to-come-by graphic tees. A click on their website—four to be exact—and I found the perfect one for me: the 'Wet As* Peach Tee'.
Whiskey and Rosemary
The cutest curators of the crafted lifestyle. I HAD to order their first scented candle, 'Fire and Chill'. I really appreciate aromas conjured up by femme and queer black noses. That's not all this crew focuses on. They offer cocktail experiences, classes, creative content, community, and more.
Midtown Moon
This place is over the moon! I once was able to volunteer helping provide HIV testing and counseling at a Pride event hosted there. The Midtown Moon team members are so kind, and everyone I know who goes, leaves having had another good and full time.
Out Front Theater Company
I'll just come right out front and say it. Good theater, great company, and even greater story. This gem exists because no theatre in Atlanta specifically catered to LGBTQIA+ audiences before—even though ATL has the largest self-identified LGBTQIA+ population in the Deep South. Feels peachy to have a place to go when you're craving relatable experiences on stage.
MSR - My Sister's Room
This world-renowned haven first sprouted its roots in Atlanta in 1996. It is lesbian-owned and has been since the beginning. Its reputation precedes it because of the warming and welcoming atmosphere it offers ALL who walk in. Drag shows, burlesque, karaoke, comedy—they, too, have a claim in the ATL 'best wings' game.
Katie Leikam, LLC
It takes so much pride and courage to be who you are. To battle anxiety, on the daily. Katie's services offer to help do just that. I'm on the schedule, and I'd strongly consider those in the ATL Queer community who can, to try and access LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming therapy when choosing mental health services.
Las Margaritas
LGBTQ kickoff-hotspot. I've been here for both Atlanta Pride and Atlanta AIDS Walk kickoffs. It's such a fun atmosphere with seating that makes you feel like you're in a crowd amongst friends. Not to mention, the South-American cuisine is to vogue for.
Boy Next Door Menswear
A short open letter from the girl next door: Thanks for being an affirming space for all of the wonderful men in my life. Seriously, dropped off some LGBTQ and gender-affirming care resources here once, and could tell how much they care about their clientele! Especially their style. Guys, go get you some.
Out of the Closet
Literally received my life in here thrifting the other day. Tell Kayla I say hi. Felt like I found $50 worth of glory. Plus, they have a pharmacy available inside with free HIV-testing and counseling. 96 cents of every dollar you spend goes towards HIV programs and services. Cool beans.
Lost n Found Youth
I love how this shelter is set aside for LGBTQ youth access. Services like these are so needed, as a lot of LGBTQ youth experience displacement at one time or another related to their experience. I know this first-hand from stories in various friendships of mine. Shop to support? They have a thrift store!
