Carrollton Rainbow 2026

Building Community, Together

When Carrollton Rainbow was first created, it was born out of a simple but powerful need: for LGBTQIA+ people in West Georgia to know that they are not alone.

As I step into my first year as President of the Board, my vision for Carrollton Rainbow is rooted in that same truth, but expanded for where we are now and where we are going.

We live in a region where many people feel isolated simply because they are not located in or near a major city like Atlanta. For queer people in West Georgia, that distance can feel even greater. One of my core goals moving forward is to make sure that members of our community know we are here, know they have someone at their back, and know they are not navigating this world alone.

Community does not only exist in big cities. It exists here, too. And we are committed to nurturing it.

Creating More Opportunities for Connection

One of my priorities is to bring back more regular and recurring programming throughout the year. In the past, Carrollton Rainbow hosted quarterly drag/performance events, and I would love to return to that rhythm while also expanding what those opportunities look like not just for Carrollton, but for all of West Georgia, as there is a need for more visibility.

Community is built through shared experiences, consistency, and spaces where people feel safe to show up as themselves. That includes:

• Our Walking Club on the Carrollton Greenbelt

• Our Silent Reading Book Club, meeting every other weekend at the Neva Lomason Library

• Our monthly Coffee & Conversation, held the first Wednesday of each month at Gallery Row Coffee

• Our Adopt-A-Mile program, helping keep our local Greenbelt clean and cared for

• Community movie nights and special events

• And of course, Carrollton Pride each year

In addition, we will continue creating joyful, visible, and affirming spaces through events like drag shows and performance-based programming that invite both our community and allies to gather, celebrate, and connect.

These are not just “events.” They are access points into belonging.

Growing Our Relationships with Local Businesses

We are incredibly grateful for the businesses in Carrollton and surrounding areas who already show up for us as allies. Their support makes a real difference, not only financially but culturally. It sends a message that inclusion matters here.

I also know there are many more businesses and organizations in West Georgia who want to support LGBTQIA+ people but may not yet know how to get involved. One of my goals is to bring more of those partners into the fold.

When businesses support Carrollton Rainbow, it is not a one-way relationship. It strengthens the entire community. It helps create safer, more welcoming spaces for employees, customers, and neighbors alike.

Why Your Support Matters

Carrollton Rainbow is a nonprofit organization. That means everything we do is powered by community support.

Our ability to host Pride, offer regular programming, provide resources, create safe spaces, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ people in West Georgia depends on the generosity of individuals, small businesses, and corporate partners who believe in this mission.

We cannot do this work alone.

Your donations, sponsorships, attendance, volunteering, and word-of-mouth support directly shape what we are able to offer and who we are able to reach.

Looking Ahead

My vision for Carrollton Rainbow is a future where:

• LGBTQIA+ people in West Georgia know exactly where to find community

• Our programming is consistent, visible, and accessible

• Our events feel welcoming to both long-time members and first-time attendees

• Local businesses see inclusion as a shared value

• And no one feels like they have to leave this region to feel seen, supported, or safe

This organization exists because people showed up before us. And it will continue to exist because people keep showing up now.

I am honored to serve in this role, and I am excited about what we can build together.

Community is not something we wait for. It is something we create.

And we are just getting started.

🌈 Frank Goolsby