MACON, Ga. — What was set to be a small park gathering five years ago has transformed into Macon's largest Pride celebration to date.
Next month, the 2024 Pride Festival will kick off at the Atrium Health Amphitheater for 11 days of festivities.
Scott Mitchell, the president of Macon Pride, has seen the event evolve dramatically.
His Bohemian Den storefront on Cherry Street is lined with rainbow flags, accessories, and signs that reflects his dedication to celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
"We have literally a full slate of things to offer this year and it's our biggest festival yet," Mitchell said. "We have several nonprofits, organizations, and business leaders here in town who have stood with us, showing just how tight-knit the Macon, Georgia community is."
Since its establishment, the single-day celebration Mitchell and his friends brainstormed in 2019 has grown into a 11-day extravaganza.
This year's lineup includes the annual Mx. Macon Pageant, movie nights, socials at local restaurants and pubs, and star-studded drag shows featuring stars from RuPaul's Drag Race.
While other communities have experienced backlash regarding Pride events, Mitchell says Macon has embraced the celebration.
In June, Main Street Bar in Perry canceled a drag show following community pushback.
"It always hurts your heart when you hear about things like that," Mitchell said. "It's tough. Being LGBTQIA+ in rural Georgia is not for the faint of heart. We're just people here in your community that are just living our lives. It's hard sometimes."
The festival will kick off with performances by Boy George and Squeeze at the Amphitheater on September 19th.
For Mitchell, these artists, who provided comfort with his identity growing up, symbolize the festival's spirit of acceptance and celebration.
"I remember Boy George was one of the first artists that really let me know that it was okay to be different," Mitchell said. " I remember the ribbons and the buttons and his hair and just being enamored with this individual."
The concert is the only Georgia stop for the tour. Mitchell says it should be an unforgettable night of music and a beautiful celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community.
"There are those of us who don't mind standing in the gap, creating safe spaces, and showing people that there are individuals out here who love you and will celebrate with you. We have been embraced here," Mitchell said.
For the full agenda for the 2024 Macon Pride Festival, click here.