I hit the road this past Saturday morning, headed for Atlanta and the annual Pride festivities. As the rain poured down on us the entire way there, I really thought we were in for a dreary day.

Thank goodness nature was on our side and the rain seemed to stop just as we arrived at Piedmont Park, and held off for the two or three hours we spent perusing the vendors’ booths.

More than 200 businesses and organizations lined Piedmont Park’s sidewalks, and an even more diverse group of onlookers bought goodies, read literature, talked with volunteers, and checked out new gear. Among the vendors were Georgia Equality, the Human Rights Campaign, a number of outdoor groups, and even some of the naughtier variety – such as Broke Straight Boys, Find Fred (my vote for best-looking salesman! photo), and Cockula.

Pride was, as always, a great opportunity to meet and mingle with new and old friends, and to experience an environment that is “homonormative,” if you will. In one of Atlanta’s gayest neighborhoods, Pride in the ATL brings about a community of hard working, fun-loving folks who happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans or a supporter of what we’re doing. Besides a couple of far-right Christian protesters at the entrance to the park, Piedmont really lived up to its reputation as one of the gay-friendliest places in the Peach State this weekend.

We enjoyed ourselves, and enjoyed seeing a number of our readers there this weekend – some who we’d never met before until you recognized us walking around this weekend.

I hope you’ll think about coming to Athens’ own Pride events next April. While not the same as offered in Atlanta or other large cities, Athens Pride is a good opportunity to show your support of the LGBTQA community in your own hometown, and to possibly meet some new friends.