Pensacola Pride

05/28/2026

Florida is one of the only places on Earth where the geography itself feels slightly unhinged… and honestly that’s exactly why people love it. 🌴🌊💀

Because somebody looked at a giant swamp peninsula hanging into hurricane water and said:

“You know what?
Let’s put 23 million people here.”

And somehow it worked. 😭

Florida stretches nearly 450 miles from top to bottom, which means this state basically contains:

• tropical islands
• giant wetlands
• beach cities
• cow pastures
• rocket launch sites
• theme parks
• retirement communities
• fishing towns
• jungle-looking highways
• and at least one alligator currently judging traffic from a drainage ditch.

North Florida still feels a little Southern:

• pine forests
• small towns
• college football everywhere
• random boiled peanut stands
• and thunderstorms that appear out of absolutely nowhere.

Then Central Florida becomes pure controlled chaos:

• Disney traffic
• I-4 psychological warfare
• endless suburbs
• afternoon lightning storms
• tourists making illegal U-turns across six lanes 😭

And South Florida?

That’s an entirely separate reality.

Palm trees.
Ocean everywhere.
Luxury condos.
Boats.
Heat.
Humidity.
People driving like they’re actively fleeing the law.

Meanwhile the Everglades are just sitting there quietly containing:

• alligators
• pythons
• panthers
• mosquitoes large enough to file taxes
• and water that looks calm until something prehistoric blinks at you 💀

Then there’s the coastline.

Florida has over 1,300 miles of coastline, which basically means no matter where you are, eventually you’ll run into:

• beach traffic
• salt air
• thunderstorms rolling offshore
• or somebody towing a boat with extreme confidence and minimal preparation.

And somehow…
the weather is even crazier than the geography.

Florida doesn’t experience weather normally.

Florida experiences atmospheric mood swings.

One minute:

☀️ perfect sunshine
🌴 blue skies
🍹 calm breeze

Thirty minutes later:

⛈️ lightning everywhere
🌧️ sideways rain
🚨 emergency weather alerts
🌀 patio furniture achieving flight

Then the sun comes back out immediately like nothing happened. 😭

And despite all the chaos…
Florida somehow developed its own identity:

part tropical paradise…
part swamp survival simulator…
part retirement village…
part wildlife documentary.

It’s one of the only states where:

• iguanas fall from trees
• alligators appear in golf courses
• hurricanes get ranked like sports teams
• and people still wear hoodies when it’s 72 degrees. 🌴💀

Hot.
Chaotic.
Beautiful.
Humid.
Completely unpredictable.

And deep down…
Florida wouldn’t want to be normal even if it tried. 🌊🐊☀️



:::

05/27/2026

Atlanta is bringing the heat this week! From major Pride grants fueling grassroots work across the state to local candidates making history at the ballot box, the A is showing exactly what Southern resilience looks like. 🍑

ATL: Top 5

1- Atlanta Pride Grants $40,000 to Grassroots Groups
The 2026 "Pride Across the Peach State" initiative just awarded vital funding to 12 localized LGBTQ+ organizations building safe spaces outside the metro perimeter.
Why it matters: Reinvesting festival profits strengthens visibility and resources for our rural neighbors.
Source: Rough Draft Atlanta, May 15, 2026
2 - Controversial Indie "Blue Film" Premieres
Q***r director Elliot Tuttle’s highly anticipated psychological drama opens in Atlanta this weekend, starring Kieron Moore and Reed Birney in a story that pushes boundaries on intimacy and power dynamics.
Why it matters: Atlanta continues to serve as a major national hub for challenging q***r cinema.
Source: Georgia Voice, May 16, 2026 | Event: Opens Friday, May 29 | Midtown (Check local theater listings)
3 - UnderWear Night at the Eagle
The iconic Wednesday night tradition continues, offering a clothing-optional vibe with a mandatory clothes check to help you shake off the midweek slump.
Why it matters: Unapologetic, body-positive spaces are essential for authentic community self-expression.
Source: David Magazine, May 20, 2026 | Event: Wed, May 27, 10:00 PM | Midtown (Atlanta Eagle) | Free Entry
4 - THE DIVAS! at Lips
Hosted by Brigitte Bidet, this fierce, flawless, and over-the-top glamour show brings big hair and high heels to the stage for a spectacular Thursday night dinner show.
Why it matters: High-concept drag provides essential platforms for our city’s world-class artists.
Source: David Magazine, May 20, 2026 | Event: Thu, May 28, 7:30 PM | Buford Hwy (Lips) | [RSVP Required](https://www.lipsatl.com)
5 - Georgia Pride group recruiting kids as young as 13 into drag shows sparks backlash
According to a national news article, an Atlanta-based q***r events house called House of ALXNDR sparked online backlash after posting a call for teenagers aged 13 to 18 to perform in their upcoming "Cabbage Patch All Ages" drag show and artist market scheduled for June 14, 2026, at Wild Heaven Beer. Taylor ALXNDR is co-founder and executive director of Southern Fried Q***r Pride (SFQP), an organization empowering Black q***r and QTPOC-centered communities in the South through arts.(https://www.foxnews.com/culture/georgia-pride-group-recruiting-kids-young-13-drag-shows-sparks-backlash)

---

GA: Top 3

1- Primary Election Brings Historic Wins
Tuesday’s high-stakes primary saw openly transgender candidates Bentley Hudgins and Bella Bautista successfully lock down spots for the November general election, despite a tough night for some progressive allies.
Why it matters: Primary outcomes directly establish our political defense lines for the midterms.
Source: Rough Draft Atlanta, May 20, 2026
2 - Emory Joins National HIV Pharmacy Coalition
Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health has officially partnered with a national initiative to train community pharmacists to significantly expand access to PrEP and rapid testing.
Why it matters: Expanding community-level healthcare access bridges major gaps in national HIV prevention.
Source: Georgia Voice, May 18, 2026
3 - Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislative Bills Defeated
Following the defeat of numerous hostile bills during the recent state legislative session, community groups are still holding forums to break down the highly effective advocacy tactics that blocked them at the Gold Dome.
Why it matters: Collective grassroots lobbying successfully protected our statewide community's legal rights.
Source: Georgia Voice, May 20, 2026

---

National: Top 3

1 - Congressman Barney Frank Passes Away at 86
Civil rights icon and trailblazing gay congressman Barney Frank passed away on May 19. Tributes are pouring in for the pragmatic progressive who fundamentally reshaped the nation's financial and equality landscapes.
Why it matters: Remembering our political icons provides the exact blueprint for our future advocacy.
Source: Washington Post, May 20, 2026
2 - Stonewall Preps for 10th National Monument Anniversary
The Stonewall Inn announced a full lineup of 2026 Pride Month programming to commemorate a decade since its historic designation as the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights.
Why it matters: Maintaining federal recognition at historic landmarks is essential for national representation.
Source: I Love NY / SIGBI, May 26, 2026
3 - Study Shows Accepting Communities Save Youth Lives
The Trevor Project’s 2025 National Survey of 16,000 LGBTQ+ youth reveals that living in a supportive community or attending a welcoming school cuts su***de attempt rates by more than two-thirds.
Why it matters: Concrete data prove that local safe spaces are literal life-saving health interventions.
Source: The Trevor Project, May 6, 2026

---

International: Top 3

1 - Canada Fast-Tracks LGBTQ+ American Citizenship
Amid a surge of interest, Canada is expediting proof of citizenship applications for eligible LGBTQ+ Americans seeking dual nationality, with some processing in just two weeks.
Why it matters: Cross-border solidarity provides vital lifelines as domestic political climates shift.
Source: CIC News, May 25, 2026
2 - UN Rights Chief Pushes Back on Discrimination
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights officially denounced a global wave of anti-LGBTIQ+ legislation, committing international oversight to reverse trends in criminalization.
Why it matters: International oversight serves as a vital tool against global state-sponsored discrimination.
Source: UN News, May 18, 2026
3 - EU Court Defends Media Freedom in Hungary Fight
The European Union's top court has reinforced its ruling against Hungary's restrictive media laws, declaring that state-enforced censorship of LGBTQ+ content directly violates foundational European human rights laws.
Why it matters: Regional legal wins provide a solid precedent for fighting global censorship tactics.
Source: UN News, May 18, 2026

---

This Week’s Events Calendar (Atlanta)

* Wed, May 27 — Bitchy Bingo — Lips Atlanta — 7:00 PM — [Link](https://www.lipsatl.com)
* Wed, May 27 — Martinis & Musicals w/ Aspen York — X Midtown — 9:00 PM — [Link](https://www.davidatlanta.com)
* Wed, May 27 — UnderWear Night — Atlanta Eagle — 10:00 PM — [Link](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.atlantaeagle.com)
* Thu, May 28 — THE DIVAS! — Lips Atlanta — 7:30 PM — [Link](https://www.lipsatl.com)
* Thu, May 28 — Heretic Country — The Heretic — 8:00 PM — [Link](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.hereticatlanta.com)
* Thu, May 28 — RAQI' ROCK HAUS KARAOKE — Atlanta Eagle — 9:00 PM — [Link](https://www.davidatlanta.com)
* Fri, May 29 — "Blue Film" Premiere — Midtown — TBA — [Link](https://roughdraftatlanta.com/georgiavoice/)
* Fri, May 29 — First Fridays w/ DJ Ron Pullman — Atlanta Eagle — 9:00 PM — [Link](https://www.davidatlanta.com)
* Sat, May 30 — Sarah Hester Ross: SERVING — Out Front Theatre — 8:00 PM — [Link](https://outfronttheatre.com)

Got a lead on a community event or mutual aid project we should cover next week? Drop the details in the comments! 🏳️‍🌈

***rAtlanta

Sources used:

* David Magazine (DavidAtlanta.com)
* Georgia Voice / Rough Draft Atlanta
* Washington Post / The Trevor Project
* UN News / CIC News Canada
* Fox News

05/13/2026

Aiden and Chloe bringing the heat 🔥🦀! #

05/13/2026

Johnny Chisholm presents: Memorial Weekend Pensacola

2026 DJ LINEUP
DJ Abel
DJ Jace M + DJ Toy Armada

DJ Will Lowe
DJ Karsten Sollors
DJ Erik Vilar

Lights: J. Bryan Holcombe • Video: Jimmy Bartlett
DECOR: 3DX INC

Parties Nightly • 9PM-3AM • Under the big white tent!
Park East • Pensacola Beach, FL

Passes, Info, Tickets: WWW.JOHNNYCHISHOLM.COM

Presenting Sponsor: AIDS Healthcare Foundation
Sponsor: Hornitos Tequila

Copromo partners: Hilton Wolman Events, Winter Party, Circuit Festival, Crown & Anchor, Revelry, Halloween New Orleans, Kinetic Presents

04/20/2026

Our next Gay Games event will take place in València, Spain, in June 2026. Discover the sports competitions, cultural events and ceremonies taking place right here

04/09/2026

42 days until Memorial Weekend Pensacola!

Join us Memorial Day Weekend on Pensacola Beach for the biggest pride festival!

03/04/2026

PFLAG Plants Roots in Pensacola

By Dakota Parks

For many families in Pensacola, support just got a little closer to home.

With the launch of PFLAG Pensacola, long-needed resources are now available to LGBTQ+ individuals, their families and allies throughout the city and across Northwest Florida.

At the center of that effort is Lee Poteat, who was brought on as the chapter’s president after relocating to the area in 2025. Before moving to Pensacola, Poteat and his husband lived in Rome, Ga., where they were deeply involved with their local PFLAG chapter. The organization was a cornerstone of their community—a place to find connection and chosen family.

more...

https://inweekly.net/pflag-plants-roots-in-pensacola/

03/04/2026

Johnny Chisholm presents: Memorial Weekend Pensacola
Friday, May 22nd 2026
Heated Rivalry - Jocks, Sports Gear, Drama!

DJ Jace M + DJ Toy Armada


Billboard #1 Remixer, Producer & International DJ Toy Armada makes his return to Memorial Weekend Pensacola!

Toy Armada has made his name with his own signature sound of thunderous tribal beats and soaring vocal anthems that is recognized instantly. �He has performed for major event’s like White Party Palm Springs, White Party Bangkok, Sydney Gay & Le***an Mardi Gras to name a few, establishing him as one of Asia’s mightiest talents.
Toy’s production work began in 2010 which would lead to US & UK billboard #1 remixes with artists like Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Hailee Steinfeld, Carly Rae Jepsen, Kylie Minogue, Cher, Demi Lovato, Inaya Day, Abigail and many more.

Lights: J. Bryan Holcombe • Video: Jimmy Bartlett
DECOR: 3DX INC

Parties Nightly • 9PM-3AM • Under the big white tent!
Park East • Pensacola Beach, FL

Passes, Info, Tickets: WWW.JOHNNYCHISHOLM.COM

Presenting Sponsor: AIDS Healthcare Foundation
Sponsor: Hornitos Tequila

02/03/2026

February is hitting its stride with a focus on Black History Month and a flurry of activity under the Gold Dome. Whether you are prepping for a legislative "lobby day" or looking for the best dance floor to decompress, we’ve got the pulse on what’s moving in our city.

ATL: Top 5
Joining Hearts Opens 2026 Pageant Apps The legendary Atlanta non-profit Joining Hearts has officially opened applications for the 2026 Mx. Joining Hearts pageant. This annual tradition raises critical funds for housing and healthcare for local neighbors living with HIV/AIDS. Why it matters: Local pageantry directly funds essential housing for our city's most vulnerable. Source: David Atlanta, Jan 29, 2026 davidatlanta.com

Black History Month: Intersectionality Takes Center Stage Atlanta is launching dozens of events honoring Black History Month, with a specific focus on the Black LGBTQ+ pioneers who shaped our city’s civil rights legacy. Look for panel discussions and art showcases at community hubs throughout February. Why it matters: Celebrating intersectional history strengthens our collective community bonds and local legacy. Source: David Atlanta, Jan 29, 2026 davidatlanta.com

Atlanta Pride Seats 2026 Board The Atlanta Pride Committee recently finalized its board of directors and officers for the 2026 festival term. The team is already working on year-round programming to expand visibility across Georgia. Why it matters: New leadership determines the direction and inclusivity of our biggest festivals. Source: Atlanta Pride, Jan 23, 2026 atlantapride.org

Underground Nightlife Reunion Trend The Underground Atlanta district is seeing a major resurgence with "reunion" DJ sets at Future Atlanta and other neighboring spots. These events are successfully bridging the gap between legacy club kids and the new generation. Why it matters: Revitalizing historic city centers as q***r hubs keeps our community grit alive. Source: David Atlanta, Jan 28, 2026 davidatlanta.com

Atlanta Contemporary Winter/Spring Cycle A massive public opening for the new gallery cycle is happening this weekend in West Midtown, featuring local q***r and female artists. The "Georgia Women to Watch 2026" showcase is the season’s centerpiece. Why it matters: Supporting inclusive art spaces ensures our stories remain part of Atlanta’s landscape. Source: Atlanta Contemporary, Feb 1, 2026 atlantacontemporary.org Date/Time: Friday, Feb 6, 6:00 PM | West Midtown | Free RSVP

GA: Top 3
Gold Dome Legislative Blitz Lawmakers in the Georgia General Assembly are fast-tracking several bills targeting "s*x education" before the 6th grade and restricting transgender student athletes. Georgia Equality is currently mobilizing for advocacy training to push back. Why it matters: These laws directly impact the safety and visibility of our q***r students. Source: ACLU Georgia / Georgia Equality, Jan 30, 2026 aclu.org

Religious Exemption Bills Gain Traction Senate Bill 39 and House Bill 127 are advancing through committees, potentially expanding religious exemptions in public accommodations. Critics argue these could lead to legal discrimination against LGBTQ+ Georgians. Why it matters: Broad religious exemptions could make it harder to access basic public services. Source: ACLU Georgia, Jan 30, 2026 aclu.org

Gender-Affirming Care Court Battles Legal challenges against Georgia's bans on gender-affirming care for minors are continuing as the state enters the 2026 legislative session. The outcomes of these cases will determine the future of healthcare autonomy in the state. Why it matters: Court rulings are the last line of defense for medical privacy rights. Source: FOX 5 Atlanta / Georgia Equality, Jan 29, 2026 fox5atlanta.com

National: Top 5
Uganda orders LGBTQ rights organization to shut down - Seven human rights groups were ordered shut ahead of Ugandan elections - Erasing 76 Crimes https://bit.ly/4r2H8kq

Major Grant for LGBTQ Youth Services The Indiana-based organization IYG received a game-changing $1 million grant from podcasting giant Audiochuck this week. This is one of the largest private grants for regional q***r youth services in 2026. Why it matters: Large-scale private funding provides a vital safety net for youth organizations. Source: GLAAD, Feb 2, 2026 glaad.org

Journalist Arrested During National Protest Out journalist Don Lemon was arrested this week while broadcasting from an anti-ICE protest, drawing national attention to freedom of the press and civil rights. He has vowed to take the fight to court. Why it matters: Protecting the voices of q***r journalists is essential for transparent news. Source: LGBTQ Nation, Feb 2, 2026 lgbtqnation.com

Nintendo Expands LGBTQ Representation A massive new update to a popular Nintendo franchise now allows players to explicitly identify as gay, bi, ace, or nonbinary. This marks a major shift for the gaming giant toward native inclusion. Why it matters: Digital representation helps normalize our identities for a global younger audience. Source: LGBTQ Nation, Jan 30, 2026 lgbtqnation.com

International: Top 3
Sydney Mardi Gras 2026 Kicks Off The world-renowned Sydney Gay and Le***an Mardi Gras has officially begun its festival season in Australia. The event serves as a global barometer for LGBTQ+ joy and political solidarity. Why it matters: International visibility reminds us that our local struggles are part of a global movement. Source: Sydney Mardi Gras / IGLTA, Feb 2026 iglta.org

Sitges Carnival Begins in Spain One of the most LGBTQ-friendly carnivals in Europe has officially started in Sitges, attracting thousands for a two-week celebration of drag, dance, and culture. Why it matters: Preserving global q***r festivals provides safe tourism havens for our community. Source: IGLTA, Feb 3, 2026 iglta.org

The Outing Festival (Ireland) Ireland’s "The Outing" festival—the world’s only q***r matchmaking festival—has begun its February run. It focuses on building connections through traditional music and modern networking. Why it matters: Unique cultural events help maintain q***r traditions outside of standard nightlife. Source: IGLTA, Feb 2026 iglta.org

Spain Unites Switzerland, Germany, France, Austria, Italy, Sweden, the UK, Denmark, and Hungary to Start New LGBT Travel Events: What You Need to Know Source: IGLTA, Feb 3, 2026 TTW https://bit.ly/3ZzoCnH

This Week’s Events Calendar (Atlanta)
Tue, Feb 3 — Love Party Dance Night — The Star Community Bar — 9:00 PM — Creative Loafing

Thu, Feb 5 — Swagg Out Thursday — Future Atlanta — 9:00 PM — David Atlanta

Fri, Feb 6 — Winter/Spring Opening Reception — Atlanta Contemporary — 6:00 PM — Atlanta Contemporary

Fri, Feb 6 — Eagle Express Lane: First Friday — Atlanta Eagle — 8:00 PM — Eventbrite

Sat, Feb 7 — LGBTQ+ BFF Meet Up — Just Love Coffee Cafe (Perimeter) — 1:00 PM — Eventbrite

Sat, Feb 7 — Silent "Lovers & Friends" Party — Handlebar ATL — 10:00 PM — Eventbrite

Sun, Feb 8 — Sunday Service Drag Brunch — Mixx Atlanta — 1:00 PM — David Atlanta

What did we miss? Drop your event links and community tips in the comments below! ✊



Sources used:

David Magazine (DavidAtlanta.com)
Atlanta Pride Official
ACLU Georgia (Legislation Tracker)
LGBTQ Nation
GLAAD News
Atlanta Contemporary
Eventbrite Atlanta Listings
IGLTA Global Calendar 🏳️‍🌈

01/30/2026

🇺🇸 “Today, I received one of the hardest phone calls I’ve had in more than a decade. After a lifetime of losing friends to HIV and AIDS — after years of feeling numb to death because of how much loss I’ve already lived through — today reminded me that my heart can still break. And it broke for a man who saved my life, shaped my purpose, and changed thousands of lives across this country. Today, I learned that my dear friend, mentor, and hero, Butch McKay, passed away in his sleep.

I want to thank Doug Bunnel for calling me and delivering news no one ever wants to hear. I’ve had many people come and go in my life, and over time I began to wonder if I was even capable of feeling that deep, soul‑shaking pain again. But the moment I heard Butch’s name, everything inside me shattered. Because this wasn’t just anyone. This was the man whose vision, compassion, and love saved my life back in 2003.

Just recently, I recorded a video celebrating his four decades of service to people living with HIV and AIDS — a journey that began with a promise he made to his partner who had passed away. Butch kept that promise every single day of his life. He never stopped helping people. He never stopped lifting others up. He never stopped believing in the power of hope.

Butch founded AIDS Okaloosa and created the Positive Living Conference, which celebrated its 27th year last year. That conference transformed lives. It gave meaning, purpose, and hope to thousands of people across this nation. And Butch did all of this as a man who never contracted HIV himself — yet he loved, supported, and fought for people living with HIV and AIDS with a devotion that can only be described as sacred.

I don’t think people fully understand the magnitude of this loss. Butch touched thousands of lives. He gave hope to the hopeless. He loved those who felt unloved. He reminded us that we were worthy, that we were needed, that we still had purpose. His ministry — because that’s what it was — changed communities all across America. Many of us are alive today because he cared enough to reach into our darkness and pull us back into the light.

As I write this, tears are pouring down my face, and I will let them fall because he deserves every one of them. Butch was one in a billion. There will never be another like him. And I will carry his name, his lessons, and his love with me for the rest of my life.

ColGay Pride and the Debra Smith Wellness Center exist because Butch lifted me up when I had nothing left. His saving grace, his mission, and his belief in us are the foundation of everything we do. We owe him more than words can ever express.

In the coming days, I will be organizing a candlelight memorial in his honor. And I invite every community, every civic leader, every advocate, and every person who knew Butch to do the same. Let’s choose a coordinated date and time so that across this nation, we stand together in unity, gratitude, and love. Let’s lift his name high so he can feel the warmth of our remembrance in his new home — his well‑earned mansion in the sky.

Butch would be the first to say he wasn’t a saint, but to me — and to thousands of others — he absolutely was. He showed us we were not alone. He gave us purpose. He gave us hope. And he taught us to pass that hope forward.

I pray he is now reunited with the man he made that sacred promise to. I pray he feels the love pouring from every corner of this country today. And I pray he continues to guide our hands and our voices as we carry his work forward.

Today, a nation mourns a great man — one of the greatest visionaries of our time. Rest in peace, my dearest friend. The future is now in our hands, and we will honor you by continuing the work you began. Thank you, Butch, for bringing us this far. We will keep going. We will keep loving. We will keep lifting others up — just as you taught us.” 📖 by Jeremy Scott Hobbs