Join Atlanta-based queer women of color, Sharon Goh and Désirée Jamerson, as they navigate mid-life experiences, divorce, lesbian identity, community building, and living as multiple “others” in the heteronormative world.

This episode is dedicated to Black Gay Pride, focusing particularly on the history and experience in Atlanta. Sharon and Désirée discuss the origins of Black Gay Pride, sharing personal pasts and recent experiences, including Sharon's attendance in the last two years. They explore the history of Black Gay Pride in Atlanta, mentioning the organizing group "In the Life Atlanta" and conflicting accounts of whether it started in 1996 or 1997, with Désirée leaning towards 1997 as it was her first time attending. They highlight the necessity of Black Gay Pride events as a safe space for Black and Brown people who sometimes feel unwelcome in other spaces, celebrating Black music, culture, and expression3. Atlanta is described as a "black gay mecca," and a Williams Institute report from January 2021 is cited, stating that 51.4% of Black LGBT adults live in the South.

The hosts discuss the Global Black Gay Pride event, noting this past year was the first one in Atlanta... Global Black Gay Pride started in 2020 during the "global re-racial reckoning" and pandemic. The first Global Black Gay Pride event was held in Toronto in July 2022, with events planned every two years. This year's event in Atlanta included workshops, talks, art exhibits, health conferences, and performances at Piedmont Park. The significance of African artists performing is noted, as gay/LGBT is not allowed in their home countries.

Désirée shares her magical first Black Gay Pride experience in Atlanta in 1997, soon after coming out. She talks about being part of Girls in the Night, a premier promoting group in the late 90s and early 2000s, throwing parties around the US. Sharon asks if Desiree felt "othered" at "Everybody Pride" (general Pride events, often in June/October in Atlanta) before attending Black Gay Pride. Désirée felt "othered" as a woman in predominantly gay male spaces but not racially. Sharon reflects on starting to notice this "otherness" since being outside of white privilege bubbles, feeling it even at work. The conversation touches on the distinct music and vibe at Black Gay Pride.

Special guest, Erinn Thompson, joins the show. She shares her perspective as someone new to her queerness, seeking spaces where she can relax and feel safe, especially given the lack of Black queer spaces in Pittsburgh. She recounts a past uncomfortable experience at a gay male bar in Pittsburgh where she and a female friend felt unwelcome. She shares her positive experience attending Atlanta Black Gay Pride for the first time, describing it as warm, welcoming, with great music and people. They reminisce about parties attended, including the Ladies at Play party, known for its "mature hours" (5 pm) and lively atmosphere, even featuring an "more mature" woman dancing. Other parties discussed include MSR and a Beyonce-themed drag show. Erinn did not make any long-term romantic connections despite exchanging numbers

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Desiree and Sharon discuss favorite restaurants in Atlanta, outside of Atlanta, and internationally, highlighting queer and people of color-owned establishments.

• The Consulate: Near Midtown Martyr Station. Menu changes every 3 months based on a globe spin. Owned by a Black interior designer and Asian chef.
• Oriental Pearl: Buford Highway. Traditional Chinese dim sum. Sharon went there for lunch during Chinese school.
• Bobo Garden: Pine Tree Plaza Shopping Center, Buford Highway. Cantonese food.
• Canton Cooks: Sandy Springs.
• Honey Pig: Duluth. Korean BBQ.
• Snackbox Bistro: Duluth. Laotian food.
• Desta Ethiopian: Off Briarcliff and in West Midtown. Good Ethiopian food.
• Chai Pani Indian Spot: Decatur. Known for pani puris on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Talat Market: Thai food, nominated for a James Beard award.
• Oku: West Midtown. Sushi with sexy lighting.
• Bully Boy: Off the Beltline near Ralph McGill. Seafood and oysters.
• Kindred: Off North Decatur. New American cuisine. Owners also have a food market.
• Miller Union: West Midtown. Known for salads, steak, egg bread with celery sauce. Consistent restaurant.
• Uma's Kitchen: Midtown, near Trader Joe's. Korean family-owned; serves bulgogi, rice, noodles, ramen.
• Lefty Lee's: Avondale Estates. Bakery (Korean-owned) with pastries and brunch like gochujang fried chicken biscuit.
• JenChan's: Cabbage Town. Asian fusion (queer and POC-owned).
• Mickelson's: Reynoldstown. Convenience store by JenChan's owners, Scandinavian-focused with takeout and Swedish candies.
• Fina Defilter: Old Fourth. Queer-welcoming coffee shop with wine tastings.
• Tease Brunch: Off Peachtree. Gay-owned Black restaurant known for brunch and drinks with a DJ.
• Virgil's Gullah Kitchen and Bar: West Midtown. Black gay-owned, serves dishes like salmon and shrimp.
• Busy Bee Cafe: Black-owned, serves Southern comfort food.
• Bomb Biscuit: Highland Avenue. Black female chef-owned, known for honey hot honey chicken biscuit.
• Breakfast Boys: College Park. Black-owned brunch spot near the airport.

• Kristen Kish's restaurant in Austin.
• Ed Lee's restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky.
• Filipino food restaurant in Asheville (non-binary chef).
• Mosquito Supper Club in New Orleans (communal dining, South Louisiana home cooking).
• Vestage in Ocean Springs, Mississippi (Japanese fusion, owned by Alex and Kumi).
• Japanese food (sushi) in Ogden, Utah.

• Pesca: Amsterdam. Seafood with an in-house fishmonger.
• Labyrinth: Amsterdam. Jamaican (owner is Jamaican, wife is South African).
• Absinia: Amsterdam. Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. Opened in 1995.
• The DarjeelingExpress: London (Soho). Indian food by Chef Asma Khan.
• Mama's: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Italian food.
• Argentinian steakhouse in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

• Eric Kim: Queer Korean-American food writer for the New York Times, author of "Korean-American".
• Taste the Nation: Hosted by Padma Lakshmi, celebrates immigrants and their food.

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This episode of The Other What podcast offers a candid look at international travel, touching on themes of diversity, cultural exchange, and personal growth. Desiree's experiences challenge listeners to consider their own travel perspectives and the unexpected lessons that can be found in new places. Ready to hear more about Desiree's European adventure? Tune in to the full episode of The Other What podcast for all the details and insights!

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