Pride brings visibility, acceptance to LGBTQ+ community

Kate Ellington said she didn’t always feel welcome in Macon as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. 

She moved to Macon from Sacramento, California, four years ago. Ellington’s experience in Middle Georgia became a stark contrast to her former Lavender Heights neighborhood, which is known for its thriving community of LGBTQ+ residents and businesses.

“Having that visibility to me was very, very important, because when I was growing up, there was not that visibility,” Ellington said.

There are an increasing number of safe spaces in Macon, she noted, such as Sweet Eleanor’s and The Bohemian Den owned by Macon Pride founder Scott Mitchell.

Ellington said she hopes Macon’s sixth annual Pride Week later this month will help the LGBTQ+ community remain “visible in a time when being different and visible is not always the best thing.”

“I think it’s important that we let people know that we are still here,” she said. 

Macon Pride rang in the festivities with a “Chosen Family Feud” game show last month and will partner with Bike Walk Macon for a Pride Ride this Thursday.

Macon Pride celebrated with 10 days of events last year, but the organization has since shifted to a year-round events schedule with monthly meetups at Sweet Eleanor’s on Poplar Street. 

The organization kicks off its main series of events Thursday, Sept. 25, with Lively Libations: Piedmont Beer Release followed by Karaoke in the Park. The following day, drag performers will bring the Capitol Theatre to life with a “haus party.”

“I love being able to bring drag race queens to our small little city,” Macon Pride board member Christina Leon said. 

Leon is a Middle Georgia native who has performed in Macon for a decade and hosts many of the annual Pride events, including the haus party and Family Feud competition. 

“My favorite part of doing this every year is seeing so many beautiful faces,” Leon said. “I love to see people in their natural element — having a great time smiling, enjoying their families, dancing.”

The Macon community is invited to come together to embrace love and acceptance Saturday, Sept. 27, for the Pride in the Park Festival. On Sunday, at Coleman Hill Park, there will be an interfaith worship and family picnic.

“Nobody deserves to feel like they’re on the outside,” Ellington said. “I know exactly how that feels, and if we can make people feel safe in a space where they can be themselves — then that’s the heart of community.”

For full event details and more information on Macon Pride, visit maconpride.org.