Atlanta was loud and proud over the 2021 Labor Day Weekend. The 25th annual Black Gay Pride Weekend and the Pure Heat Community Festival were held during the long holiday weekend, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in the ATL, honoring several guests, and hosting major performances from some of today’s top artists. The event also gives back to vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community, with a number of proceeds going to support the Vision Community Foundation, which provides for homeless LGBTQ+ youth and LGBTQ+ folks affected by or with HIV/AIDS. This year’s events, with the help of the mayor’s office and the ATL Police Department, followed Covid-19 protocols to make sure everyone had a safe and enjoyable time. Social distancing and mask-wearing were encouraged at the festival, and multiple events took place outdoors.
Mayor Keisha Lance-Bottoms opens Atlanta Black Gay Pride festivities
Atlanta mayor, Keisha Lance-Bottoms, opened Atlanta Black Gay Pride with its 2nd Annual welcome reception and the celebrity appearances didn’t stop there. Over the 4 day weekend, huge stars like the City Girls, Ashanti, Trina, and Saucy Santana gave epic nightclub performances, while prominent Atlanta DJs kept dancefloors spinning at various venues in the city. Lil Kim, Da Brat, Jesseca “Judy” Dupart, and various other big stars also made appearances and performed. The artists featured are known for their loud and fervent support for the LGBTQ+ community, especially Black folks who identify as LGBTQ+. Events for Black Gay Pride began Wednesday, September 1st, and didn’t truly end until Monday, September 6th with an All White Party featuring Trina.
Bobby Lytes and Trina attend Black Gay Pride Weekend
The Pure Heat Community Festival began on Sept. 5th, in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park. The free event seamlessly fits in with the rest of Black Gay Pride and celebrates “community, pride, and vision.” Performers and special guests for the event included Bobby Lytes (VH1 “Love and Hip Hop Miami”), and other prominent Atlanta stars like Cici Nicole, Aaron Thomas, Lil Wave Daddy, RJ Brady Steezo, Drea Dominique, Damez, Lauryn England, Lamar Cole, Array, Roman, Trap Girls, and Dayvia. Saucy Santana gave a surprise performance and stars Natalie Nunn and Sidney Starr (“Baddies ATL” Zeus Network) made an appearance presenting an award to Lemuel Plummer. Other special guests included were Sy’rai Smith, Milan Christopher, Dallas Austin, Juiicy2xs, and Park Cannon.
Da Brat and Jesseca “Judy” Dupart Honored at Pure Heat Community Festival
Essentially a large cultural fair, the Pure Heat Festival included food and market vendors, educational forums and information, celebrity performances, and local artists. Honored guests this year included GRAMMY-nominated artist Da Brat and her fiance Jesseca “Judy” Dupart, CEO of Kaleidoscope Hair Products. Da Brat was recognized with the legacy award for her legendary Hip-Hop career, while Dupart was recognized with the trailblazer award for her extremely successful hair care line. Lemuel Plummer, Chicago’s Dj Sedrick, Saucy Santana, and Malik Brown were also honored with awards, some for their legacy of work in the Black and Gay community and some for their trailblazing efforts to move the community forward. The Hotel Midtown Atlanta hosted the event and provided lodging, while nightlife events took place at some of ATL’s hottest clubs and venues.
Photo credit: ATLPics & Freddy O
