Auld Lang Syne
Dec. 31 — It’s been a fraught and tumultuous year, and I expect nothing less in 2026. But I do hope you can take a moment to rest and reflect before diving back into the turmoil once again. With the Georgia legislative session getting underway on Jan. 12 and the midterms in November, it’s going to be a wild year in politics and policy. Fasten your seatbelts.
Midnight is where the day begins…
Collin
P.S. After 157 years, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ends its print edition and becomes a digital-only newsroom. Thanks for giving me my start as a journalist.
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Advocates expect continued attack on LGBTQ+ rights during 2026 state legislative session
🏛️ With several pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation already passed into law, legal battles that will extend into the new year, and an upcoming election for state lawmakers, LGBTQ+ advocates are expecting a difficult legislative session in 2026.
When lawmakers return to the Gold Dome on Jan. 12, organizations like Georgia Equality and the Human Rights Campaign will be going with them to advocate against expected legislation targeting school curriculum, gender-affirming health care, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
➡ Read Katie Burkholder’s full preview here.
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The year in LGBTQ+ films reviewed
🍿 From big star projects to indie darlings, it was a particularly rich year for LGBTQ+ film.
During a time in this country filled with so much uncertainty and fear, it’s refreshing to see filmmakers telling stories that need to be told.
From “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (pictured) and “On Swift Horses” to “Peter Hujar’s Day” and “Christy,” contributor Jim Farmer chooses some of his favorites.
➡ Check Jim’s full story here.
A few of Katie’s favorite things
In last week’s newsletter, I made a list of some of my favorite things from 2025, and now Georgia Voice staff writer Katie Burkholder is doing the same.
🎞️ Favorite movie:Hamnet
Stunning and deeply moving. Don’t watch if you’re not ready to ugly cry.
🎻 Favorite song:“Berghain” by Rosalía ft. Björk and Yves Tumor
This song is a weird and expansive epic that subverts genre and perfectly utilizes both Björk and Yves Tumor as collaborators.
🎤 Favorite album:“West End Girl” by Lily Allen
This album is far from perfect – in fact, there are many skips imo – but the parasocial drama of it all is juicy enough to send it to the top.
💍 Favorite community event:Charis Books Mass Queer Wedding
If you weren’t there in January, you really missed out. It was tender and empowering and so, so sweet.
🎭 Favorite live performance: “Yesterday is Dead” by Maria Chryssopoulos
This one-woman show at this year’s Lavender Fest about lesbian identity spanning 100 years completely blew me away. (pictured)
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Best Bets for NYE
🍑 Countdown Over Atlanta will feature citywide fireworks and a drone show countdown visible in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta as 2026 approaches.
🪩 NYE Queer Disco at LORE will have disco, hip-hop, and pop spinning all night to welcome in the New Year, along with a photobooth, champagne toast, and more.
🎤 New Year’s Eve One Mic ATL hosted by Impulse ATL will feature artists, dancers, and creatives to close out the year in style at Apache XLR with DJs, giveaways, contests, and more.
🎛️ Blake’s on the Park in Midtown Atlanta will host a New Year’s Eve Party featuring DJ Lady N, go-go boys, and more starting at 8 p.m.
🥂 Head to My Sister’s Room in Midtown Atlanta for the NYE Masquerade Ball, featuring a complimentary champagne toast at midnight with a breakfast buffet. There will also be drag, burlesque, go-go dancers, live music and DJs.
💃🏽 Club One in Savannah will host its 2026 New Year’s Eve Party with drag, music, prizes, and a champagne toast.
🕺🏽 Colgay Pride in Columbus will host a Community New Year’s Eve Countdown starting at 11 p.m. at its headquarters, 4214 16th Ave. Bring your fireworks and get ready to dance.
➡ Be sure to visit our IG stories @thegeorgiavoice to find even more New Year’s Eve happenings and events around Georgia.
