As state legislatures increasingly pass anti-LGBTQ+ bills, Athens kicked off the start of Pride Month with its 2023 Pride Parade.
Hosted by the Athens Pride + Queer Collective (APQC,) the parade marched through Downtown Athens and ended in a festival of live music, food trucks, and community resources. Many attendees called the event an act of resistance against discriminatory legislation. APQC’s President Danielle Bonanno said the event united queer Athenians against prejudice.
Several organizations tabled in support of the queer community, ranging from several local churches to a drag performance group.
Kellie Divine, Show Director of Athens Showgirl Cabaret, said this year’s event provided queer attendees a safe space in Athens.
Saturday’s event was the city’s second annual Pride Parade. Its host, APQC, provides queer Athenians with year-round support, including a Trans Surgery Scholarship and several support groups.
