Survey says…
May. 16 — Georgia Voice is a proud member of the National LGBT Media Association (NGMA), a partnership of 12 publications that curate content, advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and secure targeted advertising.
If you have three minutes to spare, NGMA is conducting a survey on how companies are shifting their approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion and support in the current political climate. Your feedback about how these corporate actions affect your perceptions and purchasing decisions is incredibly valuable.
Speaking of the political climate:
✂️ The GOP is eyeballing cuts to federal spending that could jeopardize critical programs for low-income people, those facing food insecurity, and those living with HIV.
💸 The Trump administration cancelled more than $800 million in research and health grants involving the study of cancers and viruses that tend to affect LGBTQ+ people.
👏 Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett trolled President Donald Trump during a DOGE subcommittee meeting last week with her “Trump or Trans” line of questioning on how the administration is using the transgender community as a tool of distraction.
Thanks for reading,
Collin
🎹 Join Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra on May 25 at Atlanta Symphony Hall. Goldblum launched the MSO 30 years ago, delighting audiences by playing contemporary arrangements of classic jazz and American Songbook standards. Tickets available now! SPONSOR MESSAGE
Lavender Lens spotlights queer film, history, and joy
🍿 When Carrie Miller was growing up, they hated movies. After watching their first queer film, “The Watermelon Woman,” Miller’s perspective on film changed forever.
Today, Miller is a prolific filmmaker with 11 short films, a feature length documentary, and several music videos under their belt, and they harness the transformative power of queer film as curator of Lavender Lens, a queer movie night in partnership with The Bakery.
Miller founded Lavender Lens in Athens, GA, and brought it to Atlanta in October 2024. Each movie night includes the screening followed by an audience discussion, but no two events are the same.
➡ Read Katie Burkholder’s feature story here.
Mythic creatures meet modern art!
SPONSORED BY FERNBANK MUSEUM
✨ Step into a world where mythology and art collide! “Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles“ brings vibrant, hybrid animal sculptures to life in Fernbank’s WildWoods.
These whimsical sculptures blend Zapotec culture and contemporary art, each representing spirit guides tied to personality and destiny. Designed by renowned Oaxacan artists, this exhibit offers a soulful journey through indigenous culture, identity, and the natural world.
➡ Open now through August 3 with special after-hours viewings on select nights. Don’t miss this magical experience!
Melissa Carter’s new memoir ‘Facing Inward’
📖 Radio personality, life coach, and Georgia Voice columnist Melissa Carter’s memoir, “Facing Inward,” is set for release on May 26.
In her latest column, Melissa details the two-year process of writing the book, chronicling her radio career, coming-out story, and battling a chronic illness.
➡ Read Melissa’s “That’s What She Said” column here.
Miki Abraham talks starring in ‘Shucked’ at The Fox
🎭 Miki Abraham was the understudy for Alex Newell when “Shucked” made its Broadway run. But now that the show is on tour, the role of Lulu is all theirs.
The musical comes to town via the Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta series and will run from May 20-25 at the Fox Theatre. The musical takes place in the fictional location of Cob County, where life revolves around corn.
“We are a small town – no one ever comes in, no one ever comes out,” Abraham, who identifies as non-binary, said about the residents of Cob County. “We have everything we need; we don’t need outside help. It’s that small-minded mindset. I am from Kentucky. I grew up in it, and I get it.”
While the loss of corn is the catalyst, a whole lot happens in “Shucked,” such as mistaken identity and a wedding that almost doesn’t take place.
➡ Read Jim Farmer’s interview with Abraham here.
🎹 Join Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra on May 25 at Atlanta Symphony Hall. Goldblum launched the MSO 30 years ago, delighting audiences by playing contemporary arrangements of classic jazz and American Songbook standards. Tickets available now! SPONSOR MESSAGE
Best Bets
🧘♀️ Pride Run ATL is coming up on June 1 at Piedmont Park, and you can get ready by attending Queer/Drag Yoga at Ponce City Market on May 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
🗣️ New York Times bestselling author Kevin Wilson will discuss his new novel “Run For The Hills” with Atlanta playwright/screenwriter Topher Payne on May 19 at 7 p.m. at Eagle Eye Bookshop in Decatur.
🍽️ OUT @ Lunch Networking, a program from the OUT Georgia Business Alliance, meets May 20 at 11 a.m. at Kefenio Avondale in Avondale Estates. The event gathers small groups of up to 20 for lunch, serving generous portions of business connections and fostering referrals within the LGBTQ+ and allied community.
🎹 Join Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra on May 25 at Atlanta Symphony Hall. Goldblum launched the MSO 30 years ago, delighting audiences by playing contemporary arrangements of classic jazz and American Songbook standards. Tickets available now! SPONSOR MESSAGE
Social Follow of the Week
📸 Acclaimed poet and author Ocean Vuong’s new novel, “The Emperor of Gladness,” was just selected for Oprah Winfrey’s Book Club and is already earning rave reviews. Follow his journey on Instagram @ocean_vuong.
