Of course, being folks who love a great party, the LGBT community will be throwing countless uninhibited soirees to counterpoint the more serious activism and historical aspects of the month.  Many Pride events will combine all these elements.

This week, we take an overview of Pride events taking place in the country throughout June, with a special emphasis on those in the Southeast.  Any of these would be ideal to tide Atlanta gays over until Atlanta Pride opens on October 12.  Of course, be sure to check all the festivals’ website or Facebook pages, where applicable, for news and schedule updates.

Central Alabama Pride

June 2–9 • Birmingham, AL • centralalabamapride.org

Eight days of Pride includes casual social events like a picnic, bowling, skating, and bingo in locations across Birmingham, culminating in a parade on June 8 and the big festival on June 9.

El Paso Sun City Pride

June 5–9 • El Paso, TX

Well, pardners, Texas sure is proving to be a surprise.  In this rundown of Pride festivals in the Southeast, we highlight not one but three gay Pride festivals in the Lone Star State.  The first one, El Paso Sun City Pride, is five days of affiliated events and parties, including a June 6 official launch party and a June 7 dance.  The parade and street festival get busy on Saturday, June 8.  Entertainment headliners this year include sex god rapper Cazwell and transgendered multi-hyphenate entertainer Amanda Lepore.

Key West Pride

June 5–9 • Key West, FL • keywestpride.org

As Key West Pride’s website proclaims, “Street Fair, Pride Parade, Pool Parties, Dance Parties, Sunset Sails, Comedy, Film and so much more!  All set on a tropical island that is legendary for its laid back style and its open and accepting atmosphere.”  We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

Razzle Dazzle Festival

June 6–9 • Dallas, TX • razzledazzledallas.org

Remember the old joke about Texas that the only things there are steers and queers?  Well, the joke is officially no longer a put-down.  In fact, there may be just as many queers in Texas as there are ten-gallon hats, and Razzle Dazzle Festival in Dallas is proof of that.  On June 7, disco legend Thelma Houston performs as Metroball, one of many very gay attractions worth taking in, with the main event festival on June 8.

Nashville Pride Festival

June 15 • Nashville, TN • nashvillepride.org

One might not think the conservative country music capital of Nashville would be a safe environment for a big, bold gay Pride festival, but in fact it’s one of the most entertaining and popular ones in the U.S., certainly in the Southeast.  And there are a number of official celebrations in the week leading up to the big festival—they include a June 9 Nashville Pride Pageant; a June 12 Spirituality Night; and, on June 13, Curb Records presents Pride Rocks! Pre-Party.

South Carolina Black Pride

June 19–23 • Columbia, SC • southcarolinablackpride.com

The African-American LGBT community of South Carolina makes Pride their own with five days of togetherness, awareness, and fun activities.

Augusta Pride

June 21–22 • Augusta, GA • prideaugusta.org

With a theme of “Proud 365,” Augusta Pride might even rival Atlanta Pride in popularity.  Check them out on their website, Facebook, and Twitter for updates about events schedule and entertainment.

Pride San Antonio

June 29 • San Antonio, TX • pridesanantonio.org

Gay-inclusive, diverse, and artsy—what’s not to love about San Antonio, Texas?  Well, consider Pride San Antonio, the annual day-long gay block party that includes a high heel race and caps off with a nighttime parade.  This year’s theme?  “Pride Bigger Than Texas.”

St. Pete Pride Street Festival & Promenade

June 29 • St. Petersburg, FL • stpetepride.com

St. Petersburg, Florida, is a big, beautiful, sunny metropolis and a perennial tourist hot spot in the Tampa Bay area.  Nicknamed “The Sunshine City,” St. Pete is a perfect locale for a big, bright Pride festival that includes ample vendors, organizations, food, drinks, and entertainment.  Check the website for schedule updates.

Savannah Pride

Sept. 14 • Savannah, GA • facebook.com/savpride

Okay, so we’re including an event that doesn’t take place until September, but no roster of Pride throwdowns in Georgia would be complete without mentioning Savannah Pride.  Savannah has a rich, mysterious, evocative cultural history—both respectable and notorious.  For our money, the annual Savannah Pride festival leans to the respectable.  We think.  We do know that Savannah’s LGBT’s are out, proud, and always ready for a fabulous party.  Make your plans now to head down in September to join the fun.

Every week, it seems like another bar is announcing that they’ve restricted smoking. The reasons tend to boil down to two common concerns. On the one hand, prohibiting or limiting smoking will, bar owners hope, bring back in customers who choose not to frequent establishments that allow smokers all over.

On the other hand, setting smoking requirements bar-by-bar allows each establishment to create their own sets of rules. Atlanta is rare among major American cities in that it doesn’t prohibit smoking in bars. Bar owners have voiced varying opinions on whether or not Atlanta should pass ordinances restricting smoking, but the ever-growing list of venues listed below show that more of them than ever are in favor of limiting smoking.

Before you head out, though, you should not only know which establishments are restricting smoking, but the specifics of each bar’s smoking policy as well.

Atlanta Eagle

Officially smoke-free inside since late April. Smoking is limited to the patio area of the bar. The top portion of the patio, which is currently uncovered, will be covered soon to accommodate smokers in the event of rain.

Blake’s

Smoking-limited since April. The downstairs portion of the bar is smoke-free. The upstairs and patio areas still allow smoking.

Burkhart’s

After weeks of trial runs, Burkhart’s is officially smoke-free inside as of May 21. Smoking is limited to the back patio area outside of the bar.

Cockpit

Smoke-free since opening in 2011. Founder Michael Winfield previously worked at Red Chair, Atlanta’s first smoke-free LGBT bar, back in 2003.

Heretic

Smoking-limited since March. The bar’s pub area still allows for smoking, but smoking is prohibited anywhere else indoors.

Jungle

Smoking-limited since 2012. The club’s remodel relegated smokers to one wall inside, where a ventilation system sucks up the smoke. Other areas, including the dance floor, don’t allow for smoking.

Mary’s

Smoking-restricted on specific nights since April. More specifically, smoking is not allowed indoors on Fridays and Saturdays. Smokers can smoke on the deck or in the parking lot on those nights. Smoking is allowed indoors during the week.

Mixx

Currently the gay bar with the longest no-smoking policy in Atlanta, Mixx has been smoke-free since opening in 2009.

My Sister’s Room

Smoking-restricted on specific nights since March. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday nights see smoking limited to the patio deck and Twilight Lounge / pool room. The dance floor, stage, and main bar are all smoke-free every night of the week.

Ten Atlanta

The restaurant by day/bar by night has been smoke-free since opening in January.

Presented by Grey Goose Vodka, JustCircuit and AmbushMag.com, this event will take place May 24–26 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, right on Park East Pensacola Beach. There will be live music, entertainment, bars galore, food everywhere you can look, hot girls, half naked boys, and best of all, it’s free! Don’t worry about dehydrating—there will be also ice for sale for those who need to cool off a little.

On May 25, right on the beach, there will be Wave: A Beach Party, featuring world famous DJ Roland Belmares. DJ Roland has played several big parties such as the White Party, the Winter Party (Miami), Fireball (Chicago), and the world famous Gay Days in Orlando. He has worked with many of the “dancefloor divas” such as Billie Myers, Pepper Mashay and Debbie Holiday. In other words, this hottie knows how to put on a party.

There is so much going on this weekend; the choices are endless. If you don’t feel like hanging out on the beach all day, you can always zoom on down to Emerald City, the local gay hideout, where they have different events and shows each night! Friday, they have the Boys Night Out: Strip Off Contest at Midnight hosted by Lauren Mitchell. Saturday, they have the hottest DJs in the area ready to make you sweat! And Sundays, they have “Drink & Drown” specials from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., with shows at 11:30 p.m. and 1 a.m.

For you ladies, if you want something a little more exclusive, Atlanta’s very own My Sister’s Room will be hosting Sexacola Beach at Cap’n Fun Beach Club, with different events and entertainment each night.

The official Sexacola Kick Off Party will be Thursday, May 23 with a comedy show from J.O.E. Entertainment and a drag show from the Tifnay Swagger Crew. The following night, you will be treated to some great tunes by the Maria Gabriella Band and have the chance to win $500 cold, hard cash by entering their Drag King competition.

Saturday, May 25, get there early and get ready to shake your laffy taffy, cause the Ying Yang Twins will be putting on a full show just for you featuring DJ Liz Owen, of Atlanta. And to close out the weekend, on the 26^th, you have the White Party featuring Goddess and She live in concert!

Are bars not really your style? Well, you’re in luck! Right down the road, you have the Pensacola Unleased Music Festival featuring some amazing headlining talents such as The Indigo Girls, Kristy Lee, and LGBT favorite Brandi Carlile. Be make sure to catch the other acts too, like Super Funk Fantasy, Hussy Hicks and America’s Got Talent contestant Derrick Barry.

There’s so much to do down in Pensacola on Memorial Day Weekend; if you haven’t already planned your trip, you should get on that now!

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Tickets can be purchased online at memorialweekendpensacola.com.

Don’t get me wrong: there are plenty of places to party, even for gay crowds. Downtown Cancun is host to multiple gay clubs.

If you’re looking for something a little more laid-back, though, you may want to consider the Oasis Sens. As part of the Oasis Hotels group, which consists of 10 hotels and resorts in Cancun, the Oasis Sens is the chain’s adults-only hotel, and it’s LGBT friendly. Seriously, as of January 2013, the term “LGBT friendly” became part of Oasis Sens’ official description.

Oasis Sens offers all-inclusive packages for visitors, including access to two beach-facing pools, several bars and restaurants (drinks and meals are included in the packages), evening shows, and a host of other activities.

Do you want to explore Cancun? Better yet, do you want to take a day trip exploring Mexico beyond Cancun? The Oasis group hosts a fleet of SMART cars that are available to all guests for an insurance fee. It’s a great way to explore if you want to cover a lot of ground in a small amount of time.

Springing for VIP status doesn’t hurt, either. The VIP experience gives guests deluxe suites, which include a private deck and a mini pool. There’s also access to exclusive bars and restaurants. Swimmers also gain access to a quiet, large pool facing the mainland. Finally, VIP guests have access to the Oasis private beaches on the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve.

Also worth noting: Cancun is part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, where same-sex marriage became legal in 2012. It’s one of two states in Mexico where gay and lesbian couples can legally marry. If you’re looking for a foreign destination for a wedding, you may want to keep Oasis Sens in mind.

More options for LGBT individuals will be available in the future. Current plans include various entertainment options, including a new LGBT nightclub, parties, and excursions. Special packages for LGBT couples are also planned as offerings in the near future.

So if you’re looking for a warm beach and cool waters outside of the country this summer, keep in mind the Oasis Sens. Act quickly, though—current packages are available at a remarkable 40% off standard rates.

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To find out more about Oasis Sens, visit oasishotels.com or call 1-800-44-OASIS.

Let’s be clear: don’t open up Spartacus expecting in-depth historical information for locations around the world. The primary audience for Spartacus consists of gay tourists. Because of this, the book focuses on community features that may be of interest to tourists, including bars, hotels, beaches, saunas, and AIDS hotlines. The businesses highlighted are, in many areas, specifically gay businesses. In countries or cities without a notable gay-specific business infrastructure, gay-friendly businesses are also included. Each country’s section also includes a rundown of current laws regarding homosexuality in that area.

Spartacus opens with a section on health, with specifics on HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted infections.

Of course, carrying around a book like Spartacus may seem a bit old-school these days. In January 2012, Spartacus publisher Bruno Gmünder Media released the guide in app form for iPhone. In addition to all of the content from the printed book, the app includes locations on city maps with GPS, along with information on current activities, events, and specials.

If there’s a word to summarize Spartacus, it’s “efficient.” While you won’t find a ton of details about any particular location business, both the book and the app include an astonishing amount of information. For the gay traveler, it’s a worthwhile investment.

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Here’s a quick look at the best—and worst—countries you can visit across the world.

Top 10 LGBT Friendly Destinations

1. Sweden

2. Belgium

2. France

2. Netherlands

2. United Kingdom

6. Canada

6. Denmark

6. Iceland

9. Norway

9. Spain

9. Uruguay

Bottom 10 LGBT Friendly Destinations

127. Vatican City

127. Bahrain

127. Maledives

130. Malaysia

131. Egypt

132. Nigeria

132. Tanzania

134. Jamaica

134. Jordan

134. Russia

137. United Arab Emirates

137. Iran

One Magical Weekend is one of the premier parties in the LGBT circuit. Based out of Orlando, it boasts famous DJs from all over the country and a non-stop party sponsored by Bud Light, Grindr Xtra and HotSpots, to name just a few of the sponsors. In the past, they’ve had entertainment such as international DJ and producer Randy Bettis and Atlanta’s very own Lydia Prim. This year, they are boasting an amazing set of DJs that will keep you dancing all weekend long: Manny Lehman, Andy Ajar, the scrumptious Manuel de Diego and the impeccably talented Wendy Hunt.

“Why should I drive eight hours down to Orlando for a giant pool party?” you might be asking yourself.

Reason #1: It’s a private party! You’ve got a 52 acre Disney theme park to yourself and you can be “as crazy or as comfortable as you like,” as the festival’s promoters say.

Reason #2: If you feel like dancing, they have it. You feel like swimming, they have it. You feel like dancing while you’re swimming? Don’t quote me on this, but I’m sure they have that somewhere. But don’t get crazy!

Reason #3: It’s for a good cause! The beneficiaries of this amazing event are The Broward House and The Hope & Help Center, both locally operated, and which help raise awareness and bring education to the HIV/AIDS virus. Don’t think of it as just a vacation; think of it as you doing your part in the battle against HIV/AIDS.

Over the course of the three-day weekend, there are three different events. May 31, you have “Riptide At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon”, where the gays (and lesbians. Yes, y’all are invited, too!) take over the famous Typhoon Lagoon and jam out, swim and enjoy a day of music, hot bodies and great tunes.

June 1 is “Red Shirt Day” at Magic Kingdom. This started as a tradition 22 years ago when friends on the Internet decided to go to the park and have a day together. Since they didn’t really know who was who, they decided all to wear red so they could easily identify each other. And this tradition has since carried on to the event now.

June 2, the final day of the event, you have the “Retro-T” dance all day with the debut of DJ legend Wendy Hunt!

With tickets being as low as $79, this event is “Bigger & Better. Hotter & Wetter”, and not one to miss! So dust off your bikini, gather your friends and go experience this amazing three-day party! And remember, what happens at One Magical Weekend stays at One Magical Weekend!

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has announced “Stay Hilton, Go Out.” at its more than 460 properties in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa.  The value-added package, which will be offered to Hilton’s gay guests, includes high-speed internet, a one-year digital subscription to OUT magazine, two welcome beverages, and late checkout where available.

Hilton Worldwide, Inc., which earned a score of 90 on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2013 Corporate Equality Index, also maintains a calendar of worldwide Pride festivals and other LGBT events on its website.  Gay travelers can utilize the calendar to plan their trips, then book accommodations at a Hilton hotel or resort, and request the “Stay Hilton, Go Out.” package to give their stays something extra special.  Atlanta Pride’s October 12 – 13 festival dates are not currently listed on the calendar.

“Whether traveling solo, with friends, as a couple or with family, we are proud to offer LGBT guests and friends this value-added package and other resources to make the most of their travel through our ‘Stay Hilton. Go Out.’ program,” said Rob Palleschi, global head of Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

Hilton is also sponsoring a number of major LGBT Pride events, including San Francisco Pride, Capital Pride in Washington, DC, and Northalsted Market Days in Chicago.

What’s more, it offers a Stay Hilton Go Out LGBT Travel Newsletter on its website; subscribers receive LGBT travel ideas, special offers, and upcoming events alerts.

Gays are, of course, also welcomed to participate in Hilton HHonors, the hotel chain’s guest loyalty program.  When guests who sign up for the program stay at Hilton Hotels & Resorts or any of the company’s nine other boutique brands, they earn points toward free nights and other perks.  And with LGBT’s being a well-traveled community, the opportunities for putting those free nights to use when booking rooms during their Pride destinations would seem to be robust.

For more on Hilton’s “Stay Hilton. Go Out.” campaign, visit hilton.com/GoOut. You can also call 1-800-445-8667.

King & I is a hidden little gem in the Midtown Atlanta community. They have been open since 1980, originally owned and operated by “Auntie” who after 32 years, decided to move back to her home country. Now it is run by world-renowned chef Tyson Wong Ophaso. We took a closer look inside King & I and why it’s been so successful for the past 33 years.

Food fanatics may already be aware of chef Tyson Wong Ophaso. In 2008, he competed on the show Iron Chef America against Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. He ultimately lost 53–44, which is still very impressive. He also taught homemaking guru Martha Stewart and rapper Ludacris (crazy combination, huh?) how to create origami on her show in 2008.

It hasn’t always been fun and games for Chef Tyson, however. In 2007, he was the chef at the popular Chinatown Brasserie in New York City, where he was assaulted in front of his own restaurant by three drunks. No charges were ever filed by his employers. After leaving the Brasserie, he was hired as corporate chef by Domaine Restaurant Group in California.

From California spice markets, we jump ahead a few years to a food truck in Philly. While living in Philadelphia, he was part owner and operator of “Tyson Bees”, the popular food truck. After several disagreements with his partner Cliff Asvadejpakdee, and the three others with whom they launched the operation, he decided to leave. “It’s been a lot of back and forth, like a ping-pong table,” Ophaso told the Philadelphia Citypaper. The truck is still there, but without Ophaso or Asvadejpakdee.

Ophaso has been on television sets all over the country on various local programs, even going as far as to show audiences how to make a Thanksgiving meal with an Asian flair.

The King & I menu boasts so many amazingly appetizing entrees, you won’t know which one to pick. Boasting what the restaurant calls “the most authentic Thai in Atlanta”, the King & I is definitely not a restaurant to be looked over. What are you waiting for?

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King & I Thai Cuisine is located at 1510 Piedmont Ave. For more information, including menus, visit kingandiatlanta.com or call 404-892-7743. 

Kneeland, a Dallas transplant, brought the Steel concept to Atlanta in 2006 after reviving what was a struggling restaurant into a thriving and successful enterprise. Kneeland—a seasoned veteran in the hospitality industry with years of experience at groups such as Brinker International—brings a polish and professionalism that is palpable as soon as you meet him.

Steel Restaurant and Lounge occupies one corner of Plaza Midtown on West Peachtree. The interior is a commanding yet cozy space created by Atlanta restaurant design maven Bill Johnston of Johnston Studios. Modern elements of sleek concrete and polished steel mix effortlessly with Asian elements and warm well-polished wood accents. Huge square steel lamps with rectangular cut outs that hang from the celling are reminiscent of Japanese lanterns.

While the space certainly has an Asian sensibility, it’s not at all stereotypical or overdone. The private dining room features a one-of-a-kind wine wall that showcases Steel’s expansive wine selection and offers Steel a place to host all sorts of private events ranging from rehearsal dinners to corporate meetings.

Steel’s Indo-Chine menu brings together influences and flavors from all over Asia. Dishes from Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand are featured, alongside more mainstream Chinese and Japanese offerings. The sushi selection is world class. The finest and freshest selection of fish and seafood are artfully presented. If it’s busy, you should be prepared to wait; this kind of perfection takes time to create.

Menu highlights include the Crispy Duck Egg Rolls with a plum dipping sauce and a Sea Salt and Chili Pepper Calamari with paper-thin slices of fiery jalapeno and Serrano peppers with a duo of dipping sauces. The house signature steamed Sea Bass is marinated in Miso and Sake. The delicate and flakey fish is served in a Miso and wasabi broth with grilled asparagus spears. For a unique addition to your dining experience, try the Japanese Hot Rocks: Beef Tenderloin or fresh Ahi Tuna Seared tableside on super-heated river rocks.

The main attraction at Steel, however, is undoubtedly the sushi selection. Classic sushi offerings are complimented by a selection of the less conventional Steel specialty rolls such as the Cowboy Roll, which replaces the raw fish with seared beef tenderloin.

To accompany the culinary creations at Steel its beverage program features a globally influenced cocktail menu that changes with the seasons, as well as a respectable Sake Selection and a world-class wine list. All of this is watched over and delivered to you by a gracious and welcoming staff of servers and bartenders that are well-educated on all that Steel has to offer.

Steel also brings its distinctive culinary creations to customers with a full catering menu to make private events as enjoyable and unique as dining at Steel.

As Steel prepares to celebrate its fifth year in business in Atlanta, they are planning an anniversary party to showcase their amazing and varied creations. The party theme “A Night in Asia” will be a journey through each of the different styles of food Steel has to offer, with multiple stations—each featuring the cuisine from a different region. Scheduled for early June, look for more information about this event on their website (or in David Atlanta) soon.

Steel Restaurant and Lounge has become a pillar of the Midtown dining landscape and has plans to continue to do so for many years to come. Always reinventing itself and responding to the needs and uniqueness of its patrons and neighborhood has made Steel an undisputed success. Its motto of “Never Settle” is clearly a mantra to which we can all aspire.

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Steel Restaurant and Lounge is located at 950 West Peachtree Street, Suite 255. For more information on the restaurant, including their upcoming “A Night in Asia” party, visit steelatlanta.com or call 404-477-6111. For more restaurant reviews from Clayton Morey, visit davidatlanta.com or feedinfrank.com.

That’s the exact group the Bucks are going to help during their upcoming Purple Dress Run on April 27. This fun, irreverent event involves booze, food, games, people wearing purple dresses and the spirit of competition. Runners dress in their best purple clothing—it’s one of the Bucks’ team colors, after all—and dash from one stop on the race’s itinerary to the next. They’ll get two free drinks at each stop and other diversions are promised too.

The race kicks off at Mixx Atlanta (1492 Piedmont Ave.) at 2 p.m., moves on to Blake’s on the Park (227 10^th St.) and finishes with a cookout and celebration at Atlanta Eagle (306 Ponce de Leon Ave.). Registration on the day of the run will open at 12:30 p.m. You can purchase a participant ticket at purpledressrun2013.eventbrite.com—note that there’s also a group discount for groups of seven or more.

This is the seventh annual Purple Dress Run and proceeds will benefit Lost-n-Found Youth (lost-n-found.org), which helps get LGBT youth out of homelessness and into permanent housing situations. They are the only group that actively takes Atlanta’s LGBT youth off the streets. The goal this year is $7,000, according to team treasurer Jason Cecil.

Another goal of this event is to fundraise and help the Bucks embark on a long trip to Sydney, Australia for the Bingham Cup championship in August 2014. This event, hosted every other year, will be hosted by local IGRAB team the Sydney Convicts.

The announcement that Sydney won the bid for hosting Bingham Cup 2014 was among the best things to happen in Australian sports in 2012, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard even lent her support to the bid.

The fields and host hotel for Bingham Cup 2014 are also well-placed near Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach and Oxford Street, which is kind of like the down under version of Atlanta’s Midtown gayborhood.

The IGRAB’s championship was named for Mark Bingham, who was a gay rugby player himself, but died on United Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001. (He was reportedly part of the group of passengers that fought back against the hijackers.) Before Bingham’s death, he had been helping to create more gay-inclusive rugby clubs all over the world. The IGRAB was formed in 2002.

Manchester, England hosted the most recent Bingham Cup tourney in 2012. In fact, the Bucks’ 2012 Purple Dress Run had a fundraising component to help the Bucks jump the pond and attend that tournament. The Bucks have gone to the Cup since at least 2006, when New York City hosted, and was the only North American team to win a division title at Dublin 2008.

To say that it will cost a little dough for the Bucks to get to Australia is an understatement.

“It’s a daunting trip from a cost perspective. It will cost about $5,000 per person to go. To bring a full team, we’d need to have 20 players and at least five auxiliary. Our team is made of people who work in various fields and some are in school. For all of us, $5000 is a big deal,” Cecil explained. “We fundraise to make the cost more manageable.”

For those who aren’t big runners but still want to help the Bucks hit their Purple Dress Run goals, donations are accepted via firstgiving.com/atlantabucks.

The team is also planning to play in the upcoming Music City Cup in Nashville as their season comes to a close, though Cecil said they may field a smaller team for summer play. A fan appreciation cookout is on the horizon, too.

The Bucks also help spread the message of acceptance, inclusiveness and ending bullying through the involvement of Ben Cohen. Cohen, a retired rugby player from Britain, is straight but doesn’t mind at all that he has a large following of gay men who think he’s a good-looking guy—because he most certainly is!

When he retired from the game, he decided to focus his post-retirement life on the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation (standupfoundation.com). Based right here in Atlanta, his foundation is dedicated to eradicating bullying. This issue has touched his family personally: his father was beaten to death while trying to stop a bar fight.

Since Cohen’s foundation is based here, he also does a lot of outreach work with the Bucks, including postgame “Third Half with Ben Cohen” events and fundraisers, plus a 2011 acceptance tour that went around the country and kicked off in Atlanta.

A similar foundation, the You Can Play Project, recently entered into a partnership with the National Hockey League that strengthens the league’s commitment to LGBT inclusiveness. This helps show that the work these groups do is helping. The tides are changing and the welcoming environment of teams like the Atlanta Bucks is spreading.

So, get shopping for that perfect purple ensemble and gear up for a race that does so much good for so many people. Go Bucks!