Atlanta Pride Spotlight: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Resilience and Sexual Health with StopHIVATL
OCTOBER 18, 2023, ATLANTA, GA — As we conclude 2023’s Atlanta Pride Festival, StopHIVATL is proud to share a special spotlight issue highlighting the intersection of Pride and sexual health. We celebrate the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirm our commitment to promoting inclusivity.
Atlanta Pride 2023: A Time to Celebrate Resilience
Atlanta Pride is more than a colorful parade and festivities. It’s an opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude toward the brave individuals who paved the way for queer rights, especially in the American South. Atlanta Pride is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse community that thrives here in Atlanta today, and it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality, visibility, and acceptance.
This year, we paid tribute to the enduring spirit of the LGBTQ+ community and celebrated the progress made while acknowledging the challenges that still lie ahead. Attendees enjoyed a fun-filled weekend featuring live performances, educational workshops, and community events promoting awareness and inclusivity.
The Connection Between Pride and Sexual Health
Sexual health is vital to overall well-being, and individuals must have access to safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental resources and information. At StopHIVATL, we recognize the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community concerning sexual health.
That’s why we are dedicated to providing a supportive and confidential environment for individuals residing in Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Cobb Counties. We aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their sexual health and ensure everyone has access to the care they need.
Why is Atlanta Pride in October?
Atlanta’s Pride Festival hasn’t mirrored other U.S. cities in a number of years. The event was temporarily relocated from Piedmont Park in 2008 due to a drought. However, it returned to the park in 2009, but this time in October. This change became permanent in 2010, as it was held to coincide with National Coming Out Day.
The Stonewall Riots that occurred in June 1969 marked the beginning of the gay rights movement. Typically, organizations and municipalities celebrate LGBTQ+ pride in June, which is National Pride Month, as a tribute to the people who fought for their rights during those tumultuous days.
StopHIVATL’s Commitment to LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
StopHIVATL is a nonprofit organization that promotes judgment-free harm reduction, inclusive sexual health education and resources, sex positivity, and accessible community health engagement. We are sex-positive and inclusive of all genders, sexual orientations, and bodies.
Everyone deserves access to essential sexual health resources, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. Our services are supported and guided by queer people. They include:
- Confidential Testing: We offer HIV and STI testing services in an inclusive, judgment-free environment. Knowing your status is the first step to taking control of your sexual health.
- PrEP: Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a highly effective prescription medication for preventing HIV transmission. StopHIVATL offers Atlanta-based resources, information, and referrals to access PrEP.
- Treatment Resources: For Atlantans living with HIV, we connect you with treatment options and support services to help ensure you live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.
- Community Engagement: StopHIVATL actively participates in community events and initiatives throughout metro Atlanta to foster community, belonging, and sexual health.
- Safe Spaces: We provide a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals to seek information and support without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Together, we can create a world where sexual health is a right for all, and Pride is a year-round celebration of love and acceptance.
About StopHIVATL: StopHIVATL is an organization that advocates for harm reduction, sexual health, sex positivity, and health engagement. They offer a wide variety of inclusive, non-judgmental information and resources related to sexual health, drug user safety, Mpox, community events, and more. The testing, prevention (PrEP), and treatment resources that StopHIVATL provides are confidential, secure, and accessible to anyone residing in Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Cobb Counties.
Want to learn more about StopHIVATL’s mission and services? Visit www.stophivatl.org
