An existential threat
Aug. 14 —As I feared, marriage equality may be back on the Supreme Court docket this fall if the justices take up the case of a fired Kentucky court clerk who refused to issue a marriage license to a gay couple on religious grounds. No word on how she weighed her three divorces and four marriages against that decision.
More headlines:
⚕️Friday’s shooting at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta has only added to the trauma employees have suffered under the Trump administration’s layoffs, funding cuts, and threats to HIV research.
🗂️ Advocacy groups sharply criticized the removal of LGBTQ+-specific references from the State Department’s 2024 human rights report on Tuesday.
🚨 Anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes remained high in 2024 despite the overall decline in violence and other crimes, according to data from the FBI’s annual crime report.
🍿 Our contributor Gregg Shapiro talked with Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke about their new queer noir film, “Honey Don’t!”, starring Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Evans in a jockstrap.
📻 Atlanta independent radio station WRFG 89.3 is celebrating its 52nd birthday on Saturday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Manuel’s Tavern.
But you don’t stop trying…
Collin
P.S. Check out our report on last night’s meeting for artists to share their thoughts on how the Atlanta LGBTQ+ Community Center can serve the arts scene. And don’t forget tonight’s Women’s Social from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at My Sister’s Room, hosted by the Community Center crew.
Supreme Court to consider case overturning same-sex marriage
⚖️ Ten years after the U.S. Supreme Court extended marriage rights to same-sex couples nationwide, the justices will consider this fall whether to take up a case explicitly asking them to overturn that landmark ruling.
According to ABC News, former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, jailed in 2015 for refusing to issue marriage licenses to a gay couple on religious grounds, is appealing a $100,000 jury award for emotional damages and $260,000 in attorneys’ fees. In her petition, Davis argues her actions were protected by the First Amendment’s free exercise clause and that Obergefell v. Hodges — the 2015 decision recognizing same-sex marriage — was “egregiously wrong.”
The case marks the first formal request since 2015 for the high court to overturn Obergefell. Lower courts have rejected Davis’ defense, noting she acted as a state official and could not claim First Amendment immunity.
An Evening of Purpose, Impact, and Hope
SPONSORED BY CHRIS 180
✨ Join CHRIS 180 as we celebrate 25 years of impact at the CHRIStal Ball on Aug. 16! This unforgettable evening supports our mission to provide life-changing mental health services for children, young adults, and families across Metro Atlanta.
💙 Enjoy an inspiring night of entertainment, connection, and purpose – all while making a real difference in our community. Your support helps create brighter futures for those who need it most.
➞ The event is sold out, but you can participate in the online auction or donate today!
LGBTQ+ community voices health, financial and civic concerns at town hall
🗣️ LGBTQ+ community leaders, city employees, and entrepreneurs came together at Atlanta City Hall on Aug. 8 for an LGBTQ+ Town Hall led by the new Director of LGBTQ Affairs, Dewayne Queen.
The event served as an opportunity for the community to voice their concerns about LGBTQ+ issues in Atlanta and inform the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion’s future programming.
Issues raised by the community included limited access to mental health services and other health care, a lack of financial education surrounding building wealth and starting a business, and legislative attacks on queer youth, specifically regarding education.
➡ Read Katie Burkholder’s full report from the town hall here.
✨ Help provide life-changing mental health support to kids and families across metro Atlanta by attending CHRIS 180’s 25th anniversary CHRIStal Ball on Aug. 16! Donate or participate in the online auction here. SPONSOR MESSAGE
Best Bets
😂 Transgender comedian Roz Hernandez is bringing her standup show to Out Front Theatre for one night only on Aug. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
🎭 Candybox Revue is bringing “Little Shop of Horrors Burlesque Parody” to Metropolitan Studios Aug. 15-17.
🪩 Mary’s in East Atlanta Village and Neon Horror will celebrate Madonna’s birthday on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9 p.m. to midnight during “Madonnathon.”
🧌 Monster Show for Monsters: A Variety Show will feature music, comedy, burlesque, drag, storytelling, magic, and more at Red Light Cafe on Aug. 18 starting at 8 p.m.
🏳️⚧️ Celebrate Transgender Flag Day on Aug.19 with Monica Helms, creator of the Trans Pride flag and local Atlanta legend. Helms will be at the Atlanta Eagle from 6:30 to 9 p.m., signing her new book, “More Than A Flag,” and sharing stories during a Q&A.
Social Follow of the Week
📸 Shout out to Athens Pride + Queer Collective, which is keeping the rainbow high going through the summer, including the upcoming “Welcome To Planet Queer” prom on Aug. 23. Put on your celestial suits, break out the poodle skirts, and B-52’s beehive wigs for this party out of bounds. Tickets are available here.
