What pride means to me: Atlantaboy

Who is Atlantaboy Matt Burkhalter
We first got to know Matt after he wrote the book “Atlantaboy” and helped us learn all about where to go in Atlanta (see our original interview here). Matt’s still helping people find the best of the south’s metropolitan center.

Matt in his own words
I am a graphic designer, artist and author who loves good food and a good glass of wine with good friends… any time, just don’t forget the corkscrew!

What does pride mean to you?
Pride is the ability to be happy in who you are. I know it sounds cliche, but it’s so true. If you are happy with who and what you are, you will be able to be proud of who and what you are. Pride itself, as an event, means spending time with friends, getting sunburned walking through Atlanta’s Piedmont Park looking at all of the booths and what is out there in Atlanta’s gay community. One of my favorite things is going out to dinner with all of my best friends and having fantastic food and a drink or three… or four, and then recovering for a day or three… or four!

What are you doing for pride this year?
Atlanta Pride is usually the last full weekend in June, but this year, at the last minute, the event was forced to move to July 4th weekend.
I made plans earlier in the year to head to Savannah with my partner, so we’ve tweaked our plans a little to be able to be in Atlanta as much of Pride as possible. I’m sure we’ll start out at Burkhart’s for whatever Atlanta’s infamous camp drag hostess Mary Edith Pitts has up her sleeve…or up her bra, then we’ll head to WetBar for a DJ and some dancing until our legs ache! Then, we’ll hit up Thumbs Up Diner for a greasy “morning after” breakfast and grab a cup of coffee and
then hit the road for Savannah. We’ll be sunning on the beaches at Tybee Island, and going to see a great drag show at Club One Jefferson, and of course, we’ll have to hit up Paula Deen’s restaurant. We’re going to do our best to speed back to Atlanta in time for the Parade, Starlight Cabaret and closing ceremonies on Sunday! WHEW, it’ll be a whirlwind weekend!