In June of 2021, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms made headlines for signing an executive order into law that required public restrooms across the city to be gender inclusive. In a country where the conversation around inclusive bathrooms is controversial, this move was praised in many quarters as a commitment from the city to protect trans and gender non-binary people. It also didn’t come as a surprise, coming from a city that has been nicknamed a Mecca for Black LGBT+ folks, seeking a place to freely express themselves regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Atlanta has been no stranger to the global conversation around equality for LGBT+ people. It currently attracts many black people from the United States and the African continent, the Caribbean, and the global black diaspora. In 2013, the city earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index and was the 2020 Top Destination City by the Gay Travel Awards. In 2018 and 2019, Atlanta became the only city in the state of Georgia to achieve MEI “All-Star” status for scoring above 85 despite being in a state with no LGBTQ-inclusive state-level protections.
But what is it about the city that is inviting for black LGBT+ folk?
“…a certain degree of freedom and self-expression.”
Obinna Igwe is a Nurse based in Atlanta. Although he is a first-generation Nigerian American raised in Houston, moving to Atlanta played an integral role in fully accepting himself.
“My experience living in Atlanta has been a true journey. Filled with ups and downs, but overall, it has made me the man that I am today.” Obinna shares in a conversation with The Rustin Times. “I reconciled my spirituality and sexual orientation here while exploring what it truly means to learn to love and accept myself wholeheartedly as a black gay man. I have met Afro-Latino, African, Caribbean, and Black American counterparts who are gay, bisexual, and lesbian. I have been so blessed to grow a lot here. I love that the city is unapologetically black and unapologetically gay.”
Growing up in a predominantly African household can affect how people come to terms with their sexuality, but Obinna has made a lot of progress in his personal growth. Part of this, he attributes to living in the city and the experiences that come with it.
“I think what makes this city special for black gay men is that here they have a certain degree of freedom and self-expression rivaling any metropolitan city in the United States (and the rest of the world for that matter). I have attended Atlanta Black Pride events and even been inside grocery stores or the mall and seen two black men look at each other and then approach one another to make that connection. It is crazy to see that happen. I have seen how friends from out of town frequent the city for black gay pride or even just a regular holiday weekend, and I have seen so much growth in them as men. They have become comfortable in their skin just because they’ve been in many places in Atlanta where they feel safe and affirmed as human beings. There are also many opportunities for black gay people to establish friendships, pursue dates, and even get married! I have been to a wedding celebrating two black men loving each other. That is revolutionary!” Obinna added.
“…I knew instantly that I need this community”
For emerging artists like Rob Milton, who is also a part of the LGBT+ community, the city has been crucial in his artistic development. The indie soul singer and journalist has had his music featured on HBO’s Insecure. He has also performed on stages across the United States, including DC’s Howard Theatre and New York City’s famed SOB’s venue. For him, the creative community here is unmatched and can inspire individuals looking to have a career in music.
“You know Atlanta is the Black Mecca, but you don’t get the fullness of it till you get here.” Rob Milton shared in his interview with The Rustin Times. “I did a show here, and it was filled with many creatives and industry people. There was so much love I felt that I knew instantly that I need this community while I am developing myself as an artist.”
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“Atlanta is the city of ALL types of black people. You can go to bible study and a tarot reading, on the same street and all black-owned. There is so much blackness and openness here, so the possibilities are here. We see it as a place of promise for us because you can be successful in Atlanta as a black person.” he added.
Celebration of black queerness
Atlanta Black Pride is one of the biggest pride celebrations for African Americans in the United States. The event that just celebrated its 25th anniversary sees visitors from around the world, come to the city to celebrate with the local community. As part of the 2021 IGLTA Honors, it received the Pathfinder Award – an honor presented to an individual, business, or organization making a significant positive impact on their destination and demonstrating the highest standard of warmth and hospitality to the LGBTQ+ community.
What to do in Atlanta
“It is somewhere I believe everyone should visit once just because it is a pretty unique place,” Kwesi Singleton told The Rustin Times. “It is easy to go to a lot of places. If you like music and art, especially in the spring and summer, there are music festivals you can attend. Plus, we got good wings too.”
An excellent first stop for individuals stopping by the city and looking to experience the culture is the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The museum that was opened to the public in 2014 features exhibitions that tell the stories of brave human rights advocates who have fought for equality not just in the United States but globally.
The LGBTQ+ Institute located in the National Center for Civil and Human Rights documents activists’ work in the movement while using their position to connect academics and advocates to advance LGBTQ equity through research and education. There is a deep sense of pride and reflection that comes from walking through the rooms in the museum and seeing the incredible work that has paved the way for the freedoms we now enjoy.
The Georgia Aquarium, Wolrd of Coca-Cola, and the Centennial Olympic Park are just across the Center. Packed with people from all over the world, these areas provide tourists and locals alike with a sense of pride in the city. Zoo Atlanta is another tourist favorite as the site is packed with various animals, including the only giant panda twins in the United States.
The city also boasts of a vibrant nightlife with various bars, restaurants and clubs focused on LGBT+ people. Whether it is in Midtown or the West End, these spaces showcase people’s diverse talents in the community.
A home for black immigrants
“If I told you the number of black gay immigrants I have met that live here or visit frequently, you would lose your mind!” Obinna shares in his interview, “I remember when I visited my twin brother for the first time after he moved out to Atlanta in 2015, and he introduced me to a small group of Nigerian gay men that he met via Tinder. It was very cool to be a part of experiences and social circles where people enjoyed one another’s company and supported each other. I have been to many house parties, dinners, club events, and so on where I have met many of my Afro-Latino, African, Caribbean, and Black American counterparts who are gay, bisexual, and lesbian. Everything has been mostly positive.”
Whether it is a place to call home or a getaway spot when someone needs a break to prevent burnout, the City of Atlanta and its people are always ready to provide a safe and inclusive space for everyone no matter who they love or how they choose to identify.
“I think that Atlanta has a scene for every black gay person whether they love food, art, sports, music, culture, etc. There are no limits when it comes to living a full life as a black gay person in the city of Atlanta.” Obinna adds.
