In recent years, the city of Atlanta has gone through many efforts to make its queer community feel welcome. Diversity, when it comes to gender and sexuality, has become an important aspect of the city, and its individuals of all identities, whether that be gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary or something else. They are able to be their true selves during the annual LGBTQ Pride events in the heart of Atlanta.

On the weekend of October 12, Piedmont Park became alive with music, rainbows and LGBTQ pride and many North Atlanta students were there to take in the scene. Sophomore Sophie Terasso has attended multiple pride festivals, and loved the environment that it provides. “One of the best things about pride is that anybody can go, whether you’re gay, straight, bi, or whatever, you’re still welcome. It’s an environment that’s so caring and it’s a breath of fresh air,” she said.

The LGBTQ community from all around the city was able to come together on this weekend to celebrate many different identities through speakers, performances, marches and more during Atlanta’s 48th annual Pride Festival. The event was created to celebrate Atlanta’s queer population and create an environment of acceptance and inclusivity within the city.

The pride festival’s most notable event is its parade that is held every year. This year’s parade was on Saturday the 14th, and participants traveled from the Civic Center MARTA Station to Piedmont Park. Many different pride organizations from schools-including North Atlanta’s GSA-sports groups, and even religious groups from all over Atlanta joined in the parade to show their celebration and support for the LGBTQ community, donning all sorts of rainbow flags, clothing, makeup and accessories. It was a sight to see as the streets filled with color.

Atlanta’s Pride Festival is not only a fun event to attend with friends, it is also an important and significant step in making LGBTQ individuals feel safe and accepted within their community. At the festival, attendees can not only feel comfortable with their own identity, but they can embrace it and know that they are in a place where they will be welcome. For freshman Andrew Weeks, who attended this year’s pride festival, this is the best part. “I loved how accepting and open everyone was,” he said. “I just felt like I could be my true authentic self.”

For those who want to meet others who share their identity, learn more about LGBTQ history and culture, or just have a good time, the annual festival is available. Whether you have friends who identify as queer or are part of the LGBTQ community yourself, it is an event that you won’t want to miss. An even bigger and better festival is already being planned for next year, with more speakers, more performances, more pride, and, most importantly, more rainbows.