By Joe Johnson
Athens PRIDE today begins weeklong festivities to celebrate the local LGBTQ+ community.
“We’re just encouraging everyone to come out and safely fellowship with one another in support of our community and to come however they see fit, said Athens PRIDE Vice President Cameron Harrelson. “Pride has always been centered around self-expression. We encourage people to come as they are and to show their pride!
Masks or Covid-19 vaccination cards will be required for entry at each venue.
“Social interaction has long been key to our community to offer support, acceptance, and a sense of family,” Harrelson said. “We’re excited to be able to bring that back now in a safe way, as we are always committed to providing safe spaces.
The first event begins with a Mx. Athens Pride Pageant at 6 p.m. at Terrapin Beer Co., 265 Newton Bridge Road. This will be hosted by Taylor Alxdr and Jade Nite, with performances by Suarez, Nite, Lori Divine, and Karmella Macchiato.
At 6 p.m. Tuesday at Bishop Park there will be Rainbow Flow Yoga with the Athens M3Yoga studio. The event is free, though a $5 donation is suggested.
Later in the day, at 7 p.m. there will be Pride Week 2021 at Hotel Indigo, 500 College Ave. This also is free with a suggested $5 donation.
Wednesday will feature Karaoke Nigh at Buvez café, 585 Barber St., beginning at 9 p.m., with no cover charge and a suggested donation of $5.
Thursday’s events will include a 7 p.m. outdoor variety show for people 18 years and older at Authentic Brewing Company, 108 Park Ave. This will feature dance, drag, comedy, and more. Those interested in performing are invited to contact cameron@athenspride.com.
At 10:30 p.m. The Kourtesans “Bible Study” drag show will be held at Sister Louisa’s Church, 254 West Clayton St. This is limited to persons 21 and older, with no cover charge.
A screening of “Heswig and the Angry Inch is scheduled for 11 p.m. at Ciné theatre and bar, 234 W. Hancock Ave.
On Friday, Ciné will host Queer Prom 2021 featuring DJ KSquared, with the theme being “When Stars Align” and attendees encouraged to wear astrology-themed attire.
Entry will be allowed to person 18 and older, with no cover charge, but a $5 donation suggested.
Ciné will also be hosting the Gonzoriffic Underground Movie Show at 11 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday. The show will feature locally-made short films made by and featuring members of the Athens LBGTQ+ community.
On Saturday, festivities will return to where it all began, at Terrapin Beer Co., with the outdoors 2021 PRIDE Fest.
The event is scheduled for 12 to 5 p.m., featuring local vendors and food trucks, a DJ set by Luxury Vehicle and performances by Taylor Alxndr, Linqua Franqa, Convict Julie, Alex Suarez and members of the Kourtesans.
The Athens Showgirl Cabaret is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. at Soundtrack, 321 E. Clayton St. With entertainer including Lori Divine, Alice D., Lacie Bruce, Skler Dkay, Cherry Poppins, J Tyler, Polly Nation, Jenn Sparx, Kellie Divine, Jade Nite, Semaj Onyx Coxring, Adrian Surarz, and Jacqueline Daniels.
Also on Saturday night, beginning at 9 p.m., the Femme Hause PRIDE show will be held at 40 Watt, 285 W. Washington St., with Kandy Muse from RuPaul’s Drag Race and hosted by Alex Suarez and Jade Nite. Performers will include Karmella Macchiato, Dottie Com Taylor Alxndr, and Cola Fizz.
Advance tickets are $15 and admission at the door is $20.
Sunday will see the final PRIDE happenings, when Urban Outfitters, 155 E. Clayton St., hosts an LGBTQ+ history event from 12 to 4 p.m., and a Femme Haus Deja-Brew Pride Brunch is to be held at 3 p.m. at Authentic Brewing Company, hosted by Alex Suarez and performers including Taylor Alxndr, Semaj Onyx Coxring, Mr. Elle Aye, and Jade Nite.
There is no cover charge.