Serving Every Queer Person in Athens since 1998
Educate and raise awareness around issues and diverse identities related to trans, queer, and gender diverse populations using an anti-racist and gender affirming lens.
EDUCATE
Advocate for all LGBTQIA2S+ populations with focus on queer identities that have been historically stigmatized and marginalized within and outside of dominant queer culture.
ADVOCATE
Celebrate queer, questioning, trans, and gender diverse populations and advocates through annual events such as the street festival and parade.
CELEBRATE
Affirm our communities through support/community groups, including, but not limited to LGBTQ Youth Group, QTBIPOC Group, Trans Support Group, and Religious Trauma Support Groups.
AFFIRM
Our History
In 1998, the LGBTQ+ community of Athens, GA gathered for a potluck picnic under the pavilion at Lake Herrick. Initially hosted by GLOBES, an LGBTQ faculty and staff group at the University of Georgia founded by local hero Annette Hatton, the event grew and formed into an independent organization governed by volunteers who formed the “Athens PRIDE Committee.”
By 2011, members of the committee envisioned expanding the picnic into a larger event. That year, queer community members from Athens and surrounding areas spread across Lay Park in a festival of unity and pride. In 2013 Athens PRIDE achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
In 2022, Athens Pride and Athens Queer Collective merged the two separate organizations to form “Athens Pride and Queer Collective,” a new organization committed to more than just celebrating queer culture, but to actually affecting and changing the lives of Queer communities in the greater Athens area. That year, we also hosted the first Pride Parade and were instrumental in the installation of the rainbow crosswalks in the heart of downtown Athens. In 2023, we launched our Gender-Affirming Care Grant, through which we have distributed more than $50,000 in funds. In 2025 we hired our first ever Executive Director, Elliot Williamson, and we are excited to continue to expand our story in serving our home of Athens and its neighbors!
Our Mission
Athens Pride + Queer Collective is dedicated to the advancement of equity, affirmation, diversity, and wellness of queer populations in the greater Athens area by working with historically marginalized communities through outreach, social connection, education, and events.
WE’RE SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM IN 2026!
Apply below & email governance@athenspride.com with questions.