ATLANTA — October marks the celebration of Atlanta Pride Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community in the city. At the forefront of youth advocacy is Ayrial King, a passionate housing locator and outreach coordinator determined to ensure young people have the support they need.
King's work impacts lives across the metro area, from organizing as part of the Atlanta Black Pride Festival to providing resources for struggling youth.
A proud graduate of Spelman College, King’s advocacy began during her college years when she became an active member of the Afrekete club and helped push initiatives for greater inclusion for LGBTQIA+ students. Today, she’s a housing locator for veterans and the project lead for Atlanta Black Pride Festival’s youth programming, working to ensure that young people feel seen and supported in their identities.
“So, I’m just getting my feet wet," King said. "Melissa Scott took me under her wing, and I’m learning new experiences, new tricks of the trade when it comes to Atlanta Black Pride."
She’s taken on the responsibility of organizing youth programming for the event—securing payments, finding youth talent, and even setting up the bounce house to make the space more inviting for families.
Though her work is for anyone who resonates with it, King’s efforts largely focus on creating safe, welcoming environments, especially for young people navigating the complexities of being both Black and LGBTQIA+.
“Every year, I find out what I can do better, like making the festival more inclusive and bringing more awareness to it,” King shared. “Like, you don't have to be an LGBT family and your child can be straight. Like we just want you to come.”
But King’s advocacy goes beyond the annual festival.
Through her outreach, she regularly encounters young people facing challenges that extend far beyond social acceptance. One particular moment still stands out to her: a young LGBTQIA+ person struggling with homelessness and a positive HIV diagnosis.
"The program I was working for at the time didn't offer housing, so I took it upon myself. I connected with another resource just so he could have a place to sleep," she added later, "That was just a moment where I feel like I'm in the right place."
King’s passion is deeply rooted in her own experiences. Coming out as a lesbian while attending an all-girls high school came with challenges, but her family offered unwavering support.
“My mom actually already knew." King said. "She said, ‘I kind of had a feeling' because of how you used to look at WWE women wrestlers,’ which is funny,” King said, laughing at the memory.
Today, King is committed to supporting others who may not have the same safety net.
“If your parent doesn't agree with where you are, be okay with that. But make sure they respect where you are. They don't have to like it. They don't have to even come around, but just don't have them saying negative things to you,” King advised.
She’s especially concerned about younger teens who often fall through the cracks.
“We’re missing the age group of 10 to 17, youth who get kicked out but can’t get help because they’re too young. It breaks my heart,” she shared.
For King, the goal is to ensure that no young LGBTQIA+ person feels left behind. She’s building a legacy of representation and support.
“I want to be known as the LGBTQ youth person. I feel like the older advocates sometimes miss certain things, and I want to make sure I’m there for them in a way that really connects,” King said.
As Pride Month continues, King’s work reminds us that true advocacy goes beyond words— it’s about showing up, creating space, and being the person young people can turn to when they need it most.