Healthcare concerns
May. 1 — Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s decision to end gender-affirming care due to pressure from the Trump administration is as disappointing as it is frightening. Read more on that below.
There’s a concerted effort at the federal and state levels to deny LGBTQ+ people the fundamental human right to their health and safety. And it’s not just trans folks the government is targeting.
☎️ The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will close the national 988 crisis lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth on Oct. 1. The service has received 1.3 million calls, texts, or chats since its debut in 2022, with an average of 2,100 contacts per day in February.
⚕️ The U.S. Department of Justice has reversed its support of an incarcerated trans Georgian in a lawsuit regarding state-funded gender-affirming surgery.
🍼 The failure of care even trickles down to infants, as job cuts at the CDC threaten a successful program that has reduced HIV transmission to babies.
Take care of yourself and each other.
Collin
🏡 The Historic Druid Hills Home & Garden Tour is back May 2-4. We’re celebrating the personality of Frederick Law Olmsted’s remarkable neighborhood with seven must-see homes – each curated to reflect the owners’ unique style and passions. Grab your tickets today! SPONSOR MESSAGE
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta ends gender-affirming care
🩺 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will no longer offer gender-affirming care amid pressure from the Trump administration.
Parents of transgender children receiving care at Children’s received messages, shared with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, through their online patient portal informing them Children’s would be moving patients receiving gender-affirming care to other organizations and would not accept new patients “due to threats to federal funding.”
A spokesperson for Children’s told the AJC the nonprofit organization is acting in compliance with the statutory provisions enacted by Georgia Senate Bill 140, which prohibits hospitals from treating “gender dysphoria in minors.” While the bill has been passed by the legislature, it has yet to be signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp.
MORE POLITICS
🥎 As expected, Gov. Brian Kemp signed the bill banning transgender girls and women from playing on female-designated sports teams at schools and colleges in Georgia.
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Lore brings unpretentious queer fun to Edgewood Avenue
🪩 Lore, a new nightspot located on the border of Old Fourth Ward and Sweet Auburn, is expanding the definition of the LGBTQ+ club beyond drag shows and dance parties.
The venture from Wussy magazine founder Jon Dean and NonsenseATL’s Kimberly Turner and Scott Lockhart joins the ranks of queer-owned nightlife on Edgewood Avenue, including Joystick Gamebar, Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium, and Pisces.
“We want to have fun and unexpected events for people to come to and give people a reason to leave their house and get off the apps and have a safe third place to go,” Dean said.
➳ Read Katie Burkholder’s feature on Lore.
Brooks and Phoenix to compete in ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’
💃 Atlanta drag legends Nicole Paige Brooks (left) and Phoenix will compete for the crown in the upcoming season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” beginning May 9 on Paramount+.
The queens return to the franchise after more than a decade, Brooks since she placed 11th in season two, and Phoenix since placing 12th in season three.
They join “All Stars” alumni Aja, Ginger Minj, and Jorgeous; two-time “Drag Race” competitor Cynthia Lee Fontaine; and returning queens Acid Betty, Alyssa Hunter, Bosco, Daya Betty, Deja Skye, Denali, Irene the Alien, Kerri Colby, Lydia Butthole Kollins, Mistress Isabelle Brooks, Olivia Lux, and Tina Burner on the cast.
➡ Read more about the upcoming season.
ANOTHER MUST-WATCH
📺 Contributor Jim Farmer spoke with Italian actor Marco Calvani about his return to the screen for Netflix’s remake of the 1980s hit film “The Four Seasons.”
🏡 The Historic Druid Hills Home & Garden Tour is back May 2-4. We’re celebrating the personality of Frederick Law Olmsted’s remarkable neighborhood with seven must-see homes – each curated to reflect the owners’ unique style and passions. Grab your tickets today! SPONSOR MESSAGE
Best Bets
🎟️ “Trick! The Musical” opens tomorrow night, May 1, at Out Front Theatre and continues through May 17. Get your tickets here and find out more bout the show here.
📍 The Human Rights Campaign Atlanta annual dinner will be held Saturday, May 3, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Guests include journalist Charles M. Blow, Trans Visibility March director Dr. Elijah Nicholas, “American Idol’s” Kimberley Locke and more.
🐶 The Midtown Mutt Gala – the Met Gala for dogs and their owners – returns Sunday, May 4, from 2-5 p.m. for a block party on Peachtree Street between 10th and 11th streets. Walk the red carpet, compete in the costume contest and more.
Social Follow of the Week
📸 Georgia Equality’s mission is to advance fairness, safety, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ people and their allies. That advocacy is needed now more than ever. Follow the organization on Instagram.
