Finding strength in community: Resources for LGBTQ+ individuals in Atlanta

For Simone Bell (she/her), a revered lesbian community activist and the first Black ‘out’ elected official for the state House in the country, living your truth is one of life's most essential liberties.

"Once you can get to the point where you can live out, proud and loud, it just lifts a burden off of you," Bell said.  "You get to be honest about every aspect of your life, and people really get to know the real you."

Lesbians in Atlanta have access to various resources that provide community building and help foster a stronger sense of self. These welcoming spaces aim to empower women by helping them connect, discover their voices, and advocate for their health and well-being. 

• Charis Books & More: A feminist bookstore in Little Five Points offering workshops, reading groups, and advocacy events, providing a safe space for lesbian women.

• ZAMI NOBLA (National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging): Dedicated to older Black lesbians, offering health advocacy, social support, and educational programs.

• Les Go Hiking: A hiking group creating space for lesbian/bi women in & around Atlanta to "vibe and connect while embracing nature."

RELATED: ‘We have a right to live freely’: Two LGBTQIA+ women in Atlanta share their historical stories for pride

In Atlanta, gay men can benefit from a variety of organizations that provide vital health services, creative outlets, and community connections. These groups not only help foster pride and awareness around health issues but also provide the emotional and social support that many people need.

• Out Front Theatre Company: A performing arts organization that highlights LGBTQ+ stories, focusing on gay and queer narratives.

• AID Atlanta: A leading provider of HIV/AIDS testing, prevention, and counseling services dedicated to the health and well-being of gay individuals.

• Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus: A celebrated choral group that fosters unity and pride through music, offering performances that highlight LGBTQ+ voices and promote inclusivity in the arts.

For Princess Jauan Durbin (he/him), the importance of mentorship and community as a gay male was life-changing. 

"Within my journey in becoming a youth activist and a youth leader, I really had to learn how to advocate for myself and then also teach other young people how to advocate for themselves," Durbin said. 

Bisexual people in Atlanta have access to various resources that focus on creating welcoming environments where their identities are respected and embraced. These organizations play a crucial role in making sure bi+ folks don’t feel overlooked or invisible. They provide community events, advocacy, and peer support, all aimed at fostering connection and understanding. For bisexual people, these spaces offer a safe haven—a place to connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges. 

• Bi+ Georgia: A community organization that supports bisexual, pansexual, and fluid individuals through advocacy, education, and social events, promoting visibility and inclusivity across Georgia.

• Southern Fried Queer Pride (SFQP): Celebrates queer and trans people of color, with a strong focus on bi+ visibility through arts, cultural events, and workshops.

• The Annual Bi and Pan March: As part of Atlanta Pride, the vibrant event celebrates and advocates for the visibility and rights of bisexual and pansexual individuals, fostering community support and awareness through a lively parade and educational activities.

Transgender and nonbinary individuals in Atlanta face unique challenges, but there are many organizations dedicated to supporting them.

While “transgender” generally refers to people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth, nonbinary individuals—those who don’t exclusively identify as male or female—often fall under the transgender umbrella. 

However, it’s crucial to recognize that some nonbinary people may not identify as transgender, and organizations should respect this diversity. 

In Atlanta, resources are available that cater specifically to the needs of both transgender and nonbinary individuals, offering safe spaces, legal guidance, and affirming healthcare to make sure that everyone feels supported and understood.

• Trans Housing Atlanta Program (THAP): Provides emergency shelter, housing assistance, and long-term housing solutions for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people.

• TRANScending Barriers Atlanta: An advocacy organization dedicated to empowering transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals through resources, support, and community engagement to promote social justice and equality.

• Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative: A grassroots organization focused on addressing the root causes of criminalization in marginalized communities, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color, through advocacy, education, and community-based solutions.

For those who identify as queer or are questioning their sexual or gender identity, Atlanta offers a variety of resources to help with self-exploration and community building. These organizations focus on creating safe spaces where people can explore their identities without fear of judgment. 

• Lost-N-Found Youth: A non-profit organization offering shelter, job training, and emotional support for queer youth experiencing homelessness.

Alize Baker’s story is one that shines a light on the importance of community resources like Lost-N-Found Youth. After being referred to the organization, Alize, who identifies as bisexual, found the shelter and support she desperately needed. 

Now working at the thrift store that funds Lost-N-Found’s services, she says, “I am so thankful that I put on this uniform with pride."

• Georgia Equality: Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, providing educational resources, legal guidance, and advocacy training for queer and questioning individuals.

• PFLAG Atlanta: Provides resources, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, promoting acceptance and understanding through peer support and outreach initiatives.

The "+" in LGBTQ+ stands for a range of identities, including intersex, asexual, and gender-nonconforming individuals, all of whom encounter their own set of challenges. In Atlanta, there are dedicated resources for those who don’t neatly fit into traditional gender or sexual orientation categories. These organizations focus on advocacy, education, and creating safe spaces for everyone across the broader spectrum of gender and sexual identities.

• Trans(forming) Atlanta: A membership-based organization led by and for Trans, Intersex, Gender non-conforming and Non-Binary persons who were wrongfully assigned female at birth.

• Asexual Outreach: A community space for asexual individuals, offering online peer support groups, discussions, and educational events.

• LGBTQ+ Institute at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights: Focuses on intersectionality within the LGBTQ+ community, offering advocacy opportunities and educational resources for individuals with diverse identities.

• Atlanta Pride: Georgia's oldest non-profit agency serving the LGBTQ community and serves as an advocate of, and resource to, gender and sexually diverse communities in Atlanta and the Southeastern United States.

Allyship and support

Allyship can make a big difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ people, offering essential support and protection. Allies, especially parents and close friends, play a crucial role in providing love and acceptance. Supporting LGBTQ+ individuals isn’t just about standing up for them in public—it’s about creating a safe space at home and within communities. Being there for someone can help them navigate a world that sometimes feels unwelcoming.

Cedric Pulliam, a global public health and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, highlights the importance of having a supportive community.

“I think it's important that you have a tribe and a village, no matter where you are,” he said. Pulliam believes that having people who care for and understand you can be lifesaving, especially for those facing challenges related to their identity.

For parents, Pulliam believes family support can go a long way in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.

"It's really always so important for parents and communities to uplift LGBTQ+ youth," he explained in an interview with 11Alive's Neima Abdulahi. He describes family love and protection as the "first piece of armor" that helps kids face challenges in life.

For those in Atlanta looking to become better allies, there are resources to help:

• Georgia Tech Atlanta LGBTQ+ Resource Page: offers a comprehensive list of services and support systems for both LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.

• Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Allies Page: offers resources and guidance for individuals looking to support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community effectively.

• PFLAG Atlanta: provides support for families, allies, and people who are LGBTQ+, helping them grow stronger together.

These resources can help allies learn how to offer the kind of support that Cedric talks about—building a strong, loving community for LGBTQ+ people.

This glossary offers essential definitions related to LGBTQ+ identities and terms, helping to build understanding and respect both within the community and beyond. 

By clarifying these terms, 11Alive hopes to nurture a more inclusive environment that honors the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities. Knowing this language is crucial for allyship and advocacy, as it encourages awareness and acceptance of everyone.

• Ally: A term used to describe someone who is supportive of LGBTQIA+ individuals and the community, either personally or as an advocate. 

• Asexual: A person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others.

• Bisexual: A person attracted to more than one gender.

• Cisgender: A person whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth.

• Gay: A person, often a man, who is attracted to individuals of the same gender.

• Gender Nonconforming: A person whose gender expression differs from societal expectations based on their assigned gender.

• Intersex: A person born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female.

• Lesbian: A woman who is attracted to other women.

• Nonbinary: A person who does not exclusively identify as male or female.

• Pansexual: A person attracted to people regardless of their gender identity.

• Queer: An inclusive term for sexual orientations and gender identities that are not heterosexual or cisgender.

• Transgender: A person whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth.

• Two-Spirit: A term some Indigenous cultures use to describe a person embodying both masculine and feminine qualities or fulfilling a unique gender role.

 For a full glossary, visit PFLAG's website.