Most major cities in the U.S. have more than one Pride event, and Atlanta's no different. This weekend, there will be over 300,000 people involved, including those traveling to the city for the Atlanta Pride events. And in September, there will be over 100,000 people coming to the city for the annual Black Gay Pride festivities.

One city. Two events. But why?

Personally, I understand why there are two different events. Whenever you involve an event which is supposed to represent a large and diverse group of people, you're going to end up leaving something out that you missed (either intentionally or unintentionally). So people from that group make their own event to address those things left out. I don't think it's so much an issue of exclusion as it is a lack of cooperative inclusion. That's my two cents.

But what do you think? Why do most cities have different Pride celebrations for different ethnic groups? I'm asking here on the blog, but I also fielded that question in a few other arenas. And the responses are…well…let's say that while I can't determine the particular race of the people who responded, some people's responses are pretty self-explanatory.

This one guy kept it short and to the point:

"yes it is true which is why i as a black gay man dont bother with any of it thats the south for you even the gay community is segregated its kinda sad"

This respondent kept it pretty even-handed:

"There is only one Atlanta Pride. You will see on Sunday there are LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of every kind of person at Atlanta Pride.

Having said that, there is a Black Pride Celebration that focuses on the black community. It's easy to understand how individual concerns could get lost in the HUGE crowds at Atlanta Pride, so other groups organize to focus on their particular concerns. That's not to take anything away from Atlanta Pride. All are welcome, all come – we are everywhere and just because there are events that focus attention on the special concerns of different parts of our diverse community – we are one community. HAPPY PRIDE TO ALL!"

Here's another one; this guy goes into the historical significance of Pride events and gives some context:

"it is BS… this is PRIDE weekend…. not "white pride"…. I expect to see everyone there… if our goal is to be equal to everyone the why do we segregate ourselves…. this is the true Pride weekend and pride is held in June to commemorate the Stone Wall incedents in June in NYC… the start of the pride civil movement…. And how odd that the civil rights cradle of the world ends up segregated… it is true… there is BLACK PRIDE on memorial day weekend…. It's dissapointing… If we're asking for equal rights for all, how can we accomplish that with segreating our celebrations of ourselves…. I'm 27… moved here from Ohio…. and felt liberated when I got here…. but if the gay community can't come together as one… how can we seriously expect society as a whole to embrace us? Anyways… that's my blah blah blah…"

The newer visitors to Atlanta seem to notice the trend as well:

"i think your source was correct! i'm pretty new to the area and not out but i have noticed in the past that when they do show clips of the parades, it is mostly one color and not really a mix."

He's short and to the point:

"yes, it is. black pride is held in Atlanta labor day weekend"

Others say the dual Prides are just the way things are:

"Welcome to ATL! It's silly for sure!"

This one was probably the best response I received:

"Yes, sadly it's true. I have lived here 10 years now in the city where the founders of the civil rights movement came from. The place where people preached equality, integration and one love. I have to tell you that Atlanta IS, surprisingly, still a pretty segregated city and even more so in the gay community. Im not blaming a side (black or white) but it has been disappointing that the two haven't worked harder at working together and supporting one another in having one Pride. Some of 'us' (Im a White person) even like to say how during the 'Black Gay pride' they plan their vacations so they can be out of town. So, no, I haven't tried to help change it. It's still the South, there are attitudes on both sides and some still prefer it that way- Separate But Equal."

And of course, there are one or two who show their ass:

"First of all I'm gay, so don't get the wrong idea. Where are you from? The Pride Festival is for everyone, that wants to participate. Atlanta has a large black population, that is somewhat racist, and they want a seperate Black Pride. That is their choice. BWMT [Black and White Men Together] has a very successful chapter here in Atlanta. I know of no separate Latin or Asian Pride Festival. Only a black one. Tomorrow when you see the parade, maybe you will have a different opinion. Blacks in Atlanta are very racist, and only want everything on a separate basis. Hopefully tomorrow, you will get a different opinion. Our Pride is the third largest in the country, and I'm very proud of it. The majority of the gay population in the ATL, are white males. Blacks are welcome, any gay person is welcome, but they want to be separate!"

"don't worry, I'm sure they will add a 3rd pride for the fags and a 4th for the tubbs and chubbs soon enuf =)"

Yeah…after those last two, I have no words. What say you?