Athens, Ga –  Today marks the start of Athens Pride Week.  For the first time in Athens Pride history, Athens will play host to a week long schedule of events to promote LGBT equality and discussion.

“We hope to provide a venue for those and meet new people,” says Athens Pride Board Member Mark Sutton.

Athens Pride began more than 15 years ago. Today that weekend event now lasts a whole week thanks to the growth in support from the local community.

“This year when we went around to business and community members about expanding people were very happy we would be in college square and were excited about,” says Ricky Roberts who also serves on the PRIDE board.

Every day this week Athens Pride will be hosting events around town starting tonight where theyll show a feature film here at Cine where theyll be handing out flyers to promote discussion around the community.

And while Pride will take place downtown, it looks to support people in the surrounding communities according to Roberts.
“There are towns around us where there is not a lot of support and so people are excited to come to athens from those surrunding comminities and be able to be themself for a day.”