Atlanta Pride, in partnership with Out on Film, is proud to host a significant event titled “Reel Resistance: How the Lonesome Cowboys Raid Sparked the Southern Queer Rights Movement.” This two-day summit will unfold at Agnes Scott College on August 1 and August 2, commemorating a pivotal moment in the history of LGBTQ+ activism in the South.
The event centers around a screening of Andy Warhol’s provocative film “Lonesome Cowboys,” which became a flashpoint for queer rights when Atlanta police raided its screening on August 5, 1969. During that raid at the Ansley Mall Mini-Cinema, the theater manager was arrested and the film was confiscated. In many ways, it marked a turning point in LGBTQ+ activism in the region, sparking a movement that thrives to this day.
The summit kicks off with the screening on August 1 at 7 p.m., followed by a discussion led by Abby Drue, a longtime activist who was present at the 1969 raid. “Abby is literal living history and has been involved with pretty much every significant queer organization in our city and state at some point,” remarked Steven Igarashi-Ball, Atlanta Pride’s director of communications and community engagement. “Her insights will be invaluable as we explore this critical moment in our history.”
On August 2, the summit’s agenda includes conversations with historians like Martin Padgett and Wes Nimmo, along with artist Taylor Alxndr and activists Vandy Beth Glenn and Mark S. King, to reflect on the lasting implications of the raid. “This year marks the 55th anniversary of Atlanta Pride, and we’re committed to preserving our community’s history,” Igarashi-Ball added.
The theme for this year’s Atlanta Pride, “Rooted in Resistance,” resonates strongly with the ideals of the summit as it seeks to honor both past struggles and current efforts in the fight for queer rights.
Having watched “Lonesome Cowboys” for the first time while preparing for this event, Igarashi-Ball noted the complexities of the film. “There’s a lot to unpack,” he stated. “While it may not age well, it serves as an important time capsule for understanding the social context of our city and community.”
In alignment with the summit, Out on Film Director Jim Farmer emphasized the importance of intergenerational dialogue. “What excites me most is the chance to bring generations together, with those who lived this history and those who are just beginning to shape their own,” he remarked. “We’re using the power of cinema to ignite conversations and build connections across generations.”
As part of the initiative, Out on Film is launching the Reel Resistance Short Film Fellowship. This program is designed to empower up to five LGBTQ+ filmmakers in Georgia to create narrative and documentary shorts that explore the shape of queer life in the South. Each selected filmmaker will benefit from mentorship, a production stipend of $3,000, and an opportunity to screen their completed work.
Filmmaker Ava Davis, an Out on Film board member, emphasized the unifying power of film in sharing queer narratives. “The power of a movie is its close-up,” Davis expressed. “It draws you in and magnifies emotion on screen. This connection allows audiences to witness and understand the intricacies of the movement and its effects on lives, making it crucial that these stories are told by those who live them.”
The summit at Agnes Scott College promises to be a landmark event, shedding light on the historical significance of the Lonesome Cowboys raid while fostering discussions on queer rights and activism.
For attendees, this will not only be an opportunity to witness a critical piece of film history but also engage in meaningful dialogue regarding the evolution of LGBTQ+ activism in the South today. The event is more than just a remembrance; it’s about forging paths for future generations through shared understanding and experience.
The community summit will be held at the Dana Fine Arts Building, located at 137 South McDonough St., Decatur. The event is priced between $30 and $75, making it accessible for a wide audience. Interested individuals can learn more and purchase tickets at outonfilm.org.
Join Atlanta Pride and Out on Film for this commemoration of queer resilience, creativity, and activism that continues to shape the landscape of rights and representation within the LGBTQ+ community.
image source from：artsatl
