Atlanta, GA, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta Pride has revealed the Grand Marshals and events for the upcoming festival and parade, themed ‘Rooted in Resistance.’ This theme highlights the activist history of Pride, showcasing the ongoing struggle for equality within the LGBTQ+ community. The selected Grand Marshals represent significant contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy and education. The festival weekend will feature various activities, including a wellness zone, drag performances, and a parade, aiming to blend celebration with activism.
Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Pride has announced its Grand Marshals and events for the highly anticipated 2025 festival and parade, themed “Rooted in Resistance.” This theme pays homage to the activist history of Pride, emphasizing the ongoing fight for equality and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Grand Marshals selected for 2025 include a diverse group of individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Chris McCain, Executive Director of Atlanta Pride, noted that these Grand Marshals represent a wide range of impactful work within the community, highlighting the importance of their efforts towards advocacy and education.
Among the honorees is the Georgia LGBTQ History Project, which is dedicated to preserving Georgia’s LGBTQ+ past through advocacy, education, and archiving personal narratives. This initiative plays a crucial role in honoring the history and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in the state.
The LGBTQ+ Institute at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights will celebrate its tenth anniversary during the festival in 2025. This institute connects LGBTQ+ history with present-day advocacy efforts, ensuring that the struggles and achievements of the past are acknowledged in today’s activism.
PALS Atlanta, founded in 1990, provides essential services such as pet food and veterinary care to individuals living with HIV/AIDS and other challenges. The organization will commemorate its 35 years of service at the festival, highlighting its long-standing commitment to supporting those in need.
Other noteworthy Grand Marshals include Jere Chang, an educator and content creator with nearly four million followers who advocates for inclusive teaching practices in LGBTQ+ education; Shannon Bradley May, known as Sha Sha Sugarbaker, a passionate HIV/AIDS advocate through AID Atlanta and drag performances; and Dr. Christy Perez, an Afro-Latina trans theologian advocating for healing and justice for trans communities.
Additionally, Richard Ramey, founder of Drag Down South, has built community systems for Atlanta’s LGBTQIA+ population. Lena Lust, a celebrated drag performer and HIV-positive activist with a near five-decade career, and Raquel Willis, an award-winning author and executive producer recognized on the 2025 TIME100 list for advocating Black trans liberation, further exemplify the diversity of voices celebrated during pride.
Russ Youngblood, a community photographer and journalist documenting Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ life since the 1990s, also joins the lineup with an upcoming book focusing on queer resilience.
The Atlanta Pride weekend, scheduled for October 12, 2025, will include various events like a wellness zone, family fun zone, drag bingo, and marches centered around inclusivity and empowerment. The Atlanta Pride Parade, recognized as the largest in Atlanta, will be a central highlight of the weekend.
Attendees will have access to numerous activities, such as yoga sessions, an artist market, and multiple drag performances across different stages. The festival aims to strike a balance between celebration and activism, ensuring that the rights of the LGBTQ+ community are upheld and advocated for throughout the events.
FAQ
What is the theme for Atlanta Pride 2025?
The theme for Atlanta Pride 2025 is “Rooted in Resistance,” honoring the activist history of Pride.
When will the Atlanta Pride Parade take place?
The Atlanta Pride Parade is scheduled for October 12, 2025, and is known as the largest in Atlanta.
What types of events are included in the Atlanta Pride weekend?
The Atlanta Pride weekend will include a wellness zone, family fun zone, drag bingo, yoga sessions, an artist market, and various drag performances.
Who are some of the Grand Marshals for Atlanta Pride 2025?
Some of the Grand Marshals include the Georgia LGBTQ History Project, PALS Atlanta, Jere Chang, Shannon Bradley May, Dr. Christy Perez, Richard Ramey, Lena Lust, Raquel Willis, and Russ Youngblood.
What is the significance of the Grand Marshals selected for the event?
The Grand Marshals showcase a wide range of impactful work within the community, highlighting important contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy and education.
Key Features of Atlanta Pride 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | October 12, 2025 |
| Theme | Rooted in Resistance |
| Grand Marshals | Includes Georgia LGBTQ History Project, PALS Atlanta, Jere Chang, Shannon Bradley May, Dr. Christy Perez, among others. |
| Key Events | Wellness zone, family fun zone, drag bingo, parade, yoga sessions, artist market. |
| Aim | Balance celebration with activism for LGBTQ+ rights. |
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Additional Resources
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Atlanta Pride Grand Marshals 2025
- Wikipedia: LGBT Rights in the United States
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Atlanta Pride Festival 2025
- Google Search: Atlanta Pride 2025
- Discover Atlanta: Atlanta Pride Survival Guide
- Google Scholar: LGBTQ Rights
- AJC: Why is Atlanta Pride in October?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pride Parade
- Peachtree TV: What to Expect at Atlanta Black Pride Weekend 2025
- Google News: Atlanta Black Pride 2025
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
