Who We Are…We Are YOU!
Athens Pride + Queer Collective is dedicated to the advancement of equity, affirmation, diversity, and wellness of queer populations in the greater Athens area by working with historically marginalized communities through outreach, social connection, education, and events.
Logo created by local illustrator Beaux Xavier (they/them), 2022.
Educate.
Educate and raise awareness around issues and diverse identities related to trans, queer, and gender diverse populations using an anti-racist and gender affirming lens;
Advocate.
Advocate alongside and in alliance with all LGBTQIA2S+ populations with particular focus on intersectionalities and queer identities that have been historically silenced, stigmatized, and marginalized within and outside of dominant queer culture
and Affirm our communities through support/community groups, including, but not limited to LGBTQ Youth Group, QTBIPOC Group, Trans Support Group, and Religious Trauma Support Groups.
Celebrate.
Celebrate queer, questioning, trans, and gender diverse populations and advocates through annual events such as the street festival and parade.
Our Mission Statement.
Athens Pride + Queer Collective is dedicated to the advancement of equity, affirmation, diversity, and wellness of queer populations in the greater Athens area by working with historically marginalized communities through outreach, social connection, education, and events.
Our History.
In 1998, the LGBTQ+ community of Athens, GA gathered for a potluck picnic under the pavilion at Lake Herrick. Initially hosted by GLOBES, an LGBTQ faculty and staff group at the University of Georgia, the event grew and formed into an independent organization governed by volunteers, Athens PRIDE Committee. By 2011, members of the committee envisioned expanding the picnic into a larger event. That year, queer community members from Athens and surrounding areas spread across Lay Park in a festival of unity and pride. In 2013 Athens PRIDE achieved 501(c) (3) nonprofit status. Now in it's 24th year of existence, Athens PRIDE celebrates it’s 12th annual Athens PRIDE week and festival, which includes a series of events, including a downtown Parade, providing social opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and straight allies. Athens PRIDE aims to promotes self-affirmation, increase visibility, and build community among diverse individuals.
In 2022, Athens Pride and Athens Queer Collective merged the two separate organizations to form “Athens Pride and Queer Collective,” a new organization committed to more than just event curation, but to actually affecting and changing the lives of Queer communities in the greater Athens area.
Athens PRIDE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is solely comprised of volunteers; our outreach is entirely funded by generous donations. Throughout the year, we host events and fundraisers to promote support and education outreach to and about the LGBTQ+ community.
