“In 20 years, I’ll still be here in Atlanta. Eventually, I want to have my own business as a party promoter, and in 20 years I should have a kid or two. [Twenty years from now, our community] is going to be much stronger, more open and hopefully more understanding since some people don’t get it. I think it’ll be 10 times stronger than what it is today.
— Toni Hill, 21, Decatur
“In 20 years, I’m going to be very happy and very accomplished. I’m going to be where I want to be, and that changes as you grow. Atlanta has changed so much in the three years that I’ve been gone, so I think it’ll be very different in 20 years, but not as different as we want it to be.”
— Cameron Nico, 20, New York
“Twenty years from now, I will be a teacher and I will be dancing and teaching people how to dance. I’ll be staying in Decatur still and hopefully be with someone or just be content. Just looking back at how it was last year, I don’t think the gay community was as close as it is now. In 20 years, there will be legalized marriage, less need to hide and less taboo. It’ll be a more comfortable environment.”
— Dewayne Brown, 20, Decatur
“Hopefully, gay marriage will be legalized in 20 years, and accepted in the military because that’s what I’d like to do. Hopefully I’ll be in Colorado, because I’ve always liked it. I don’t think the Atlanta area will change that much, but I think gay marriage will be accepted and all over Atlanta will be gay.”
— Kayla Lanning, 18, Stockbridge
“Ultimately, in 20 years, I would like to be at the prime of my medical career somewhere deep in the Sahara of Africa or up in the vast mountains of Nepal curing infectious diseases and bringing lifesaving tools of modern medicine to those who need them most. As one of the largest cities in the U.S, I feel as though our community is greatly looked upon, and we’re letting that responsibility slip. I hope that in 20 years, the gay Atlanta community will be rejuvenated as the acceptance of our lifestyle progresses on a daily basis. Gay bars will not struggle to stay open as straight bars and other establishments threaten their business, and our community will continue to grow more respect as our society evolves.”
— Lauren Smith, 20, Decatur
“Hopefully, I won’t be in Atlanta [in 20 years]. As a native, the first thing I want to do is get out. I picture myself living in a world without HIV, a world where I can get married, living in a much safer world and being fierce. I just want to be healthy and married, and in 20 years, I’ll be grasping onto my late 30s and holding on for dear life. I think the gay community in Atlanta will be totally spread out, not just in Midtown. I don’t think Midtown will be synonymous with ‘gay.’ I see it as being a lot more liberal and continuing to grow.”
— Thomas Byrd, 18, Midtown
“Twenty years from now, I’ll be still living in Atlanta, of course, in my career as a psychologist, more than likely with kids, hopefully married. I see myself being successful, opening a small hair salon on the side. Gay Atlanta is going to do nothing but grow. We’re going to get more recognition and respect, be more comfortable, and not have secret lives.”
— TJ, 21, Gwinnett County
“In 2028, I’ll probably in Italy with my partner somewhere. But Atlanta’s my home, so I’d come back. We’ll probably see our first gay mayor in 10 years with so many gay people moving here. I think it’s definitely better for us now, and we need to create a positive image so we’re not pushed out. I want everyone to feel like they’re welcome.”
— James Naval, 21, McDonough
“I'm not exactly sure what I'll be doing in 20 years, but I'm hoping it’s something to do with neuroscience and psychology. I also hope to be in a loving relationship and being able to have the choice to get married here in Atlanta instead of having to travel to other places in the U.S. I believe that Atlanta will be the next hub for gay and lesbian attractions, possibly the next West Hollywood. Also, I'm hoping it will be the groundbreaker for gay and lesbian rights in the South.”
— Kacey Gentry, 17, Cumming
“In 20 years, I’ll be a stylist and working on my music. I think Atlanta will be more open than it is now, and I hope gay marriage will be legal and accepted.”
— Ashley Ulrich, 18, Dallas
“Truthfully, I have no idea what I’ll be doing in 20 years. I’m young, so at the moment I’m just trying to live my life. I’ll probably just be graduating. Twenty years from now, laws will change, and with those laws, hopefully we’ll be able to have civil unions and hopefully our culture will be assimilated. With that, people are going to feel more comfortable. Relationships among races are going to change, with more diversity in the crowds at clubs and restaurants.”
— Matt Andler, 19, Midtown
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