Diversity Rules Magazine

Joey Amato is the publisher of Pride Journeys, the premier source for LGBT travel. Joey publishes des na- on reviews in ad- di on to lifestyle content that is both insigh ul and engaging to LGBT readers. Joey has spent the major- ity of his career dedicated to the LGBT community, hav- ing contributed to numerous publica ons around North America. In addi on, he owns Agency33 Public Rela ons, a full-service firm specializing in LGBT outreach. Almost everyone has been to Atlanta at some point or another. Whether for a conference or just pass- ing through the Hartsfield-Jackson airport, the busi- est airport in the world, Atlanta sees more than 100 million visitors per year. As the largest city in Georgia and one of the largest in the country by popula on, Atlanta has exploded to become an economic pow- erhouse. Skyscrapers are popping up throughout the city and many Fortune 500 companies have a pres- ence in the region. Of course, the city is known for their hometown favorites: Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines and Turner Broadcas ng System, which was founded by none other than Ted Turner, who's name is ev- erywhere in Atlanta. Turner has a downtown street named a er him as well as 3 namesake restaurants – Ted's Montana Grill – just in the Atlanta city limits. Not too far from the downtown restaurant is Centen- nial Olympic Park, home of the 1996 summer Olym- pics. The park is adjacent to three other incredible a rac ons: the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca- Cola and Na onal Center for Civil & Human Rights. On this visit, I decided to first swing by World of Co- ca-Cola, which gives visitors a wonderful overview of the history of the brand, talks about the secret for- mula and of course offers the opportunity to sample Coca-Cola products from around the world. If you me your visit right, you may even get a chance to take a picture with their mascot, the Polar Bear. Next, I stopped by the Na onal Center for Civil & Hu- man Rights, a museum I had visited in the past. This me I was given a tour by the Execu ve Director for the LGBTQ Ins tute at the museum. Although the Center doesn't have a specific LGBTQ exhibi on, it does talk about the fight for LGBTQ rights through- out the years. The Center also houses the largest col- lec on of papers and ar facts of Dr. Mar n Luther King, Jr., and has recently expanded their offerings to include a human rights training program for law enforcement officials as well as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) experiences for workplaces. One of my favorite things about Atlanta is MARTA, their public transporta on system. It is one of the most efficient and inexpensive in the country, easily connec ng travelers from the airport to all parts of the city including Buckhead, where I was staying for this visit. While the Buckhead neighborhood isn't known for its LGBTQ nightlife, it is however known for its abun- dance of luxury shopping. Lenox Square is one of Atlanta - Con't on page 18 Pride Journeys Atlanta, Georgia By Joey Amato Diversity Rules Magazine | May 2021 | 9

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