As Atlanta prepares for its third annual observance of the International Day Against Homophobia, it has grown to encompass three days of events scheduled in cities across Georgia.

Atlanta's IDAHO events are being organized by Betty Couvertier, host of the alt-radio program Alternative Perspectives, which airs on WRFG.

This year's event features the theme “sexual diversity in the workplace,” but Couvertier told GA Voice this week that many issues affect the state's LGBT communities and will be highlighted during IDAHO, from housing and employment to healthcare and safe schools.

In a telephone interview earlier this week, Couvertier said she was excited about taking IDAHO's message to the North Georgia mountains, away from the more progressive gay hub in Atlanta.

“Once the conversations are had, people view us as the same. That's what it's all about. There's no special privileges or rights, just the same rights,” Couvertier said.

Couvertier said this year's IDAGO calendar will feature a service at New Day Worship Center in Tocoa, Ga.

“Taking them [conversations] out of Atlanta, into the suburbs, where we run into the problems when it comes to legislation, it's time to let them know what the dynamics are,” Couvertier said.

“These issues affect the public. We're a part of the public, but they affect us in a unique way,” she added.

Meak Productions will host a fundraiser Monday, May 7, to benefit the upcoming IDAHO events. The fundraiser will be held at the relatively new restaurant Ilan Breeze in East Atlanta. Tickets to the fundraiser range from $25 to $30 (vegetarian food plate) but can be purchased in advance for $20 by visiting www.meakproductions.com/paycenter.htm. 

Meak Productions will donate 50 percent of the proceeds to the IDAHO organizers.

For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/167769563345961/

Top photo: Betty Couvertier, lead organizer for Atlanta's IDAHO events (by Dyana Bagby)