The diversity of gay Atlanta always reaches the outer limits. With a veritable local multi-verse to explore over Labor Day Weekend, one event goes where no other has gone before: Dragon*Con. Here are the things that take it to the great gay beyond.
Gay Atlanta knows sci-fi, fantasy, horror, anime and gaming. From its “gaymers” to the LGBT OutlantCon group and event, Atlanta is officially gay Nerdvana. It’s little wonder that an annual LGBT party is just the first stop on a gay tour through Dragon*Con.
Besides staying vigilant on your search for the best Chris Pratt/Starlord Guardian of the Galaxy to take home, here are nine other gay missions to set out on this weekend.
Spectrum Party.
OutlantaCon throws down the revelry gauntlet, putting its annual LGBT spin on Dragon*Con. DJ Neon the Glowgobear (photo) brings the beat to the Spectrum Party, a new name for the former Rainbow Flag Party with a bigger venue and hundreds of anticipated guests. It goes down at 10 p.m. in the Westin’s Augusta Ballroom. Convention passes are required, so buy day passes online. Things get crazy up in here.
Dragon*Con Parade.
The annual Dragon*Con Parade never fails to serve up fun and a smorgasbord of eye-popping sights in creative and often barely-there costumes. It steps off Saturday at 10 a.m. winding down Ivan Allen Boulevard and Peachtree Street to Andrew Young Boulevard. Just like it sounds, it’s open to the public and totally worth it to get up early.
Hotness.
Speaking of hunks, they’re everywhere at Dragon*Con, and contrary to your preconceptions about all geeks, some are a sight to see in the sexiest way possible – tipsy and nearly naked. Trust us. We know about the Hunks of Dragon*Con.
Famous Hotness.
The one and only Patrick Stewart is the biggest draw, but he’s far from the only famous face you’ll want to see. Don’t miss (from left) Sam Witwer, Grant Bowler, Drew Roy, C Thomas Howell or Shawn Ashmore, to name but a few. Dozens of recognizable stars from “Battlestar Gallactica,” “Star Trek Next Generation,” “Mass Effect” and more are on tap for Dragon*Con’s Walk of Fame.
Gay Atlanta’s Own
“Walking Dead” actor, hot Atlanta guy, David magazine columnist and all-around gadabout Tony Gowell (photo) adds some sassy comedy to the festivities on Friday at 1 p.m. in Centennial 1.
Lafayette and Pam!
The grand finale exit of “True Blood” was disappointing on several levels, but playing-gay actors Nelsan Ellis and Kristin Bauer Van Straten (photos) weren’t among the show’s challenges in its waning years. Get a load of them in person while the sting of their departure is still fresh.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Live.
The gay-inclusive cult hit welcomes an expected 3,000 loyal fans to descend on the Hyatt for Rocky Horror Picture Show Live. Atlanta’s own Lips Down on Dixie troupe (photo) does the honors while the film rolls. Dragon*Con pass required.
Gayming.
For every big and small screen fan, there is a fanboy or fangirl that is all about gaming at Dragon*Con. You know that track will include the LGBT gaymers squabbling over Dragon Age.
Trust Sparkle Hooves (NSFW).
If you can’t take our word for it, let Atlanta’s sassiest, raunchiest, horniest gay horse give you a personal tour of the convention. Press play to see why his take on Dragon*Con is quite literally balls out. Sparkle Hooves is our favorite.
