Last Thursday, June 19th, PRIDE & SOUL LIVE returned to the stage in full force—and full feeling—at LORE, Atlanta’s newest new gay bar and community space. In a city already steeped in queer history and Black cultural innovation, the night stood as a luminous reminder that when you center freedom, expression, and community, magic happens.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic Victor Jackson—artist, choreographer, and creative director with deep ATL roots—the evening unfolded like a love letter to Black queer artistry. Jackson, with his signature blend of humor and heart, set the tone early: this wasn’t just a show—it was a family reunion.
The stage belonged to a powerhouse lineup of GLAAD EMEI 2nd Year alumni whose artistry spoke for itself:
2AM Ricky’s genre-bending sound cracked open the room with raw emotion and soft power.
Asiahn reminded us that queer love is worthy of ballads, desire, and soulful storytelling.
Damez, always charismatic and confident, delivered an electrifying performance full of bars and bravado.
And Mylah Muse, with her ethereal vocals and magnetic stage presence, took us to church—in the best of ways.
Between sets, DJ Boogie Lov and Dare Rule elevated the energy, spinning anthems that moved bodies and spirits alike. Their transitions were seamless, their selections celebratory—from ballroom classics to ATL bass, they crafted a sonic environment that honored the roots and future of Black queer nightlife.
But what truly defined the evening was the sense of belonging that filled every inch of LORE. The crowd was a vibrant mosaic of queer joy—artists, activists, elders, students, couples, chosen family—laughing, dancing, singing along, and celebrating each other without restraint. Pride & Soul has always been about more than music; it’s a reclamation of space, a refusal to shrink, and a ritual of visibility. It’s a safe haven where freedom is not just tolerated—it’s exalted.
Since its debut in 2019 at The Music Room, PRIDE & SOUL LIVE has evolved from a local showcase to a cultural movement. Its mission—amplifying the sound, stories, and brilliance of Black queer artists—has expanded across mediums: from an intimate acoustic video series with Creative Loafing to a weekly talk show on Amazon’s AMP Radio. Each version has held the same spirit: authenticity, celebration, and intentional space-making.
This year’s return to the stage felt like a crescendo—a powerful convergence of art, activism, and affirmation. At a time when queer and trans communities, particularly Black and Brown ones, continue to face erasure and political threat, PRIDE & SOUL LIVE serves as both resistance and refuge. It’s a reminder that joy is a form of protest, and community is culture.
📸 Photography by @jelijahphotos
All event photos from PRIDE & SOUL LIVE 2025 captured through the lens of the incredible Jelijah Photos. Follow and support their work!
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Stream the latest music from 2AM Ricky, Asiahn, Damez, Mylah Muse, Victor Jackson and more. Follow their journeys, buy their records, book their shows. Black queer artists are not a trend—they are the moment, and the future.
