Atlanta Pride has announced the official theme of this year’s Pride festival on Oct. 11 and 12. The theme, “Rooted in Resistance,” honors the history of the LGBTQ+ movement and the Stonewall Riots of 1969.
“Our community’s journey has always been ‘Rooted in Resistance.’ From Stonewall to the present day, we have continually stood firm in the face of adversity, demanding our rights and celebrating our identities,” Chris McCain, the Executive Director of Atlanta Pride, said. “This theme is a call to remember our past, acknowledge our ongoing struggles, and empower every individual to contribute to a future where all LGBTQ+ people can thrive, free from fear and prejudice. We invite everyone to join us in embodying this spirit at this year’s festival.”
This year’s logo was designed by local graphic designer Edwin Villalba, a senior graphic designer at Georgia Power. Villalba has worked with Disney, CVS, Citizens Bank, SMU, Octavius Marsion, and Dillon Burnisde.
McCain told Georgia Voice that the theme is both “a call back and a call forward,” connecting history with the future as advocates and activists continue to fight against federal and local attacks on LGBTQ+ rights.
“At a time when our rights and our lives are under attack, it’s important to remember that queer joy is an act of protest and resistance,” he said. “Atlanta Pride remains the largest free Pride event in the country, and with our community’s support, we’ll keep it that way. The only way we move forward is together.”
This year marks the 55th year of Atlanta Pride, the largest free Pride festival in the country. As the organization celebrates this milestone, they still remain grounded in their grassroots origins, McCain says, through their Pride Across the Peach State initiative, a grant program supporting local Pride events throughout Georgia.
Pride remains free to the community through the work of volunteers. Volunteer applications for Atlanta Pride 2025 are currently open. Positions include parade marshals, information booth attendants, accessibility and inclusion coordinators, and more.
“Volunteers are the heart and soul of Atlanta Pride,” McCain said. “Their passion and commitment make it possible for us to deliver this incredible festival to our community. We encourage anyone who wants to make a tangible difference and be a part of something truly special to sign up and join our team.”
Atlanta Pride 2025 will take place in Piedmont Park on Oct. 11 and 12. To learn more, visit atlantapride.org.
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