Belonging in Brookhaven: A Pride Month Celebration

Lips has become a beloved gathering place in Brookhaven, known not only for its performances but for uplifting and honoring LGBTQ+ voices. Owned and operated by members of the gay community, this drag restaurant is a welcoming space where individuality and expression are celebrated with pride.

More than just a venue for entertainment, Lips offers a space where people gather to connect, support one another, and share in the joy of self-expression. Through performance and creativity, it reflects the strength and vibrancy of those who continue to shape Brookhaven’s cultural landscape.

Oglethorpe University is recognized not only for its academics, but also for its commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. LGBTQ+ students are supported through thoughtful campus resources and experiences that promote identity, self-expression, and belonging. At Oglethorpe, inclusion is not a side effort. It is an essential part of student life.

A key part of that environment comes from student-led initiatives. Groups like OUtlet, the university’s LGBTQ+ student organization, create space for connection and support through regular meetings, campus events, and community outreach. These efforts help students find both affirmation and camaraderie in their day-to-day experience.

The university also participates in the Atlanta Pride Parade each October, providing students a chance to engage with the broader LGBTQ+ community across the city. That connection beyond campus is matched by meaningful projects closer to home, like the Little Queer Library. Spearheaded by students, this free resource offers access to books on queer identity, allyship, and sexual and reproductive health. It reflects a spirit of care and advocacy that runs deep within the student body.

Together, these efforts show how Oglethorpe continues to grow as a place where all students are encouraged to be themselves, find their voice, and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

In Brookhaven and beyond, Pride Month is a joyful reminder of the beauty of diversity and the many ways LGBTQ+ individuals enrich our communities. It is a time filled with celebration, reflection, and moments that highlight what it means to live authentically and openly.

Here in Brookhaven, that spirit shows up in so many ways. From the support of local businesses to the efforts of students and neighbors, inclusion feels like a natural part of life. Pride is not just about events or one month on the calendar. It is woven into the everyday experiences that make this city feel like home for so many.

These stories and spaces are worth celebrating, not just during Pride Month but all year long. They reflect the care, creativity, and connection that help make Brookhaven a place where everyone truly belongs.