5 conversations to have before you party at Atlanta Pride 2023
Pull out your fishnets and call up your mothers. Pride 2023 is upon us, and she’s coming in with a vengeance. Given that we’re already in the swing of things, I’m sure you’re already up to your neck with plans and parties.
And that’s amazing, but there are some questions you should consider prior to ordering that Uber. The objective of course is to feel euphoric and enjoy your community. However, you cannot do that if you’re worried about your safety. Or even baseline things like where you are going to lay your head. The first step to ensuring you have the best possible time is to go with a group. Not only are you going to have a better time, but you’ll be surprised how much more ease you feel if you know there is someone around who cares about your well-being. Once you’ve got a group together, you need to have very specific conversations. Here are six that are pivotal to approach.
What’s your Pride plan?
Simple enough, right? What do you want to do this Pride? What parties do you want to go to, and what shows do you want to see? This one is obviously important for logistical reasons. It helps you know when everyone is available and if anyone needs rides or places to stay. But also it helps you figure out your own pride plan. There’s always something you didn’t realize was an option, and so more info never hurts.
How much do these things cost?
As tempting as it is, pride is not the time to break the bank. There is in fact life past these next few days. So, any decisions that will prevent you from paying your rent or taking care of yourself should be off the table. Cost should also be considered in other ways. How much time are you spending, how much energy are you spending? Are you going to be pushing your mental health to go to this party? All important to consider.
Is everything on the itinerary welcoming?
A sad but true truth of the LGBT is we are not always as inclusive toward each other as the outside world assumes. Some members are exclusive toward trans and non-binary individuals, either through their actions or their words. And that is disgusting, but again, true. Luckily Atlanta is crawling with communities, many of which would love to have your particular breed of queerness. So it’s okay to not want to go to something if you don’t feel welcomed. And if the people you’re with make you feel guilty about that, they are in the wrong not you.
What is safe to take?
Like I said earlier, have fun. But be smart about what you’re doing. DO NOT drink from any cup unless you know exactly who got it and who they got it from. Have at least 1 sober person for every 3 who are dabbling. It is so important that you get home safe.
Who is hooking up with who?
Similar to the last point, have fun. We are a diverse group, and this is the weekend to meet as many lovers as you’d like. But again, life moves on past pride. So it doesn’t hurt to ask if an individual has been tested recently. Especially if that’s something you are sensitive too. Also having a dialogue about if yall plan to be exclusive to each other, or open to playing the field is also smart. Ideally, ironing all of these details out before you head out will make the rest of the evening a breeze. Think of it like a social contact, a sexy social contract.
