ATLANTA- Partnering with local LGBTQ+ supporter groups, Atlanta United unveils four billboards celebrating Pride across the city.
The “United and Proud” campaign idea stemmed from conversations between AMBSE’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion council and supporters from the LGBTQ+ community. The idea was to emphasize the club’s support for the Atlanta Pride Festival, which was cancelled in 2020 and again this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the LGBTQ+ supporter community.
One of the supporters featured in the campaign, Ryan Keesee, got to see his billboard off Ted Turner Drive in Downtown Atlanta.
“Atlanta has such a large community for the LGBTQ community,” Keesee said. “So, for Atlanta United to come around and do something to still recognize us, I think it’s really awesome. Missing out on the parade and festival, it’s one of the biggest in the nation, so to do something in place of that speaks a lot of volume to the community.”
The club has been a proud participant in the Atlanta Pride Festival, first participating in 2016, months before their inaugural match. The “United and Proud” name came from Atlanta United’s own motto “Unite and Conquer,” and emphasizes one of the club’s five pillars, unity.
“I think it’s a really big statement to say we’re here with the community and we have a way of showing that and putting it around the city” Keesee said. “So that way when folks see the images hopefully, they recognize that Atlanta United is in solidarity with the community and we hope to continue seeing them do things and support other communities.”
The billboards are on display from Oct. 15 through Oct. 25 and are featured off well-known streets in downtown Atlanta like: Peachtree Street SW, Ted Turner Drive and Andrew Young International Boulevard.
“It’s amazing. I really appreciate it and I love the way the images turned out.” Keesee said. “I’m excited to see the other images with all our other friends that are involved.”
