Atlanta Pride Committee announces 53rd annual Pride Festival theme, names new executive director

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Pride Committee announced the 2023 Festival theme and named the committee’s new Executive Director Thursday.

Chris McCain, an Atlanta native, was named the Executive Director of the APC. As the executive director, McCain will oversee all facets of the committee’s work, leading strategic planning, organizational management, external affairs and fundraising.

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“We couldn’t be more excited that Chris will lead APC into its next chapter,” said Board Chair Crystal Stubbs. “His passion for and commitment to social justice—particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community—along with his breadth of nonprofit leadership experience, really impressed our search committee.”

Throughout his career, McCain has served many philanthropic causes, such as The Bail Project, a national nonprofit organization working to ensure that no one is in jail pretrial because of their race or poverty.

McCain also served as Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Forum for Theological Exploration, overseeing programs for young adults discerning careers in ministry, education and advocacy.

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“I’m truly honored to join the Atlanta Pride Committee at this moment,” said McCain. “For more than a decade, I’ve enjoyed attending the Atlanta Pride Festival and marching in the Parade. I’m really looking forward to building on APC’s proud legacy of fostering community for queer people from across Atlanta and beyond.”

In addition to announcing new leadership, APC also announced the theme of this year’s festival, “Show Up and Show Out.”

The theme commemorates Atlanta’s first Pride Parade in 1970 on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

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“We hope you will warmly welcome our new Executive Director by showing up and showing out to this year’s Festival,” said Board Vice Chair Aryc W. Mosher. “Especially right now, we need what Pride is all about a joyful celebration of visibility, community, and justice for queer people in Atlanta and around the South.”

For more information about this year’s events, click here.

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