Macon-Bibb County recognized Pride Week – a celebration of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and those who are questioning their orientation (LGBTQ+) communities – from September 20 to September 26. The goal was to bring everyone together so they can live openly and express themselves, and to raise awareness about the complex issues facing those community members.   

There was a traveling photo gallery with biographies of LGBTQ+ pioneers from our community, a Broadway-themed performance at The Grand Opera House, concerts, performances, and a family-friendly festival.  

Hundreds of people came downtown to Third Street Park for the festival on September 26, which featured vendors, non-profit organizations, churches, health advocates encouraging sexual health with free screenings, and a stage for performances, announcements, and a mass commitment ceremony.  

Mayor Pro Tem Seth Clark and District 8 Commissioner Virgil Watkins took the stage to talk about the importance of inclusion and acceptance. They read a proclamation declaring it Pride Week in Macon-Bibb and encouraging everyone to work to eliminate prejudice, respect the rights of all people, and celebrate the diversity of our city and nation.    

Click here to view photos from the Pride event.

You can read the proclamation here, and keep up with the Pride celebration all year round on their Facebook page here.